BEIJING -- China maintains that all ethnic groups are equal, and ensures that people of all ethnic groups have equal rights to administer state affairs in accordance with the law, according to a white paper released Thursday.

The white paper on the practice of the Communist Party of China in respecting and protecting human rights was released by the State Council Information Office.

China protects the rights of ethnic minority groups through the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy, the Electoral Law for the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses, the Education Law, the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, the Employment Promotion Law, and other relevant laws and regulations, said the white paper.