U.S. should look at its own problems, China says

China on Friday issued a stinging rebuke of Mike Pence after a critical speech by the U.S. Vice President on Beijing.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING, SAYING:

"Pence's speech was exactly the same as the one he made last October, revealing pure arrogance and hypocrisy, and it was filled with political bias and lies."

Pence on Thursday gave a speech blasting China, criticizing its treatment of religious minorities and denouncing its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months.

(SOUNBITE) (ENGLISH) VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE SAYING:

"For the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties of its people.

China's foreign ministry wasn't having it.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING, SAYING:

"We suggest some people in the U.S. to look in the mirror and recognize their own problems, manage their own affairs..."

Beijing pointed to problems in the U.S., like gun violencsystem.scripts.e and wealth and racial inequality, as issues the U.S. should deal with instead of smearing China.

The tension comes just as the two sides are set to once again attempt to strike a trade deal. So amid the rebukes, Pence offered a sort of olive branch.

(SOUNBITE) (ENGLISH) VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE SAYING:

"We are not seeking to contain China's development, we want a constructive relationship with China's leaders."

American and Chinese negotiators are schedule to speak by phone on Friday, while President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping are set to meet next month in Chile.