China Slams US Report on Religious Freedom
China has firmly rejected the US State Department’s 2023 International Religious Freedom Report, stating that it is based on lies and misinformation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the report for its ideological bias and distortion of China’s religious policies.
Addressing concerns over the alleged persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang, Mao highlighted China’s commitment to protecting religious freedom for its citizens. She emphasized that China has over 200 million religious believers, reflecting a diverse religious landscape in the country.
Furthermore, Mao refuted the “genocide” claims made by the US, pointing to the significant population growth of Uyghurs in Xinjiang over the decades. She also condemned the US for its own religious freedom issues, urging it to refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs.
Overall, China’s response underscores its stance on religious freedom and sovereignty, urging the US to respect the facts and refrain from politicizing religious issues.