3 Chinese arrested in India are tourists, not spies: China

China today said that the three Chinese citizens, who were arrested in India without valid travel documents recently, were not spies but 'tourists' who entered the Indian territory by 'mistake'.

"The relevant report is inaccurate," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a media briefing in Beijing while answering a question that the three may be spies.

"In recent days three Chinese tourists crossed over to Indian border by mistake along the India-Nepal border. They were detained by Indian police", Hong said.

"The Chinese embassy in India is in touch with the Indian police and urge the Indian side to properly handle the issue", Hong said.

The three, including a woman, were arrested near the Indo-Nepal border for allegedly sneaking into the Indian territory and taking pictures of vital installations, according to the Indian paramilitary personnel.

The three, identified as Liao Xing, Yu Dangli and Yang Liu, were arrested by Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB) near Rupedhiya border in Uttar Pradesh on January 17 when they were taking pictures of some important installations.

An Indian PAN card, two mobiles and a camera were recovered from them.

They were booked for illegally entering country and under the Passport Act.