Beijing’s sudden decision to temporarily close its consulate in Izmir is widely seen as a warning to Turkey to back off its criticism of China’s treatment of its Muslim minority.

Why it matters: Izmir is poised to be the last port on China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, serving as a bridge between Asia and Europe. The consulate’s closure, announced by the Chinese Embassy in Turkey late Thursday, immediately drew strong reaction from the Aegean province’s business circles.

The embassy did not refer to tensions between Beijing and Ankara in its statement, limiting its explanation to “different factors such as working efficiency.” But in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Deng Li made clear Turkey would pay a price if it continues to criticize China’s treatment of its ethnic Uighurs.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has styled himself as a champion of Muslims, and the Uighur issue resonates with his base ahead of municipal elections right around the corner. Last month Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement accusing Beijing of having tortured and “politically brainwashed” more than a million Uighurs in “concentration camps.”