BEIJING - China on Saturday urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs under the pretext of human rights issues.

Related readings:  Hu Jintao addresses human rights issues  Police in Hunan urged to respect human rights  Progress in China's Human Rights in 2009 (white paper)  China's efforts to better protect human rights

China and the US have disagreements on human rights issues, about which we are willing to engage in dialogues based on equality and mutual respect, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

"But we are firmly against interfering in our internal affairs under the pretext of human rights issues," Hong said.

His comment came after the US State Department released an annual report on human rights around the world and criticised China's human rights status.

The Chinese government attaches importance to protecting human rights. With continuing economic growth, constantly improving democracy and law system, ever booming cultural development, all ethnic groups in China enjoy extensive freedom and rights, Hong said.

The spokesman urged the US to reflect more on its own human rights issues rather than acting as a "preacher of human rights". "The US should stop interfering in other country's internal affairs with human rights report."