BEIJING (REUTERS) - China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday (June 1) slammed a joint statement by the leaders of the United States and New Zealand that expressed "grave concerns" over human rights violations in Xinjiang and the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.

Their joint statement smears China and gravely interferes in China's internal affairs, said Mr Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the ministry.

In their statement, US President Joe Biden and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also said they would encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong are China's internal affairs, said Mr Zhao at a regular news conference.