Stop gesticulating at us on rights cases: China to US

China has urged the United States to stop gesticulating at Beijing’s treatment of dissidents under the pretense of defending human rights.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, says Washington’s comments on China’s legal system are considered as interference in the country’s internal affairs.

“We urge the United States to stop its gesticulating at China on such individual cases, and stop using so-called human rights as an excuse to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” Hua told a daily news briefing in Beijing on Monday.

The warning comes after Washington lashed out at Beijing over its four-year jail sentence for a Chinese citizen last week.

Beijing says the convicted has broken national law and must be held responsible for that.

Washington usually expresses concern over individual Chinese human rights cases. US diplomats often show up outside court houses where trials are taking place.

The developments come as Washington and Beijing have locked horns over a range of issues.

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan has recently told US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel that Washington should avoid taking sides over China-Japan islands row in the East China Sea.

Last Sunday, China warned the US not to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs, following a meeting between US Vice President Joe Biden and anti-Beijing activists.

A Chinese government spokesman urged Washington to “proceed discreetly” regarding the affairs of Hong Kong to avoid damage to China-US ties.

Beijing has also demanded a clear explanation from Washington over reports of espionage by the US National Security Agency (NSA) on Chinese companies and institutions.

Senior officials in Beijing say they are gravely concerned about the claims and demand that any such spying be stopped.