Hong Kong -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Buddhist nun in southwest China has died after setting herself on fire , the 11th Tibetan -- and second nun -- to self-immolate since March . The death of the nun , identified as Qiu Xiang , was reported by state-run Xinhua and confirmed by exile groups . The 35-year old set herself on fire at a road crossing in Dawu County , in the Ganzi region of Sichuan Province , the South China Morning Post said , citing Xinhua . It was unclear why she killed herself , though Tibetan campaign groups say it was in protest against Chinese rule . But China 's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed the incident related to `` pro-Tibetan independence forces '' overseas . `` Everyone knows that nowadays , except for the very few evil cults and extremist forces , all religions advocate respect for human life and oppose violence , '' said spokesperson Hong Lei . `` It is a challenge to the moral bottom line of all human beings if , instead of condemning the extreme act of self-immolation , some people are hyping or instigating it . '' According to the International Campaign for Tibet -LRB- ICT -RRB- , which advocates Tibetan independence , Palden Choetso -- Qiu 's Tibetan name -- called for freedom and the return from exile of the Dalai Lama , the Tibetan spiritual leader , as she was burning . London-based Free Tibet also confirmed the incident . Her body was then taken by fellow nuns into the Ganden Choeling nunnery in Tawu , the ICT said . Six of the 11Tibetans -- all monks or former monks -- who have set themselves ablaze died from their injuries . Most of the suicide attempts occurred in Aba Prefecture and the Kirti monastery , also in Sichuan , which has become a focal point for ethnic Tibetans angry at the erosion of their culture . Last month , a nun in Ngaba County , Sichuan Province , became the first Tibetan woman known to have killed herself . Free Tibet said Tenzin Wangmo , 20 , died outside the Dechen Chokorling Nunnery . The State Administration for Religious Affairs in Beijing told CNN they were not aware of the incident . Activists and exiled Tibetans say the disturbing acts reflect an increasingly repressive environment under Beijing 's control . `` The incidents are a clear indication of the genuine grievances of the Tibetans and their sense of deep resentment and despair over the prevailing conditions in Tibet , '' said new Tibetan leader in exile , Lobsang Sangay , in quotes carried by Free Tibet . `` It is therefore of the utmost urgency that every possible effort be made to address the underlying root causes of Tibetan grievances and resentment . '' A statement from the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala , India read : `` The Kashag -LRB- Cabinet -RRB- would like to make it clear that it stands in solidarity with the Tibetan people in Tibet who endure continued suppression under the Chinese authorities , whose short-sighted policies have driven till now eleven Tibetans to set themselves on fire . `` Instead of addressing the real problems that drive Tibetans to commit self-immolation , Xinhua , the official news organ of the Chinese government , blames the Tibetans-in-exile for instigating such desperate and despairing acts . `` The Kashag strongly urges the Chinese government to stop hurling baseless allegations and to start solving the real problems . -LRB- The -RRB- People 's Republic of China can do this by stopping its repressive policy on Tibet and allowing more freedom of religion and speech . '' Prominent Tibetan writer and activist Tsering Woeser told CNN this kind of protest will continue as long as the Chinese government 's Tibet policy remains the same . `` If there is no improvement Tibetans will feel it 's better to die than be alive . They commit suicide to protest , '' she said . `` The international community should impose pressure and condemn the Chinese government , '' she added . `` But so far , the pressure is not enough , the international community only appeals to Chinese government but there are no real actions such as economic boycott . '' In an interview with CNN last month , Woeser said Tibetan Buddhists ca n't use violence against others to protest , so they harm themselves to people pay attention to their plight . `` This is not suicide . This is sacrifice in order to draw the world 's attention , '' she said . China rejects accusations of oppression of Tibetans , saying its rule has greatly improved living standards for the Tibetan people . The Dalai Lama 's representative signed an agreement with Beijing in 1951 to affirm China 's sovereignty over Tibet but also grant autonomy to the area . A failed uprising against Beijing 's rule in 1959 forced the Dalai Lama into exile . The Dalai Lama denies seeking independence for Tibet , saying he wants genuine autonomy , under which Tibetans can make their own policies on key issues , such as religious practices . In a 2008 uprising , violent unrest in Tibet and the subsequent military crackdown left at least 18 dead , and activists say tensions have remained high in many areas since then . CNN 's Haolan Hong and Xiaoni Chen contributed to this report .