BEIJING -- China on Thursday criticized the US State Department's annual religious freedom report, urging the country to stop interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of religious issues.

"We call on the United States to respect the facts and stop attacking China's religious policies by issuing such reports," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a routine press briefing.

The US State Department released its annual International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday.

Hua said Chinese law protects citizens' freedom of religious belief in accordance with laws.

The three forces of separatism, extremism and terrorism have posed severe threats to social stability and people's safety, she said, adding China's fight against the three forces is necessary to maintain national sovereignty, security, social stability and regional peace.

The spokesperson urged the US to stop adopting double standards on the issue and stop making irresponsible remarks towards other countries.