China slams 'concerns' over ethnic unity law

China rebuked the United States and the European Union on Friday for expressing so-called concerns over the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which took effect on July 1, saying relevant countries cling to ideological bias and engage in political maneuvering while turning a blind eye to China's achievements in economic, social and human rights governance.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing. He stressed that China is a unified multi-ethnic country where all ethnic groups live in equality, unity and harmony.

"Strengthening the rule of law helps better protect the rights of all ethnic groups and promote ethnic unity," Guo said.

He noted that the Chinese government has always attached great importance to protecting ethnic minority cultures and legally safeguarding the right of all ethnic groups to use and develop their own spoken and written languages.

"These practices and achievements have received wide support from the international community," he added.

Guo urged the countries concerned to respect basic facts, stop spreading lies, and stop hyping up the so-called ethnic issue to interfere in China's internal affairs.