China rejected on Thursday U.S. criticism of its plan to prosecute leading members of the banned spiritual movement Falun Gong.
China is a country ruled by law.
Our laws protect citizens' freedom of association, speech, assembly and religious belief. U.S. State Department spokesman James Foley criticized China on Wednesday for its plan to prosecute leading members of Falun Gong and urged Beijing to respect international agreements on human rights. It's also our long-standing belief that no one should be persecuted for peaceful assembly, association or peaceful expression of their views. We therefore urge the Chinese government to live up to its obligations under international human rights instruments and protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion. China banned Falun Gong on July 22, calling it an illegal organisation that corrupted people's minds, sabotaged stability and sought to replace the government.