New Delhi: China today appreciated India's handling of the controversy over the summoning of Indian ambassador past midnight to discuss Tibet "crisis" and did not see it as a "big issue" for bilateral ties.

Beijing also said there is "no truth" in media reports suggesting that the incident was a diplomatic rebuff.

"From the proper handling (of the issue) by your government, you can see that it is not the truth. I can assure you that nothing as depicted in the media has happened," Chinese Ambassador to India, Zhang Yan told reporters here at an informal meeting.

"I can responsibly say that what has been reported on this matter is not correct. We have treated your ambassador very respectably and we have a very good working relationship with your (Indian) Embassy in Beijing," Zhang said.

At the same time, he refused to confirm or deny reports that Indian Ambassador to China, Nirupama Rao was summoned by the Chinese Foreign Ministry at an odd hour past midnight on March 21 following the storming of its embassy here.

Asked whether calling the Indian envoy (a woman) at an odd hour was proper, Zhang said: "We have to respect your (Indian) culture. It is important."

"In future, the timing (of such meetings) should be considered," Zhang said.

"We don't think it is a big issue. It is a very very minor issue. I don't think it will affect our relationship. On the contrary, both sides, that is my feeling, don't see anything wrong". In future, the timing should be considered.

At the same time, he also stressed that a diplomat could expect such situations in his life.

Source : PTI