03 May 2006
US Commission claims “no change” in China’s religion policy.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom, in its annual report for 2006 has concluded that there have been no significant changes in the Chinese Government's "overall policy of strict control over religion in Tibet". The Commission said: "Reports indicate that official campaigns to promote ‘patriotic education’ in Tibet, and especially in Lhasa, have intensified in the past year". It also said: "The Chinese government retains tight control over religious activity and places of worship in the TAR. The religious activities of monks and nuns are highly controlled, monasteries are administrated by government-approved management committees, and the Communist Party insists in approving the selection and training of reincarnate lamas". The Commission has made some recommendations to the US government concerning Tibet. It said that the US should establish a consulate in Lhasa to monitor religious freedom and other human rights condition in Tibet. It further suggested that education opportunities be provided for religious leaders from Tibet "in order to enhance their understanding of religious freedom and other human rights according to international standards". It recommended that the number and frequency of VOA and RFA broadcast in the Tibetan language be increased. It also has recommended that the State Department list China in the category of Countries of Particular Concern as a severe religious freedom violator. Liu Jianchao, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the report as "irresponsible". "It shows (...) ignorance and prejudice", Liu said in a statement released by the ministry. "The Chinese government protects its citizens’ freedom of religious beliefs according to law and Chinese citizens fully enjoy religious freedom according to law", he said. "This is a fact obvious to everyone".