China counters Pompeo's religious persecution criticism with "More concern for American Muslims" rebuttal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] The Chinese Communist Party retaliated against U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's criticism that it is carrying out religious persecution against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 30th, "It is rather the United States that is worrisome," adding, "According to surveys, 75% of American Muslims believe that discrimination against Muslims in American society is severe."

He continued, "Pompeo uses religious freedom as a pretext to sow discord among other countries and interfere in their internal affairs," and stated, "We urge Pompeo to stop his despicable lies and cease interfering in China's internal affairs by exploiting religious issues."

Spokesperson Wang also claimed that China places great importance on religious freedom, citing the fact that there are nearly 200 million religious believers in China as evidence.

He said, "Although Secretary Pompeo continued to slander China during his visit to Southeast Asia, the reactions from various countries were lukewarm," adding, "No matter how powerful one’s strength is, if one constantly engages in deception and threats, one will eventually become isolated."

Regarding Secretary Pompeo's call for the release of three student democracy activists arrested in Hong Kong, Wang urged, "The United States should not interfere in China's internal affairs in any way."