VIENNA, May 26 (Xinhua) - China has made progress in human rights protection and promotion, said a European Union (EU) official at the 21st round of China-EU Human Rights Dialogue here on Friday.

    The remarks were made by Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff, a legal adviser to the Foreign Ministry of Austria, which is currently holding the EU presidency.

    During the talks, Wu Hailong, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences, the Foreign Ministry of China, briefed Trauttmansdorff on the Chinese government's measures to implement its People-Oriented principle, protect and respect human rights, and to establish a harmonious society.

    The two sides, during the two-day dialogue, held lengthy discussions on the issues related to the implementation of the international human rights covenant, cooperation in the UN human rights mechanism, the management of non-governmental organizations, and education on human rights.

    Both sides believed that the Human Rights Dialogue rounds, conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect, reflected the maturity of the relationship and the deep mutual trust between China and the EU, and anticipated that this fruitful round would increase understanding, reduce divergence and boost the China-EU strategic partnership.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the function of the newly-established UN Human Rights Council.

    The China-EU Human Rights Dialogue, which began in 1997, is held every half year. Enditem

    Related: China elected to new UN Human Rights Council

    China vows to further contribute to human rights course

    BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China, as a newly-elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, pledged Wednesday to fulfill its obligations under the terms of international human rights accords.

    The UN General Assembly on Tuesday elected 47 members to the newly-created Human Rights Council through three rounds of secret ballot. China was elected to the council with 146 votes.

    "The Chinese government has always been committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and basic freedoms," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao here Wednesday.

    The country has been actively involved in the promotion of human rights, he added.

    "China supports the foundation of the UN Human Rights Council, and has made positive contribution to this end," Liu acknowledged.

    As a member of the council, Liu noted, China will promote human rights within its territory and work with other members of the council.

    China supports the council's efforts in handling human rights issues fairly, objectively and impartially, said Liu, adding that China values the political, economic, social and cultural rights of citizens.

    The country also pledged to promote dialogue and cooperation between different civilizations, cultures and religions, the spokesman said. Enditem