Authorities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region refuted on Monday claims that foreign nationals have been detained in vocational education and training centers.

Trainees learn to operate a printing machine at an educational and vocational training center in Yutian County, Hotan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, NW China. (Photo: CGTN)

A government spokesperson made the remarks at a press conference in response to a U.S. congressional report that alleged that Xinjiang has detained "permanent residents of the United States and Australia" in what it described as "mass internment camps," citing U.S. officials.

"I can tell you responsibly that no non-Chinese has ever received vocational education and training in Xinjiang," the spokesperson said.

"Xinjiang's judicial authorities deal with all those who committed unlawful and criminal acts in strict accordance with the law based on the nature and circumstances of their acts," he said.