Anti-China protests erupt

China yesterday warned its citizens traveling to Türkiye to be careful of anti-Beijing protests, saying many Chinese tourists had recently been "attacked and harassed".

Some people protested outside the Chinese consulate in Türkiye yesterday. Photo: Reuters

A small group of protesters attacked and smashed windows at a Chinese restaurant in Istanbul’s Tophane district last week, according to the Turkish daily Hurriyet. Hundreds of protesters also marched to the Chinese consulate yesterday.

"Absolutely do not approach or film protests, and minimize outdoor activities," Reuters quoted a statement posted on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, warning Chinese people about a series of protests breaking out in Turkey targeting Chinese government agencies.

Relations between Beijing and Ankara have recently become strained after the Turkish government announced it would open its doors to Chinese Uyghurs who have crossed the border. Turks care deeply about the Uyghurs, who live in the Xinjiang region, because they share a common culture and religion. Turks are also upset about the perceived restrictions on Uyghurs practicing their faith during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Responding to allegations that Beijing imposed restrictions on Uyghur Muslims during the fasting month of Ramadan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on July 1 that China was "deeply concerned" about the reports, adding that people in Xinjiang "still enjoy freedom of religious belief, in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the constitution."

Xinjiang has been plagued by unrest in recent years. The Chinese central government has been cracking down on terrorist groups linked to or calling themselves the "East Turkestan State." Members of this group have carried out deadly attacks in Beijing and other cities in Xinjiang.

(According to VNE)