China says Ozil 'deceived by fake news' on Uighurs

China said Monday that Arsenal footballer Mesut Ozil was "deceived by fake news" after he posted criticism of Beijing's treatment of its Uighur minority, and urged him to visit Xinjiang to see for himself.

Ozil, a German national of Turkish origin, condemned China's crackdown on Muslim minorities in the northwestern region of Xinjiang in a tweet Friday, and criticised Muslim countries for failing to speak up about the alleged abuses.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Monday that Ozil's "judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks" and he would be "pleased to see him going to Xinjiang and having a look".

"As long as he has common sense, can make a clear distinction between right and wrong, and upholds the principles of objectivity and fairness, he will see a different Xinjiang," said Geng.

"Xinjiang enjoys political stability, economic development, national unity, social harmony, and... people there live and work in peace and contentment."