He said the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) was a terrorism organization listed by the United Nations.
Qin lashed out at some comments that connected China's efforts of fighting terrorism in Xinjiang with the Uygur people, saying some people made such comments out of ulterior motives and these people were doomed to fail.
"These people are trying to sow dissension among the Han nationality and the Uygur nationality, trying to incite conflict between the two nationalities. Their attempt will be firmly opposed by the whole Chinese people, including the Uygur people," said Qin, adding these people only represented a handful of terrorist forces.
He said Uygur compatriots were peace-loving people, just like other Chinese people who firmly opposed religious extremism and separatism.
Qin also briefed on the case of an ETIM organization who was planning a terrorism attack. The ring was smashed by Xinjiang police in January when some materials and weapons for terrorism activities were discovered.
He said the suspects were interrogated and had confessed. They were ordered by the organization to set up a violent gang and to premeditate terrorist activities. The case is under further investigation.
China confident of hosting clean, safe Olympics
Qin voiced confidence on Tuesday that the country will host a clean and safe Olympics.
China is confident in safeguarding the environment and security conditions during the period when the Olympic Games are being held in Beijing, Qin Gang said.
