China refutes US-led criticism on human rights record

BEIJING - China blasted US-led criticism of its human rights record on Friday, reminding the US that it should steer clear of domestic affairs and judicial sovereignty.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei was responding to concern expressed recently by the US and 11 other countries over human rights in China at the Human Rights Council.

"China's judiciary deals with cases legally and guarantees the rights of suspects," Hong said when asked to comment at a regular news briefing.

The criticism, under the excuse of human rights, has severely infringed on domestic affairs and judicial sovereignty and violated the spirit of the rule of law, Hong said.

"China expresses firm opposition and will never accept [such criticism]," he said.

The US move also runs counter to the task of the Human Rights Council, which was established in 2006 to enhance cooperation and coordination, rather than fan confrontation, according to Hong.

Hong said China attaches great importance to promoting human rights and has made remarkable achievements.

There is no human development path that fits all countries, so each country is entitled to proceed from its own conditions to develop human rights, Hong said.

"We suggest some countries reflect on and correct its own problems in human rights and stop politicizing the issue," the spokesperson added.