BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China said on Tuesday that it was the country's internal affair to deal with the citizens deported from Cambodia, who were suspected of committing criminal offences, and the outside world should not make irresponsible remarks.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a question on Cambodia's deportation of 20 Chinese citizens of the Uygur ethnic group.
Cambodia deported the Chinese citizens according to its immigration law and China received them according to the customs, said Jiang.
The Chinese nationals illegally cross the border to break the laws both in China and Cambodia. They were also suspected of committing criminal offenses, she said.
"Any country facing such circumstances is entitled to make its own decision in accordance with its domestic laws," Jiang said.
"How to handle with these people is the internal affair of China, and the outside world shall not make irresponsible remarks," Jiang said.
"China is a country under the rule of law. Judicial authorities will deal with these people's illegal criminal activities in accordance with the law and safeguard their legitimate rights."
Commenting on whether the deportation was linked with China's assistance to Cambodia, Jiang said both countries have maintained comprehensive and cooperative partnership, and "We provide assistance to Cambodia in line with our own capacity and without any strings attached."