No 'genocide' in China's Xinjiang: official

Claims that China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has conducted "genocide" are slanderous and unfounded, a regional official said Friday.

Shohrat Zakir, chairman of the regional government, said at a video conference that claims of genocide in Xinjiang are lies fabricated by former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his like, adding that the people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang enjoy extensive rights and freedom.

"(The claims) blatantly trampled on international law and basic norms, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and seriously hurt the feelings of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang," he said.

"Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and its people strongly condemn and resolutely oppose such rumors and slanders made by anti-China forces."

Produced by Xinhua Global Service