BEIJING, Jan 25, 2000 -- (Agence France Presse) China on Tuesday rejected a reprimand from the European parliament over its human rights record, insisting it has never been so good.

"The Chinese human rights situation is in its best position in history," foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao told reporters.

"We would like to express our strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the European parliament for disregarding the achievements made by China in the fields of democracy and law," he said.

Zhu said the parliament had acted in "disregard of the overall situation of the relations between China and the European Union."

The European parliament in Strasbourg last week passed a resolution deploring an increase in the number of executions in China. It criticized the silencing of political dissidents and clampdowns on ethnic and religious minorities.

Chinese promises to respect freedom of expression and the rule of law in Hong Kong were also not being respected, the resolution said.

The parliament called on the European Commission to work with the United States to propose a resolution condemning religious persecution in China during the next session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. ((c) 2000 Agence France Presse)

http://www.insidechina.com/news.php3?id=128567

Note from Minghui Editor:
We appeal to the media to avoid pejorative terms in its coverage including "sect," "cult," "mishmash" as well as the term "mystical." Falun Gong is an advanced, traditional Chinese Qigong practice designed to improve the mind and body through exercise and meditation bringing people toward wisdom and enlightenment.