US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, during his recent visit to China, raised a number of ongoing concerns of the United States regarding the Chinese government's human rights violations pertaining to religious freedom.
David Saperstein traveled to China from August 20 to 28 to discuss religious freedom in the Communist country. He held talks with government officials, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, the US State Department said in a statement Monday. He visited Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong.
Saperstein called for an end to the ongoing campaign of cross removals and church demolitions in Zhejiang province and an end to harassment of members of unregistered religious groups. He urged Chinese authorities to reassess counterproductive policies, including restrictions on the religious practice of Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims. The Ambassador also conveyed the U.S. government's deep concern over the recent detentions of many human rights defenders and religious leaders.
In meetings with government officials, he noted positive developments, including the growth of religious communities in China. He also recognized the significant increase in the contributions of faith-based organizations to Chinese society, especially in the provision of social services.
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