BEIJING – Reuters

China has warned its citizens traveling in Turkey to be careful of anti-Beijing protests, in the wake of several attacks on tourists and restaurants mistaken for being Chinese in Istanbul.

The notice, posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on July 5, said there have recently been “multiple” demonstrations in Turkey targeting the Chinese government.

“Absolutely do not get close to or film the protests, and minimize to the greatest extent outside activities when alone,” the notice said.

Relations between China and Turkey have been strained amid Turkish media reports suggesting that ethnic Uighur Muslims in China’s far western region of Xinjiang are being banned from worship and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.