China will support religious cooperation with the churches around the world based on the equality, friendship, and their adherence to the one-China stance, said a senior Chinese official on Tuesday.

"The Chinese government encourages the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee of Protestant Churches and the Christian Council to maintain equal and friendly exchanges with the World Council of Churches and other foreign churches on the premise of the adherence of one-China stance," said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Jia made the remarks in a meeting with Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches.

Jia said freedom of religion had been well implemented in China over the past 28 years of reform and opening-up when the country's economy had grown rapidly and people's living standards rose.

He said China was trying to build a socialist harmonious society, and religion can play an important role in promoting social harmony.

Kobia said he had witnessed Chinese people enjoying the freedom of religion during his visit.

Kobia is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee of Protestant Churches and the Christian Council.

Source: Xinhua