China, Accused Of Committing Genocide Against Uyghur Muslims, Reacts On Prophet Remarks Row

China on Monday (13 June) reacted to ongoing controversy over the remarks by now suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma against Prophet Mohammed during a TV debate, and hoped that the situation would be "appropriately resolved".

Responding to a question on Sharma's remarks on Prophet Mohammed causing outrage in the Muslim world and Islamic nations during a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "We have noted relevant reports and hope that the situation will be appropriately resolved".

He added, "China always believes that different civilizations and religions should respect each other and live together as equals".

"It is always important to discard pride and prejudice, better understand the differences between one’s own civilization and other civilizations, and promote exchanges, dialogue and harmonious coexistence between civilizations," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The remarks by Chinese spokesperson gains significance as China has long been accused of committing crimes against the humanity by persecuting its Uyghur Muslim and other mostly-Muslim ethnic groups in its north-western region of Xinjiang.

According to human rights groups, China has detained more than one million Uyghurs against their will over the past few years in a large network of what the state calls "re-education camps", and sentenced hundreds of thousands to prison terms.

Beijing has also been accused of targeting Muslim religious figures and banning religious practices in the region, as well as destroying mosques and tombs.

China, however, denies all allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

The Chinese government said the peace and prosperity brought to Xinjiang as a result of its 'anti-terrorism measures' were the best response to "all sorts of lies".