China rejects Turkey criticism on Uighurs, denies poet died

China denies claims that a famous Uighur poet died in custody. Above, Chinese asylum seekers walk towards Thai immigration trucks in 2014, many thought to belong to the Uighur minority. (AFP)

• China hopes Turkey detect and correct their mistake

BEIJING: China hit back on Monday against Turkish criticism over its treatment of ethnic Uighurs and denied Ankara’s claim that a renowned poet from the Muslim minority had died in custody.
“China has already made solemn representations toward Turkey. We hope the relevant Turkish persons can distinguish between right and wrong and correct their mistakes,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a daily press briefing.