Missing climbers search

Relatives of three climbers missing for more than three weeks said they had been forced to accept they could do little now to find the hikers.

'We have no choice. It's out of our hands. The sky decided,' said Chan Lai-kuen, a sister of one of the climbers.

Stormy conditions on Bogda Shan in Xinjiang made another rescue mission dangerous, they said.

Xinjiang officials had discouraged more rescue attempts as the climbing season had ended.

'In theory, we must wait until next year. July and August are the only months suitable for mountain climbing. After that period, the Xinjiang officials won't accept anyone's application to climb,' said Chan Chi-toa, a member of the Hong Kong Ngok Fung Rock Climbing Society, of which the three missing men were members.