[wanabidii] Press Releases: Ambassador David Saperstein's Visit to China

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: Ambassador David Saperstein's Visit to China 08/31/2015 08:36 PM EDT Ambassador David Saperstein's Visit to China Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC August 31, 2015 Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein traveled to the People’s Republic of China August 20-28, 2015 to discuss religious freedom with government officials, religious leaders, and civil society representatives. He visited Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong. In meetings with government officials, Ambassador Saperstein noted positive developments, including the growth of religious communities in China. He also recognized the significant increase in the contributions of faith-based organizations to Chinese society, especially in the provision of social services. Ambassador Saperstein also raised a number of ongoing concerns of the United States regarding the Chinese government’s human rights violations pertaining to religious freedom. Ambassador Saperstein called for an end to the ongoing campaign of cross removals and church demolitions in Zhejiang province and an end to harassment of members of unregistered religious groups. He urged Chinese authorities to reassess counterproductive policies, including restrictions on the religious practice of Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims. Ambassador Saperstein also conveyed the U.S. government’s deep concern over the recent detentions of many human rights defenders and religious leaders. Follow Ambassador Saperstein on Twitter: @AmbSaperstein. For updates on the U.S. government’s human rights work, visit www.Humanrights.gov or the DRL Twitter account, @State_DRL. For reporter inquiries, please contact Chanan Weissman at 202-647-4043 or weissmanc@state.gov. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:       External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520