China `drawing up human rights plan`

Beijing: A senior Chinese official says the country is drawing up a four-year plan to improve the country`s human rights record.

State Council Information Office minister Wang Chen says the 2012-2015 plan has the "aim of expanding democracy, enhancing the rule of law, improving the people`s livelihood and safeguarding human rights."

He says there will be challenges to overcome along the way, including wide gaps in incomes, increased pressure on prices and increasing social conflicts.

Wang`s comments were published on Wednesday by the state-run China Daily newspaper.

Chinese officials generally consider human rights to be improved living standards, rather than greater freedoms.

Bureau Report