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China refutes U.S. statement on monk self-immolation attempt in China

Xinhua, September 28, 2011

• China firmly opposes any country or person interfering in China's internal affairs by using the Tibet issue, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday.

  Hong made the remarks at a regular news briefing while asked to comment on the U.S. State Department statement on two monks' self-immolation attempt in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

  "Chinese government protects the lawful interests and rights of its minority nationalities," Hong said.

  The spokesman also stressed that China strongly opposes any country or any person that destabilizes China's society or solidarity of its people by using Tibet-related issues.

  According to the local authority, two monks attempted to set themselves on fire in Aba County in Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture on Monday.

  They were rescued by police and promptly received medical treatment.

  The suicide attempt is under further investigation.

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