<p>We published our quarterly human rights report update, giving our latest assessment of human rights in China, on 17 October</p><p>www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk</p><p>We welcome recent announcements made by Chinese leaders regarding reform in several areas including anti-corruption and rule of law and the recent announcement that the Re-education Through Labour system will be abolished. However, we remain concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the rule of law, minority rights and the treatment of individual human rights defenders. We encourage China to lift the barriers that still remain with regards to ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.</p><p>We believe dialogue with the Chinese Government on these issues is the best way to help bring about positive change. Ministers and officials are consistent in raising their concerns on human rights in public and in private with China at the highest political levels, and jointly with our international partners. We most recently raised our concerns about human rights issues on 16 October with the Chinese authorities. We are seeking to agree dates for the next Human Rights Dialogue with the Chinese Government.</p>