Q: The US State Department released the "2007 Annual International Religious Freedom Report" recently, continuing to criticize China's religious policy and religious freedom status in its China section. Do you have any comment?

A: In its China section, the so-called "2007 Annual International Religious Freedom Report" of the US State Department continues to make groundless accusation of China's religious and ethnic policies. It violates basic principles governing international relations and flagrantly interferes in China's internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition.

People of all ethnicity in all regions of China enjoy full freedom of religious brief in accordance with law. It is the long-term fundamental policy of the Chinese Government to respect and guarantee citizens' freedom of religious belief. This is a fact brooks neither denial nor distortion. We request the US refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs with the pretext of religion and other issues and do more to promote the mutual understanding and trust between China and the US.