A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday both China and the United States should conduct dialogues on human rights issue based on equality and mutual respect.

Qin Gang said this in reply to a reporter's question concerning Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States.

He said Hu will explain China's position and opinions on human rights issue if the topic is brought up during his U.S. visit.

"We oppose confrontation and interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights," Qin said.

The spokesman said China and the United States share common ground on the human rights issue, which focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights, noting that China is willing to have dialogue with other countries, including the United States.

Source: Xinhua