Vietnam speaks out about US 'religious freedom list'

"The US's decision to put Vietnam on a special watch list for religious freedom is based on subjective assessments and inaccurate information about the situation of religious freedom and belief in Vietnam," said Foreign Ministry deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang at a regular press conference today.

Ms. Hang made the statement when asked to comment on the information that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on December 2 that "Vietnam would be placed on the 'Special Watch List' on religious freedom."

Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang. Photo:BNG.

Ms. Hang affirmed that Vietnam's consistent policy is to respect and ensure human rights, as well as freedom of belief and religion of the people, which have been stipulated in the 2013 Constitution, Vietnam's legal system and are guaranteed to be respected in practice.

"Vietnam's efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights and freedom of religious belief for its people have been widely recognized by the international community. Vietnam is willing to discuss with the US issues of mutual concern in a spirit of frankness, openness, and mutual respect, contributing to promoting the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries," said Ms. Hang.