"We have serious concerns about the crackdown that we've seen going on in China in recent weeks and months, and in addition to stating those views publicly, the Secretary had an opportunity to state those views in private with State Councilor Dai," the official told reporters at the end of the first day of a two-day Strategic and Economic Dialogue between senior Chinese and US officials.
"I would describe their discussion of human rights as very candid and very honest," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
China's crackdown on dissent since February has brought the detention of dozens of dissidents, human rights advocates, and prominent grassroots protesters. Dai is a senior Chinese diplomat who advises central leaders.