BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday issued a white paper titled "Freedom of Religious Belief in Xinjiang," saying the freedom of religious belief in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region today "cannot be matched by that in any other historical period."

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, the Constitutional principle of freedom of religious belief has been comprehensively implemented in Xinjiang, with the citizens' freedom of religious belief fully respected and believers' normal religious needs effectively met, said the white paper released by the State Council Information Office.

"No citizen suffers discrimination or unfair treatment for believing in, or not believing in, any religion," it said.

In Xinjiang, "the positive role of religious circles in promoting economic development and social stability is well displayed, the government's capability of administrating religious affairs is constantly strengthened, international exchanges in the religious field are being expanded, and the proliferation and spread of religious extremism is being effectively contained," it noted.

The white paper was issued following an April conference on religions, at which President Xi Jinping promised to fully implement the central authorities' policy of religious freedom, manage religious affairs in line with law, retain the principle of religious independence and self-administration, and help religions adapt to the socialist society.