NEW YORK - The two-day China-US human rights dialogue starting today in Washington offers a chance for both countries to improve relations.

Despite skepticism from some critics, talks are the most effective way for the two governments to address human rights and other issues.

"Dialogue is better than resistance," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said on Thursday. "China would like to talk to the US on the basis of equality and mutual respect and I hope this opportunity will increase the understanding of the two nations."