Beijing hits back at religion claims

Beijing on Friday hit back at US Vice-President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over their criticism of China's religious policies and the status of religious freedom.

China has lodged stern representations to the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily news conference, demanding the US respect facts and correctly view China's religious policies.

He also urged Washington to stop using religious issues to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.