BEIJING - China on Thursday rejected criticism of its human rights situation from US officials, urging the United States to focus more on its own human rights issues and stop its groundless accusations against China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks in response to comments made by US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Ambassador to China Max Baucus on Human Rights Day on Wednesday.

The people are best qualified to speak on the human rights situation of their own country, Hong said, adding that the United States has no right to act as a referee and make irresponsible remarks about other countries.

Hong said the United States is also facing serious problems in racial discrimination and prisoner abuse. "We hope the United States will put more effort into examining and improving its own human rights situation," he said.

China has witnessed continuous improvement of human rights since its reform and opening up, Hong said, adding that if the United States attempts to discredit China, it will expose its hypocrisy and double standards on human rights.