Chinese spokesman: It's "well known" that "Chinese enjoy freedom!”

As a response to President Bush’s criticisms of its human rights’ record, China said it is committed to its citizens' "basic rights and freedoms" and criticized Bush for meddling in what Beijing says are its internal affairs.

"We firmly oppose any statements or deeds which use human rights, religion and other issues to interfere with the internal affairs of other countries," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, responding to Bush, who cited "deep concerns" with China's record on human rights.

Qin Gang said China embraces the concept of putting people's interests first and is devoted to "maintaining and promoting basic rights and freedom of its citizens."

"Chinese citizens enjoy freedom of religion in accordance with the law. These facts are well known. Regarding the Sino-U.S. differences on issues including human rights and religion, we have always insisted on dialogue and communication based on mutual equality and mutual respect, in order to enhance understanding, reduce differences and to expand consensus," he said.

[CNN]