The Chinese government has tried to protect freedom of belief while standing firm against such an evil cult as Falungong, Chinese ambassador to the United States Li Zhaoxing said on November 10.

Li Zhaoxing, in an exclusive interview with "Pat" Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. (CBN) in Virginia Beach, stressed that China's constitution provides for religious freedom for all citizens.

"China now has the largest religious community in the world with more than 100 million followers of a variety of religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity and so on and so forth," Li said.

Talking of Falungong, which has been banned in China, the ambassador emphasized that it is not a religion, "it is nothing but an evil cult."

The anti-cult laws, just approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, is by no means directed against any lawful religious activities, and the Chinese government will abide by the constitution and relevant laws to guarantee the freedom of belief, he said.

But the Chinese government will outlaw all perverse activities of any evil cult, he added.

Li said that he agrees with Pat Robertson that Li Hongzhi, founder of Falungong, "is actually lying to the people" when he deliberately changed his birthday to pretend he's the incarnation of Buddha.

Li Hongzhi even boasts that he is "far greater and more elevated" than Jesus Christ, Buddha and Laozi, founder of Taoism, the ambassador said.

He added that Li Hongzhi also enticed people who want to enjoy good health and physical fitness to follow him blindly and keep away from all medicines.

"So far more than 1400 people have died from practicing the evil cult," Li said.

The Chinese ambassador told Xinhua that the overwhelming majority of Falungong followers are innocent and they should be strictly separated from Li Hongzhi and other evil cult leaders who will be dealt with according to the Chinese Constitution and relevant laws.