BEIJING (REUTERS).- The Chinese government said on Tuesday it was "unhappy" with foreign support for detained artist and activist Ai Weiwei, after Ai's detention last week sparked an outcry from Washington and other Western governments.
"The Chinese people also feel baffled -- why do some people in some countries treat a crime suspect as a hero?"
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news conference.
"The Chinese people are unhappy about this. No matter what influence they have had, they will be punished according to the law."
Hong's comments come after China said on Sunday that the United States is beset by violence, racism and torture and has no authority to condemn other governments' human rights problems, countering U.S. criticism of Beijing's crackdown.
(Reporting by Chris Buckley, Writing by Sui-Lee Wee; Editing by Ken Wills)
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