China protects legitimate rights of believers
( 2002-03-04 10:41 ) (7 )

Wu Yiye, a Muslim and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, is satisfied with the arrangements in the hotel.

On one wall in his hotel room is a green Chinese character "xi", indicating the direction of west. "It is the direction we Muslims face when we pray, and this sign is so helpful, for people can easily lose direction in hotels," said Wu, who came from the eastern city of Nanjing to attend the annual session of the nation 's top advisory body.

The sign of direction and Muslim greetings are posted in the rooms for Muslims among the CPPCC members and the deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) during this year's annual sessions, said officials responsible for accommodation.

Other preparations have also been made to facilitate the religious activities of believers among the CPPCC members and NPC deputies, the officials said.

The government's efforts to protect the legitimate rights of the faith community could be best seen during preparations for the NPC and CPPCC annual sessions, said CPPCC member Luo Guanzong, who is chairman of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee of the Protestant Churches of China.

He noted that Premier Zhu Rongji solicited comments and suggestions from all sectors of society in drafting his government work report.

"The premier faxed the draft report from Beijing to my Shanghai office for me to comment, and I did offer some revisions on behalf of Christians throughout the country," said 82-year-old Luo.

Zhu will deliver the report at the NPC session due to open Tuesday.

Christianity has developed rapidly in China and the number of Christians has increased to 15 million from 700,000 in 1949, when the people's republic was founded, he said.

"Some people abroad claim that China checks the growth of faith ccommunity. Many of them may have such an idea due to inadequate knowledge about China, but others seem to have evil motives," Luo said.

China's Constitution provides freedom of religion for its citizens.

There are some 100 million religious believers in China, and they belong to Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Catholicism.