BEIJING -- China has been implementing policies on freedom of religious belief, building active and healthy religious relationships, and respecting and protecting citizens' right to believe in or not to believe in any religion, 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.

Based on the realities of the country and the conditions applying to its religions, China follows the policies of separation of government from religion and of freedom of religious belief, the document said.

The state protects citizens' normal religious activities, manages religious affairs involving national and social public interests in accordance with the law but does not interfere in the internal affairs of religions, said the white paper.