Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/1/05

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=US / CHINA (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-322937

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: State Department Stands by Criticisms of China Rights Record

INTRO: The U.S. State Department is standing by its criticism of China's human rights policies, saying a dialogue on the subject is an important aspect of the relationship between the two countries. VOA correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Washington.

TEXT: China reacted harshly to the State Department's annual human rights report, which accused the Asian nation of committing numerous abuses against dissidents, religious activists and writers.

A spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry (Liu Jianchao) said Tuesday the report does nothing to improve Sino-U.S. relations, and accused the United States of using double standards on human rights issues.

State Department spokesman Adam Ereli defended the report, saying it is well researched and documented.

/// ERELI ACT ///

"Obviously, China's human rights record is a matter of concern for us. It is a subject that we don't mince words about, neither with China nor with any other country."

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Ereli did not react directly to the Chinese criticism, but says bilateral dialogue on human rights is a central element in the overall relationship between the two countries.

He says the mark of a strong relationship is when there are areas of disagreement, both nations can state them clearly and work to address them. (Signed)

NEB/MB/KL