China is willing to improve its human rights record...

China is willing to improve its human rights record but progress may be slow, according to Swiss delegates returning from talks in Beijing.
"We held very open discussions with our Chinese counterparts but, of course, a lot of questions remain open," said Peter Maurer, a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official heading the Swiss delegation.
The delegation had five days of talks with Chinese officials from various government offices. Their meetings focused on a range of "touchy" issues, including penal law, execution of punishments, religious freedom, rights of minorities and Tibet, Maurer explained.
"We are hopeful that conditions will improve, but we have to be realistic: China is going through a difficult transitional process and there are both forces of resistance and forces willing to reform," said Maurer.