BEIJING - A government spokesman said Wednesday China opposes to any comment or activity that uses Tibet-related issues to interfere with its internal affairs and undermine its social stability and ethnic solidarity.

The Chinese government highly values and safeguards the rights of people of all ethnic groups, including the freedom of religious belief, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said at a routine press briefing.

He made the remarks in response to a question regarding concerns expressed by the US State Department over the self-immolation of Tibetan monks over the past few days.

Liu said the Chinese government manages religious affairs and maintains normal religious order in accordance with the law.