The Foreign Ministry yesterday denounced a report from the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, saying its accusations are "groundless."

 

"China is strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely refutes the US accusations about China's social and judicial system, ethnic and religious policies as well as human rights situation in its report," ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement.

 

Qin's comments came in the wake of a report by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which was released last week. 

 

The annual report ignores China's progress and achievements made in the fields of human rights and the legal system, Qin said.

 

The Chinese government suggested the US Congress and other institutions pay more attention to their own problems, stop interfering in China's internal affairs and focus on issues more conducive to bolstering Sino-US relations. 

 

"We demand that the US government seriously treat the solemn stance of China and take substantive measures to eradicate the adverse impact of the report," he added.

 

China has witnessed steady, rapid and sound economic development, and democratic and legal construction has progressed steadily since the People's Republic of China was founded 57 years ago -- especially since the reform and opening-up drive began, Qin said.

 

"The Chinese people enjoy unprecedented human rights and basic freedoms," he noted.

 

The principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" have been fully implemented in Hong Kong, he said, adding: "Hong Kong's constitutional development and the development of a democratic system have progressed steadily."

 

Qin said Hong Kong continues to maintain its stability and prosperity.

 

"It is obvious to all that the Chinese people are pursuing a path of peaceful development and making concerted efforts to build a harmonious society," he said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)