Question: The BBC released another report related to Xinjiang, claiming the existence of "re-education camps" and "mass incarceration" in Xinjiang. What is your comment?
Embassy spokesperson: The BBC report, using fabricated stories in total disregard of facts, is nothing but a vicious slander and attack against China's policy on Xinjiang. The timing of this report, which is flooded with lies and released to coincide with the UN Human Rights High Commissioner's visit to China, fully reveals the attempt to mislead and hijack the public opinion. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn such a pernicious act.
China has made clear its stance on Xinjiang affairs on multiple occasions. Allegations such as the so-called "re-education centres" and "mass incarceration" are sheer lies and a farce put on by anti-China forces in collusion to smear Xinjiang. Their relentless manoeuvres to spread rumours and make trouble are in fact actions of political manipulation and economic coercion under the pretext of protecting human rights, with the real intention of undermining Xinjiang's prosperity and stability and containing China's development.
Xinjiang-related issues have nothing to do with religions, ethnic groups or human rights, but everything to do with fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism. The Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has fought violent terrorist crimes in accordance with law and, at the same time, worked to address the root cause of terrorism. These efforts include education on de-radicalisation, promoting economic development, improving people's life, strengthening ethnic solidarity, and fully safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of the people of all ethnic groups. Today, Xinjiang has entered the best period of development in history, and is making continuous progress in promoting human rights.
It must be emphasised that Xinjiang affairs are China's internal affairs and brook no external interference. The Chinese people, including the public in Xinjiang, have the say about the situation in the region. Lies will not block out facts, or deceive the international community, still less stop Xinjiang from making further progress and achieving greater stability, development and prosperity.
We urge the BBC to discard its ideological bias against China, stop making farces aimed at defaming and maligning China on Xinjiang-related affairs, and fully observe the principles of objective, authentic, and accurate reporting. Otherwise, it will only bring shame on itself and further undermine its credibility among the general public around the world.