The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region values freedom of religious belief and on Tuesday, the Chinese government recognized this with the issuance of a white paper entitled "Freedom of Religious Belief in Xinjiang."
Since 1949 after the creation of the People's Republic of China, the Constitutional principles of religious freedom was implemented in Xinjiang and it has been respected by the government. Citizens from all ethnic groups were able to practice their beliefs without apprehension and discrimination and the necessity of these believers were supported.The white paper also stressed that the government sees the protection of the freedom of religious belief is a major part of China's national policy.
The white paper remarked that in Xinjiang "the positive role of religious circles in promoting economic development and social stability is well displayed, the government's capability of administrating religious affairs is constantly strengthened, international exchanges in the religious field are being expanded, and the proliferation and spread of religious extremism is effectively contained."
Prior to the establishment of the PRC and the establishment of laws protecting religious freedoms in Xinjiang, the religious environment in Xinjiang was not good as religious wars and conflict made serious damage to the region's economy and the faith of Xinjiang's citizens. Many lost interest in practicing their faiths while others were afraid of the implications of their religious practice.
Currently, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has Islam, Protestantism, Buddhism, Catholicism and Taoism as the major religions in the region.
