Groundless U.S. religion report nothing but political tool to tarnish China

Washington has newly released an annual international religious report, which attacked China's religious policies and status and kept listing China among "countries of particular concern."

The groundless assertions were nothing but a political bigotry held by the U.S. government. They once again laid bare Washington's penchant for interfering in another country's internal affairs.

While still reeling from the death and violence seen at a white-nationalist rally in the city of Charlottesville, the United States should take a minute to reflect on its own human rights situation before pointing accusing fingers at China.

As a matter of fact, Chinese people of all ethnic groups have enjoyed full religious freedom in accordance with the Constitution and state laws.

The 2016 report released by the U.S. State Department on Monday drew its conclusions largely from unconfirmed media and NGO reports, which were not reliable sources of information. In fact, some NGOs cited are probably outlawed for harboring ulterior motives.

The report also accuses China of societal discrimination of Uyghur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists, a claim distorting the truth in every way.

China's ethnic policies, featuring equality, unity, regional ethnic autonomy and common prosperity, enable the country to take the lead in protecting the rights of ethnic minorities with a comprehensive set of theories, policies, systems and laws.

Meanwhile, flaunting the banner of religion should by no means become a loophole that enables the avoidance of penalties for criminal activities.

Some religious extremists, splittists and terrorists advocate violence within Chinese territory in the name of seeking religious freedom and human rights.

As a sovereign country, China has every right to maintain its social stability and territorial integrity by cracking down on those vicious groups.

China has been making great progress in recent years in human rights protection. The United States needs to give "particular attention" to its own human rights problems, including high crime rates and deteriorating race relations.

Against the backdrop of the recent clash between white supremacists and their opponents, the U.S. accusations against China simply lay bare the double standard it employs.

During the weekend's deadly clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia, a driver plowed his car through a group of counter demonstrators, sending bodies flying into mid-air, killing a 32 year-old woman and wounding nearly two dozens more.

The violence highlighted the danger of racism, which is a serious problem in a still divided U.S. society. It also caused serious concerns that the IS-style car attack tactics seen at the clashes could inspire copycats to carry out further acts of domestic terrorism.

Despite its self-proclaimed role as the world's human rights champion,the fact is the world's sole superpower is far from becoming a respected role model in this regard.

Therefore, Washington should end its political bigotry against China and stop interfering in China's domestic affairs by issuing inaccurate reports one year after another.