We approached India on visit of Uyghur activist, says China

Beijing: A day after India cancelled the visa of Uyghur activist Dolkun Isa, China said on Tuesday that it had approached the Indian side through diplomatic channels against his visit to Dharamsala for a global Uyghur meet.

Chinese foreign office spokesperson Hua Chunying, answering a query at a press briefing, said that India and China "should respect each other`s concerns and properly handle relevant issues".

Isa had voiced disappointment after the Indian home ministry cancelled his tourist visa saying it is not a valid travel document to attend a conference.

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is scheduled from April 28 to May 1 in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, as a closed door event. It is being organised by the US-based Initiatives for China.

Asked about her comments on the cancellation, Hua said: "We have noted the relevant report. Upon learning that the Indian government would grant a visa for Dolkun, the Chinese side has immediately expressed its concerns with the Indian side through the diplomatic channel.

"What I would like to stress is that Dolkun is a terrorist on the red notice of the Interpol and the Chinese police. Bringing him to justice is the due obligation of relevant countries. Sino-Indian relationship enjoys a sound momentum of development. The two sides should respect each other`s concerns and properly handle relevant issues," she said.