China refutes the contents of a report entitled "Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The US Record 2002-03'' published by the US State Department, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said on Friday in Beijing.

The report criticizes the human rights situations of over 90 countries and regions, including China.

Kong said the document unfoundedly and unfairly slates/reproves the Chinese Government and negatively portrays human rights in the country.

The Chinese Government upholds the promotion and protection of human rights, basic freedoms and the democratic political construction of socialism, and has been consistent in so doing, and has won recognition in this regard, he said.

For its part, China advises the United States to devote more attention to problems of its own, including the improvement of its human rights record, and to refrain from intervening in the domestic affairs of others under the pretext of human rights, said Kong.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Government Friday submitted to the United Nations its first implementation report on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The report gave a comprehensive account of the achievements China has scored in promoting and protecting its citizens' economic, social and cultural rights in recent years.

In another development, Kong also said on Friday that China expressed its firm opposition to a resolution passed by the US House of Representatives on the issue of the Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

Thursday's resolution called for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to withdraw the legislation.

Kong said that it is "both natural and right'' for the HKSAR Government to introduce legislation which safeguards national security. Furthermore, it is a necessary for implementing the Basic Law.

Kong urged the US side to stop interfering in the internal affairs of China and the HKSAR which risks damaging Sino-US relations as well as the reputation of the United States itself.

Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that the HKSAR shall enact laws on its own to prohibit acts or activities that endanger the security of the State in order to protect national security.

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