Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
         
          Q:  It is learnt that the Standing Committee of National People's
          Congress of China has made the decision to ratify the International
          Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  What is your
          comment?
         
          A:  The 20th Session of the Standing Committee of the 9th National
          People's Congress (NPC) adopted by vote the decision of the NPC
          Standing Committee on ratifying the International Covenant on
          Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  The International Covenant on
          Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is one of the most influential
          international instruments on human rights.  Ratifying the Covenant
          is a major step taken by China in the field of human rights at the
          start of the new century, which is of far-reaching significance.
         
          The Chinese Government has all along respected the universal
          principle of human rights.  After long-term exploration and
          unremitting efforts, we have found the right path to promoting and
          developing human rights that suits China's national conditions.  In
          recent years, China has witnessed sustained, rapid and healthy
          economic growth, deepening reform, and all-round social progress.  
          With the successful completion of the Ninth Five-Year Plan, the
          overall living standard of the Chinese people has further improved,
          achieving two historic leaps from poverty to a life with just
          sufficient food and clothing and then to a relatively comfortable
          life.  A basic framework of social security network has taken
          initial shape.  Great achievements have been scored in the
          reemployment programme.  New breakthroughs have been made in the
          reform of the housing system.  There has been comprehensive
          development in social undertakings in the fields of culture,
          education, science and technology, TV, radio and film industry,
          press and publishing, public health and sports.  In the promotion
          and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, China has
          made fresh achievements that have drawn the attention of the world.
         
          The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
          has extensive content that covers various aspects of economic and
          social life in China.  China has completed within a relative short
          period of time the series of legal procedures from signing to
          ratifying the Covenant.  This fully demonstrates the consistent
          principled position of China committing itself to the promotion and
          protection of human rights and active engagement in international
          cooperation in the field of human rights.  It also reflects the firm
          resolution and confidence of China in safeguarding full enjoyment of
          various economic, social, and cultural rights by its citizens.