China denies using lethal force to quell Tibet riots

China on Monday denied using lethal force to quell violent protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, saying security personnel did not fire any gunshots and the military was only involved later.

China on Monday denied using lethal force to quell violent protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, saying security personnel did not fire any gunshots and the military was only involved later.

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"Throughout the process (security forces) did not carry or use any lethal weapons," the chairman of Tibet's government, Qiangba Puncog, said at a press conference to discuss the days of protests against China's rule of Tibet.

"I can tell you as a responsible official that guns were absolutely not fired. The PLA was not involved at all in dealing with incident," he said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army.

He added that the PLA were only involved after the riots had taken place to clean up the city and help maintain order.