WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says the U.S. will continue to push for freedom of speech, assembly and religion for the Chinese people.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Chinese President Hu Jintao, Obama says China, and all nations, will benefit from advancing human rights for their citizens. He says the U.S. will always speak up for the freedom and dignity of all people.

China’s human rights policies have caused strains between the rival powers, with the U.S. calling on China to release jailed dissidents, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo. He was prevented from attending the Dec. 10 prize ceremony in the Norwegian capital.