China on Tuesday  expressed regret over the alleged assault in Beijing of three journalists from a Japanese news agency covering a National Day rehearsal, but said they had ignored media rules.

"No matter what reason there was, we regret that such an unhappy event happened," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters in response to a question on the incident involving three employees from Kyodo News Agency.

The three journalists were covering a rehearsal Friday for a parade to mark China's 60th National Day on October 1, when authorities stormed into their hotel room and assaulted them, Kyodo reported.

"We have told foreign media groups not to film or report on any rehearsal. Unfortunately, these three reporters didn't follow our advice," Jiang said. "As far as I know, they broke into a balcony facing the rehearsal site in Beijing Hotel and filmed the event. The balcony was sealed with alarming signs saying 'no filming of the rehearsal.'"

"They have been handed over to relevant authorities, and I haven't received further information. We appreciate cooperation from world media and hope reporters can pay attention to our instructions. We will provide help when they need it," Jiang added.

AFP Global Times