Clinton, in China, calls human rights 'essential'
BEIJING - Agence France-Presse
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, is greeted by China's President Hu Jintao during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Friday, May 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Shannon Stapleton, Pool)
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called today on all countries to uphold human rights as she alluded to the case of dissident Chen Guangcheng in an appearance with Chinese leaders."The United States continues to raise human rights because we believe that they are essential for every country to uphold, and we raise specific matters of individuals and situations whenever necessary," Clinton said in an appearance covered by Chinese media following two days of talks in Beijing.
"We cannot ignore our areas of difference in the comprehensive relationship that we are building," she said.
Clinton was speaking next to senior Chinese leaders at the end of the two-day Strategic and Economic Dialogue. The talks were overshadowed by the row over Chen, who fled to the US embassy last week.
Chen left US protection under a controversial deal reached Wednesday but has since said that he wants to go to the United States.
