China urges U.S. to stop interfering by using Xinjiang-related issues

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang on Thursday refuted recent U.S. accusations and attacks against the Chinese government and China's Xinjiang policy, once again urging the U.S. side to stop interfering in China's internal affairs by using Xinjiang-related issues.

Geng made the demand at a press briefing when commenting on U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recent moves and tweets related to Xinjiang issues.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang holds a regular press conference on March 28, 2019. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Geng reiterated that the affairs of Xinjiang are China's internal affairs, noting that at present in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the overall social situation is stable, with sound economic development momentum, people of the various ethnic groups living in harmony, and people's improved sense of security and their enhanced satisfaction with social stability.

Based on the fabricated lies, the U.S. side has made unwarranted accusations and attacks against the Chinese government and China's Xinjiang policy, which the Chinese side will never accept, he said, adding that the Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to U.S. relevant remarks and moves, and has already made solemn representations to the U.S. side.

"The vocational and educational training centers are set up in Xinjiang as a preventive counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measure, which is carried out in line with the law and is fully supported by people of all ethnic groups. And good results have been achieved," said Geng.

Facts have proven that the vocational and educational training centers are not the so-called "reeducation camps" claimed by the western sides including the U.S., he said.

Geng again asked the U.S. side to respect the facts, abandon prejudice, be cautious with words and actions, and to do more things that are conducive to mutual trust and cooperation between China and the United States.