China reacts to Spielberg resignation

BEIJING, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- China, responding to Steven Spielberg's resignation as adviser to the Beijing Olympic Games, has defended its human rights record.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said his country is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur region of Sudan and "has made unremitting efforts and has played a positive and constructive role" on the issue.

Spielberg, who was to advise China on how to stage the opening and closing ceremonies at the games, resigned Tuesday, saying China should do more to end the human suffering in Darfur.

The Washington Post said China buys two-thirds of Sudan's oil exports and sells weapons to the Sudanese government.

"Empty rhetoric will not help. What's more important is to do more things to help with the peacefulness there and alleviate the humanitarian crisis," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

The Post quoted an online survey by the state-run Global Times, saying 82 percent of Chinese respondents blamed prejudice against their country for the Western pressure.

Criticism of China's human rights record both at home and abroad has increased as the country prepares for the Olympics opening Aug. 8, the Post report said.