China has released a white paper on the religious freedom in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, saying it “cannot be matched by that of any other historical period.”

The document states that since the founding of the PRC, the constitutional principle of freedom of religious belief has been comprehensively implemented in Xinjiang, with the citizens’ religious freedom fully respected and needs effectively met.

It also noted the positive role of religious circles in promoting economic development and social stability. The paper says people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have enjoyed the freedom of religious belief. It also stresses that respect for and protection of freedom of religious belief is a long-term basic national policy of the Chinese government.

The major religions in Xinjiang are Islam, Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism and Taoism, according to the white paper.