Q：Recently, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom issued its 2003 annual report, criticizing China and some other countries’ religious policies. What is your comment on this?

A: The so-called US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently issued a report again making irresponsible comments on the religious situation in some developing countries including China. The section concerning China disregarded the truth and wantonly attacked China’s religious and ethnic policies. It even appealed for redress of the Falun Gong cult. This act is groundless and can only show its ignorance and prejudice.

The Chinese Government protects its people’s religious freedom according to law and the Chinese people enjoy religious freedom according to law. Falun Gong is not a religion, but a cult. The Chinese Government deals with Falun Gong according to law for the very purpose of protecting the basic human rights of its citizens. This move is supported by the mass, including the religious circle. The US Commission has been interfering in China’s internal affairs in the disguise of religious freedom to undermine Sino-US relations. It is unpopular and doomed to failure. We advise the Commission to change its course. It should concern itself more with US issues and to stop creating noises and obstacles to Sino-US relations.