BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A white paper released Thursday by the State Council Information Office said Xinjiang's religious cultures are being respected and protected.

Since antiquity Xinjiang has seen the coexistence of a variety of religions, whose rich cultures have become part of traditional Chinese culture, said the white paper, titled "Cultural Protection and Development in Xinjiang."

China's government is committed to protecting its citizens' freedom of religious belief while respecting and protecting religious cultures, said the white paper.

Many religious cultures blend and coexist, it said, adding that Xinjiang has long been a region where multiple religions are practiced and their cultures have met and blended.

Religious texts are published and distributed in accordance with the law, it said, adding that the state has translated, published and distributed Islamic, Buddhist, Protestant, and other religious texts to meet the diverse demand of religious believers.

Religious heritages are effectively protected, according to the white paper. Enditem