Beijing: China and the United States on December 17 concluded two days of high-level talks on the sensitive issues of Human Rights, Tibet and Xinjiang with Beijing hailing the outcome as "constructive" and "fruitful".

"The exchange of views was extensive and in-depth. It narrowed the differences and enhanced understanding between the two sides," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters on the 13th round of Sino-US Human Rights dialogue in Beijing.

"The meeting took place in a friendly and candid atmosphere. It was constructive and fruitful. Both sides agreed to continue such dialogues on the basis of equality and mutual respect," Liu said at a regular ministry briefing.

The Chinese side to the closed-door meetings were led by vice foreign minister Li Zhaoxing. The director general of the International department of the Chinese foreign ministry, Li Baodong, co-chaired the sessions with US assistant secretary of state for democracy, Human Rights and labour affairs, Lorne Craner.

Liu said both sides introduced their own Human Rights situation and held in-depth exchange of views on judicial reforms, religious freedom as well as beliefs and exchanges between the two sides in the Human Rights field and other issues of common interest.

US concerns about Human Rights in China have been a stumbling block in enhancing a bilateral relationship that has improved, with closer cooperation, since the US-led war on terror began in September 2001.

The Sino-US Rights dialogue stalled after the United States bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999. The 12th round of bilateral Human Rights dialogue was held in October 2001.

PTI