There is no problem with the freedom of religious belief in China. The measures taken in Xinjiang are for the purpose of counter-terrorism and

China’s ambassador to Sweden, Gui Congyou, is one of Beijing’s more vocal envoys. Photo: EPA-EFE

UNITED NATIONS, New York (Xinhua) — The spokesman of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations (UN) on Tuesday opposed the US ambassador’s interference in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.

US Permanent Representative to the UN Kelly Craft’s accusations about China’s human rights are “baseless” and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs, said the spokesman.

China deplores and strongly opposes the accusations, the spokesman added.

The spokesman said the Chinese government adopts a people-centered approach and is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights.

“On China’s 9.6 million square kilometers of land, there is no fear of war or displacement, and 1.4 billion people are living a peaceful, free and happy life,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman added that Chinese authorities protect freedom of religious belief in accordance with national law.

China has nearly 200 million religious believers, including more than 20 million Muslims, and more than 380,000 clerical personnel. There are more than 5,500 religious groups and approximately 140,000 places of worship registered for religious activities in China.

“There is no problem with the freedom of religious belief in China. The measures taken in Xinjiang are for the purpose of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization,” said the spokesperson. “Thanks to those efforts, Xinjiang hasn’t seen a single terrorist attack over the past three years, and all kinds of human rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are effectively protected.”

China urges the United States to respect facts, reject bias, stop politicizing the issue of human rights, and to cease interfering in China’s internal affairs, said the spokesman.