Beijing, January 27, 2010
Two weeks after 21 Indians were detained in China for alleged smuggling of diamonds, the government in Beijing has said the case needed further verification and would be handled according to law.
"The specific situation needs further verification," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu said at a press briefing.
Ma's remarks came when he was asked about the reason for the detention of 21 Indian diamond merchants.
The spokesperson also said "China is a country under the rule of law, thus the case you mentioned will be handled according to law."
The Indians were detained by the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs (China) on January 8 and were charged with illegal transportation of diamonds from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.