China said on Thursday that no country in the world can say it is flawless in terms of human rights and it is hoped that relevant countries and people would focus more on their own problems, in response to statements made by the US and German embassies in China.
"Specific people mentioned in those statements are neither U.S, citizens nor German citizens but Chinese citizens. Relevant countries should respect Chinese judicial authorities' handling of cases in accordance with the law," Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a news briefing.
The U.S. and German embassies in China issued separate statements on Human Rights Day, applauding China for progress made in protecting civil rights and judicial reforms while expressing concerns over human rights lawyers, journalists and feminists.
Hua said it seems that some people are poring over specific cases in China while selectively ignoring the feelings of 1.3 billion Chinese people and the freedom and progress that they enjoy.
No foreign institutions or individuals have the right to interfere with China's judicial independence and sovereignty, she said.
Hua noted that it is hoped that they would not keep themselves from the whole picture.
The Chinese side will continue its constructive dialogues and cooperation with countries around the world on the issue of human rights in the spirit of equality and mutual respect so as to learn from each other and make common progress, Hua said.
Hua noted that China attaches great importance to promoting and protecting human rights, upholds the universality of human rights in the context of real conditions in China and promotes economic and social development, social equity and justice so that economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights can be improved in an all-round and balanced way.
Those who have no prejudice will by no means deny the fact that China has made world-renowned progress in the course of human rights, she said.
The Chinese people enjoyed practical benefits from the development of the country, and their human rights situation also made new progress, according to 2014 white paper on Progress in China's Human Rights issued in June.
