China's Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang summoned William Klein, acting charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy in China, on Wednesday to lodge stern representations and strong protest against the U.S. House's approval of a bill targeting China's far west Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The passage of the bill, according to Qin, is not only a serious violation of international law and basic rules of international relations, but also a gross interference in China's internal affairs.

China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the bill, said Qin. He urged the U.S. to stop playing a double standard and stop meddling in China's internal affairs.

Qin reiterated China's unwavering determination in defending its national sovereignty, security and interests, adding that any attempts to drive a wedge between different ethnic groups in China, harm Xinjiang's prosperity and stability, and contain China's development are doomed to fail.