Beijing:China has accused Canadian parliamentarians of spreading "lies and rumours," over the issue of genocide against the Uyghur minority community in Xinjiang.
"The sub-committee of the Canadian parliament neglects the fact of political stability, economic growth, ethnic solidarity and social harmony in Xinjiang. Its groundless statement is full of lies and disinformation. This is blatant interference in China's internal affairs and reflects those Canadian individuals' ignorance and prejudice," said Chinese spokesperson Zhao Lijian while responding to Canada's House of Commons subcommittee's statement.
Zhao Lijian said, "China has repeatedly made clear our stern position on Xinjiang. Xinjiang-related issues are not at all about human rights. The so-called genocide in Xinjiang is a rumour and a farse fabricated by some anti-China forces to slander China."
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This comes after a subcommittee of Canada's Parliament called out China on genocide in Xinjiang province, The Globe and Mail reported. The committee also called for human rights-related sanctions.
Responding to Canada's subcommittee, Zhao said, "China has repeatedly made clear our stern position on Xinjiang. Xinjiang-related issues are not at all about human rights. The so-called genocide in Xinjiang is a rumour and a farse fabricated by some anti-China forces to slander China."
This follows after the Canadian committee used the term "concentration camps" to describe Chinese centres for forcible political indoctrination and skills training. It also mentioned documents with details on plans to subject women of child-bearing age to birth control in Xinjiang.