FM denounces US religious freedom report

The Chinese foreign ministry Wednesday slammed a religious freedom report by the US State Department.

"The Chinese government protects Chinese citizens' freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law, and Chinese citizens are fully entitled to such freedom provided under the law," said foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang on Wednesday.

The US State Department Tuesday released the 2013 International Religious Freedom Report, which includes China on a list of countries of particular concern.

Qin said that the US side has completely disregarded the facts, and distorts and attacks China's policies on religion.

"We are strongly opposed to that and have made solemn representations to them," Qin said. "We urge the US side to discard its political prejudices and stop interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of religion," he noted.