China and the United States started the 17th round of human rights dialogue in Washington on Monday, People's Daily reported.
The two day dialogue is co-chaired by Chen Xu, director-general of the ministry's Department of International Organizations and Conferences, and Michael Posner, assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor of the United States.
China earlier said that it is willing to discuss and exchange views on human rights issues with its U.S. counterpart on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
The U.S. side also expressed the willingness to continue holding frank and indepth discussions concerning human rights issues with the Chinese government.
The last round of human rights talks, which was held in Beijing in April last year, discussed a wide range of issues of common concern, including new developments in both countries regarding human rights.