China says no ‘ethnic problem’ in Xinjiang after Turkey protests

Cebu China has no “cultural dilemma” within this far gredley, and Muslim Uighur minorities there actually get pleasure from autonomy of faith, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday, following anti-China protests in Turkey over Beijing’s remedy for the people.

China responds to protests as relations worsen over Beijing’s policies towards the Muslim Uighur minority. Turkey has also irked China by expressing concern over the reports of restrictions on Uighurs during Ramadan. Chinese companies have begun freezing some of their investments in Turkey, where tourism industry is also affected by the protests, said Today’s Zaman.

Hundreds of protesters marched upon the Chinese consulate in…

An undated photo grab from Xinhua shows the anti-China protest outside a scenic spot Topkapi Palace along the coast of the Bosphorus strait in Turkey.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy advised Chinese tourists in Turkey to avoid traveling alone, or to photograph protesters.

A popular Chinese restaurant in the tourist-heavy Tophane district of Istanbul was attacked last Wednesday by protestors who smashed windows, Reuters reports, citing the Turkish daily Hurriyet. “I’m Korean!” in English as she was escorted away by police. In some areas the new rules prohibit Uighurs from buying knives and women from wearing traditional Muslim veils. Some Uighur students previously told the BBC that they have been banned from fasting during Ramadan, and civil servants have been prevented from doing so by the government. They have less strict requirement for university exams, special prayer rooms in airports, and food labelled with Halal.

Beijing has vehemently denied accusations by human rights organizations, that Uyghurs face widespread discrimination and curtailed religious freedom.

Despite Chinese statements claiming religious freedom in Xinjiang, local officials have posted policies that restrict fasting and practicing Ramadan on several school and government websites.