China envoy warns about Kadeer visit

BEIJING, July 28 (UPI) -- China has indicated the visit to Tokyo by the leader of a Uighur group could undermine Sino-Japan relations.

Commenting on the proposed visit by Rebiya Kadeer, head of the exiled World Uighur Congress, Chinese Ambassador Cui Tianki said her visit is designed to distort facts about the July 5 ethnic riots in Urumqi, capital of China's northwest Xinjiang-Uighur region, Xinhua reported.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has already protested Japan's granting of a visa to Kadeer, who is blamed for masterminding the riots. Her group has denied the charge.

Adding to that, Cui reportedly told Kyodo News and Japanese national television NHK that Kadeer's visit is aimed at distorting the facts and advocating her separatist stand, Xinhua said.

"China-Japan relations should not be undermined by the issue concerning Rebiya, nor should the two countries' recognition for major common interests and their cooperation," Xinhua quoted the ambassador as saying.

Cui said the demonstrations were a "serious, violent, criminal incident" and that evidence showed "the well-orchestrated riot was instigated and masterminded by the WUC led by Rebiya."

The Urumqi violence left at least 197 people dead.