China today rejected as "irresponsible" US criticism of its record on religious rights and urged Washington to stop preaching foreign governments what to do.
China "firmly opposes the US practice of interfering in the religious affairs of other countries," Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said when asked to comment on Washington's criticism on the communist nation's religious policies.
He also described as "irresponsible" the US annual practice of issuing reports on religious matters and telling what the foreign governments must do.
"Freedom of religious belief is protected by China's constitution and other laws," the spokesman claimed.
The US State Department said in its annual report on religious freedom released yesterday that China intimidates, harasses and detains Christians and believers of other faiths who don't register with the government.
The report listed China among "countries of particular concern" which could be subject to US sanctions because of religious intolerance.