BEIJING, June 28: Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir arrived in China on Tuesday for talks with President Hu Jintao, as the United States and rights groups criticised Beijing for hosting an alleged war criminal.

Omar Bashir's presidential plane touched down in Beijing in the early hours, a day later than planned, after Sudan's foreign ministry said it was forced to choose a “new route” while flying over Turkmenistan.

The change in plans forced an overhaul of Mr Bashir's schedule, but not a cancellation of talks with Hu Jintao nor a red-carpet ceremony at the Great Hall of the People for a man who is unwelcome in many countries.—AFP