China is giving "unprecedented attention" to human rights, a top official said in Beijing yesterday.

Speaking at a seminar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Wang Chen, minister of the State Council Information Office, said human rights have become an important principle of the CPC and the Chinese government, especially since the country's reform and opening up 30 years ago.

"Respecting and protecting human rights has received attention never seen before," he said.