China on Thursday said the Huseyin Celil case was "in essence related to anti-terrorism" and did not concern Canada.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked whether Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay would discuss the Celil case with his Chinese counterpart during his upcoming visit to China from April 29 to May 1.

Liu stressed the Celil case was part of China's internal affairs and he could not say whether or not the two ministers would discuss it.

Huseyin Celil, a China-born Uygur and a prominent member of the "East Turkistan" terrorist organization, was sentenced to life imprisonment on April 19 for plotting to split the country and ten years for taking part in terrorist activities.

Canada claims Celil, 37, was given Canadian citizenship in 2001 but China does not recognize it. He was arrested in Uzbekistan in 2006 and extradited to China soon afterwards.

Liu said China had reiterated its stance over the Celil case to the Canada many times and that he hoped Canada would not interfere in the internal matter.

Liu said China welcomed the visit by the Canadian foreign minister and hoped the visit could play a positive role in improving and developing bilateral relations.

The scheduled topics between the Chinese and Canadian foreign ministers would cover how to strengthen political trust, economic cooperation, cultural and personnel exchanges, and collaboration on international affairs, Liu added.

Source: Xinhua