Chinese police have uncovered seven "terrorist cells" operating in the country's westernmost region of Xinjiang, an area that has seen simmering resentment against Chinese rule, state media has said.

According to the China Daily newspaper, the "cells" were based in the Kashgar, close to the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The report said all members of the groups had been arrested, but gave no further details.

Chinese officials regularly say they have uncovered terrorist groups or foiled plots in Xinjiang, but few details are usually given.

Human rights groups have accused Chinese authorities of using allegations of terrorism to suppress peaceful pro-independence sentiment among Xinjiang's indigenous ethnic Uighurs.

The Uighurs, Turkic-speaking Muslims, are distinct from China's ethnic majority Han who increasingly dominate economic life in Xinjiang.