In a statement, its president Alim Seytoff questioned the government’s claims that “terrorists” were behind the violence and blamed the troubles on the “devastating effects of [Beijing’s] failing ethnic policies.” A spokesperson for the US State Department addressed the violence on Thursday saying Washington was “deeply concerned by the ongoing reports of discrimination and restrictions against Uighurs and Muslims in China.” US criticism was rejected by Beijing. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing was “unsatisfied” with the US’ comments.