China's Xinjiang witnesses fresh riots

China's restive Xinjiang province witnessed violent attacks for the third day even as China today hit out at the US for criticising its policies in the oil-rich region by alleging discrimination against Muslim Uygurs.
State-run Xinhua news agency in brief reported today said a violent attack took place in a pedestrian street in downtown Hotan City, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Earlier, at least 24 people have been killed by rioters in a violent terrorist attack in a remote town in Shanshan County in the province on Wedenesday, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.
Among the victims, 16 were from the Uygur ethnic group.

The rioters attacked the township's police stations, a local government building and a construction site, as well as set fire to police cars.
Xinjiang is witnessing bloody riots in the past few years between Uygur Muslims who resent the increasing settlements of Hans in the province.

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said today that China hopes the US will avoid using a double standard when discussing terrorism.
Hua made the comment in response to a question about US remarks regarding riots in Xinjiang.
The US said it is closely following the reports of violence, as well as urged China to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and to provide due process and legal protection to those have been detained.

State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said the US remained "deeply concerned" by the ongoing reports of discrimination and restrictions against Uygurs and Muslims in China.
"We have taken note of the remarks made by the US State Department spokesman," Hua said, adding that China is unsatisfied with the spokesman's remarks, as well as US criticism of China's ethnic and religious policies.
She said the Chinese government protects the rights of people of all ethnic groups in accordance with law, including their freedom of religion.
Hua said the U S has been a victim of terrorism and is fully aware of the danger posed by terrorism.

China hopes the US will work with the international community to fight terrorism and enhance international anti-terrorism cooperation, she said.