BEIJING - China on Thursday urged India to properly handle issues related to the detention of three Chinese nationals by Indian Police, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei.

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Hong made the remarks in response to a question on China's reaction on the issue.

He said three Chinese tourists recently strayed into Indian territory from Nepal when travelling at the Nepalese-Indian border and were detained by Indian Police.

The Chinese embassy in India are contacting Indian Police for further information, and asking the Indian side to properly deal with the issue, said Hong.

Hong told reports that the three Chinese tourists were spies or had engaged in money laundering were groundless.

Indian police said Wednesday they had arrested three Chinese nationals on Monday in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.