The Chinese government has criticized a U.S. report on religious freedom around the world, which is critical of China.
Foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said the freedom of religious beliefs of all ethnic groups in China is protected by law. Ma told journalists Wednesday that the U.S. report ignored facts and interfered in China's internal affairs.
The U.S. State Department said in its annual report Monday that Beijing severely represses the religious freedom of Buddhists in Tibet and Muslims in Xinjiang.
It also expressed concern over allegations that China sought the forcible return of several Muslims living in other countries in retribution for their religious activism.
Ma urged the United States to stop such criticism and instead do things that benefit U.S.-China relations.China has made intensive efforts to block the international activism of Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and ethnic Uighur activist Rebiya Kadeer.
On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry confirmed that two Tibetans were executed for their alleged role in protests and rioting last year.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Xinhua.