China opposes US appointment of Tibet affairs official

China expressed opposition on Thursday against the United States appointing a special coordinator for Tibetan issues, urging Washington to stop undermining the development and stability of the region or using the issue to interfere in China's domestic affairs.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that Robert Destro, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, would assume the post.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a daily news conference Tibet affairs are China's internal affairs that brook no external interference.

"The setting up of the so-called coordinator for Tibetan issues is political manipulation to interfere in China's domestic affairs and undermine the development and stability of the region," Zhao said, adding China would never acknowledge such a post.

People of all ethnic groups in the Tibet autonomous region are part of the big family of the Chinese nation, and since its peaceful liberation, Tibet has seen prosperous economic growth, harmonious and stable society and cultural development, Zhao noted.

He said various ethnic groups in the region are united together and people's livelihood has improved.

People in Tibet enjoyed religious freedom and their rights were fully respected, he added.

"China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its interests," Zhao said.

The appointment comes at a time when China-US relations have plunged to their lowest point in decades. The US has been citing "human rights" as an excuse to meddle in Tibetan affairs, including introducing acts related to Tibetan issues and putting visa restrictions on Chinese officials. China has taken countermeasures against relevant US individuals.