China warns US against meddling

The Chinese government has warned the United States not to interfere in its internal affairs following Washington’s comment on the self-immolation of Tibetan monks.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said Wednesday that China opposes any comment or activity that uses Tibet-related issues to interfere with its internal affairs.

His remarks came after the US State Department expressed serious concerns about the latest reports of self-immolations in China in the past few days.

On Monday, a Tibetan monk died after setting himself on fire in the northwestern province of Qinghai.

US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Washington had urged Beijing “to loosen up in Tibet and allow journalists and diplomats and other observers to report accurately.”

In response, Liu said China highly values and safeguards the rights of people of all ethnic groups, including the freedom of religious belief.

He added that his country manages religious affairs and maintains normal religious order in accordance with the law.

Since the beginning of this year, three Tibetans have self-immolated in protest to the rule of China and social and economic problems in Tibet.

China says it has raised the standard of living for many Tibetans, pointing to huge ongoing investments poured into the region.