China on Tuesday responded to a US call for the release of Liu Xiaobo by reiterating its firm opposition to external interference in its judicial sovereignty and internal affairs in any form.

"China and the United States are working together to build a new type of major-country relationship. We hope the United States will bear in mind the overall interests of bilateral ties and contribute more to enhancing trust and cooperation," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

In a statement released on Monday, US Secretary of State John Kerry voiced concern over Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong, and urged Chinese authorities to release Liu.

Hong said China is a country under the rule of law, all people are equal before the law and no one is above the law.

"Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong are Chinese citizens. They violated Chinese laws and should be punished by law," Hong told a regular press briefing.

"I want to reiterate that only the 1.3 billion Chinese people are qualified to speak on China's human rights situation," the spokesman added.