Mayor apologizes for 'inappropriate' Miao remarks

A mayor in Yunnan province apologized on Sunday for making "inappropriate" comments, after an investigation found he did not brand China's Miao ethnic group "horrible", an allegation which caused widespread anger among Miao people.

"I didn't subjectively insult or discriminate against Miao people, but I think I used inappropriate language and improper examples, which hurt the feelings of the ethnic group," said Gong Qing, acting mayor of Wenshan.

"Deeply ashamed, I sincerely apologize to the Miao people and beg for your understanding and forgiveness," he wrote in a letter of apology that was published online.