U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged China to protect the rights of its citizens at the opening of a high-level dialogue in Beijing, just as Chinese dissident Chen Chuang Chen said he wanted to leave the country for protection in the US.

In an opening address at the start of the annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue,

Clinton relayed comments by President Barack Obama that China would be stronger if it improved human rights.

Clinton also addressed the issue of Iran's plans to develop its nuclear programme