Beining, Jan 12 (IANS) In a clear reference to the US, China has said it is opposed to foreign countries that use Tibet-related issues to interfere in its domestic affairs.
The Chinese statement came after the US expressed “serious concern” over three Tibetan monks set fire to themselves.
“The Chinese government has always attached great importance to and guaranteed the various basic rights of ethnic minorities, including their freedom of religious belief,” the People’s Daily quoted foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin as saying.
“We firmly oppose such remarks and practices making use of Tibet-related issues to interfere in China’s domestic affairs, which could disrupt Chinese social stability and national unity,” he said Wednesday.
US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland Monday said that the US government was seriously concerned over recent reports that three Tibetan monks died after setting themselves on fire in the western provinces of Qinghai and Sichuan.
Liu said the self-immolation attempts were organised, premeditated and instigated by overseas groups and people.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama lives in India at the head of a government-in-exile that is not recognized by any country. India is also home to some 100,000 Tibetan exiles.
