China has made enormous progress in promoting human rights, and it would like to continue dialogue with the United States on human rights on the basis of equality and mutual respect, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

Cui made the remarks at a press conference after the conclusion of the third-round China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington, D.C., in response to questions regarding bilateral discussions on human rights during the two-day event.

"China has made historic progress in promoting human rights over the past decades, which is a matter of fact," Cui said. "For anybody who hopes to know the real China, if he does not have prejudice, I think it will not be difficult to acknowledge that."

As China and the United States are at different stages of economic and social development, and have different histories and cultures, it is understandable that the two countries have different views on human rights issues, he said, adding that this is why communications and dialogue are needed.

"We have always been trying to do so ... and we hope that China and the United States could continue dialogue on human rights based on equality and mutual respect," Cui said.

In late April, the two countries held a fresh round of human rights dialogue in Beijing, discussing issues of common concern including new developments in both countries on human rights.

"It's nothing new that someone criticizes China on its human rights record," Cui said. "But it might be out of political reasons."

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2011)