BEIJING - The statement made by Gary Locke, in the capacity of the United States ambassador to China, on the case of Ni Yulan was inappropriate, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Thursday.

In response to questions from the press, Liu said in a statement that China was a country under the rule of law. No matter who violates the law, the person must be punished by law.

"The Chinese side is absolutely opposed to interference in its internal affairs and judicial sovereignty by any foreign countries under the pretext of so-called human rights concerns," Liu said.

Ambassador Locke issued Monday a statement, saying he was very concerned with the verdict of Ni Yulan and asking for release of Ni.