China says ethnic groups in Xinjiang live in harmony

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The overall situation in China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is currently stable, the momentum of its economic development is sound and all ethnic groups there live in harmony, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Monday.

Geng made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to Human Rights Watch's accusation that the Chinese government is conducting a "crackdown" on the Uygur ethnic group in Xinjiang.

The US-based human rights organization always holds prejudice against China and is used to distorting facts and sowing discord, Geng said.

A Uygur student presents a Kazakh dance in Aksu, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 1, 2016. /VCG Photo

Policies and measures being carried out in Xinjiang are aimed at maintaining stability, promoting development, enhancing solidarity and improving people's welfare, the spokesman said.

The authorities are also making efforts to combat separatism and terrorism in accordance with Chinese law, he said, in order to safeguard national security and protect the life and property of the people.

Geng stressed that it is a common wish among all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to maintain long-term social and political stability is in line with their fundamental interests.

He said the Chinese government guarantees its citizens' freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. All ethnic groups in China enjoy this freedom fully, he said.

(Cover: People of all ethnic groups from various parts of Xinjiang gather at the People's Square of Urumqi to watch a national flag-raising ceremony, in celebration of the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, October 1, 2015. /Tianshannet Photo via Xinhua)