Protests against China erupt.

China warned its citizens yesterday to be cautious when traveling to Türkiye due to anti-Beijing protests, as many Chinese tourists have recently been "attacked and harassed."

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

According to the Turkish daily Hurriyet, a small group of protesters last week attacked and smashed windows at a Chinese restaurant in the Tophane district of Istanbul. Yesterday, hundreds of protesters also marched to the Chinese consulate.

"Absolutely do not approach or film the protests, and minimize outdoor activities," Reuters quoted a statement posted on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, warning its citizens about a series of protests erupting 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 Uyghurs from China who have crossed the border. Turks are very concerned about the Uyghur people, who live in Xinjiang, believing they share a common culture and religion. They are also resentful of public opinion suggesting that Uyghurs are restricted from practicing their faith during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

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

Xinjiang has been a region of considerable instability in recent years. The Chinese central government has been cracking down on terrorist groups linked to, or claiming to be, the "State of East Turkestan." Members of these groups have carried out deadly attacks in Beijing and cities across Xinjiang.

(According to VNE)