The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has interfered in China's internal affairs in the guise of religious freedom to undermine Sino-US relations, which was doomed to failure, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said yesterday.

Responding to a question concerning the commission's condemnation of China and some other countries' religious policy in its newly issued annual report, Zhang said the report made improper comments on the religious situation in developing nations, including China. The section concerning China disregarded the truth and wantonly attacked China's religious and ethnic policy, and even appealed for redress of the Falun Gong cult.

The spokeswoman described the commission's act as groundless and indicating its ignorance and prejudice.

The Chinese government protects people's religious freedom with the law and Chinese people enjoy religious freedom according to law, Zhang said.

The Chinese government wanted to protect basic human rights of the people by dealing with the cult by law, which was supported by the masses, including the religious circle.

The commission's interference in China's internal affairs was unpopular and doomed to failure, She said.

Zhang advised the commission to concern itself more with US issues and to stop creating obstacles to Sino-US relations.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2003)