News from 2023
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Fiji
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution establishes a secular state and protects freedom of religion, conscience, and belief. It also mandates the separation of religion and state.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Kiribati
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religion. Religious groups with memberships equal to or greater than 2 percent of the population are required to register with the government.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Burma
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
In 2021, the military overthrew the democratically elected civilian government, declaring a state of emergency and creating a State Administration Council, a military-run administrative organization led by armed forces Commander in Chief (CINC) Min Aung Hlaing that assumed executive, legislative, and judicial functions.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Indonesia
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution provides a guarantee of freedom of religion and the right to worship according to one’s own beliefs, but it states that citizens must accept restrictions established by law to protect the rights of others and to satisfy “just demands based upon considerations of morality, religious values, security, and public order in a democratic society.”
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: China—Xinjiang
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which cites the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), states that citizens “enjoy freedom of religious belief” but limits protections for religious practice to “normal religious activities,” without defining “normal.”
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Vietnam
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution states that all individuals have the right to freedom of belief and religion.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary Blinken’s Trip to Papua New Guinea
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, May 21-22.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Opening Remarks Before the Senate Committee on Appropriations On the President’s FY24 Budget Request: Investing in U.S. Security, Competitiveness, and the Path Ahead for the U.S.-China Relationship
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
Chair Murray, Vice Chair Collins, State and Foreign Ops Chair Coons, Ranking Member Graham, distinguished members of the Appropriations Committee, thank you for this opportunity to testify before you today.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Japan
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religion and prohibits religious organizations from exercising any political authority or receiving privileges from the state.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Mongolia
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of conscience and religion, prohibits discrimination based on religion, and mandates the separation of the activities of state and religious institutions.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Malaysia
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution states, “Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony.”
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Palau
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution provides for freedom of religion and prohibits the government from taking any action to compel, prohibit, or hinder the exercise of religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Republic of Korea
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution provides for religious freedom and prohibits discrimination based on religion.
2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brunei
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
The constitution states that while the official religion is the Shafi’i school of Sunni Islam, all other religions may be practiced “in peace and harmony.”
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Marape
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Marape reviewed the new Defense Cooperation Agreement and Bilateral Maritime Law Enforcement Agreement.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Defense Cooperation Agreement and Shiprider Signing Ceremony
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
Well, thank you very much, everyone. And I have to say I’m very tempted to say, “What the prime minister said,” and leave it at that because I could not and cannot say it more eloquently than he just has.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
Prime Minister, thank you very, very much. And colleagues, it is a great honor to be with all of you, to be with our Pacific Island partners.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken After a Tour of Lawes Road Urban Clinic
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
Good morning, everyone. This was a real privilege to be here at Lawes Road at this clinic, where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day.
Deepening U.S. Partnership with Papua New Guinea
By State Newswire Report | May 24, 2023
As the largest Pacific Island country, a likeminded democracy, APEC member, and regional energy provider, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a key partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.