London announced on Wednesday that China withdrew six of its diplomats to the UK, including its consul-general in Manchester, after they were accused of assault… Hong Kong protester Pro-democracy in the British city.
Leave instead of revoking immunity
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the six envoys had left the UK instead of giving up diplomatic immunity and undergoing police questioning over the October incident, after London set a deadline for Wednesday.
criminal investigation
“As part of that investigation, we have asked six Chinese officials to waive their diplomatic immunity so they can be questioned,” Cleverly said on Wednesday.
He also noted that the Chinese embassy in London had been notified of a deadline to “take action”.
Hong Kong protester Bob Chan/Reuters
“In response to our requests, the Chinese government has now withdrawn these officials from the UK, including the Consul General himself,” Cleverly said.
He added that London’s response reflected “its adherence to the rule of law” as well as “the seriousness with which we take these incidents”.
Tear off the stickers
The British Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese charge d’affaires, Yang Xiaoguang, to London in October after the release of footage supporting the protester’s statements.
Hong Kong protester Bob Chan/Reuters
Senior Conservative MPs had accused Consul-General Zheng Xuan, a senior Chinese diplomat in the UK, of being at the protest site in Manchester and tearing down posters during the peaceful protest.
The isolation of the six Chinese envoys is expected to satisfy China’s opponents in the Conservative Party, who have called for their expulsion and accused the London government of pleasing Beijing.
Greater Manchester Police have opened a criminal investigation after Hong Kong protester Bob Chan said Chinese diplomats subjected him to “barbaric” treatment by dragging him to their diplomatic compound and assaulting him during a pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong.
