China on Tuesday refuted on overseas groups' accusation on child labor abuse, saying the country attaches particularly great importance to protecting the rights and interests of children.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu made the remarks on Tuesday at a regular press conference. She noted that the Chinese government has always respected internationally recognized labor rights and interests and relevant labor standards.

China has signed eight core conventions proposed by the International Labor Organization on protecting labor rights and interests, including an convention on minimum age for employment and an convention on forbidding child labor, Jiang noted.

The Chinese government also takes law enforcement measures and administrative measures to protect the rights and interests of children so as to promote all round development of the whole nation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2007)