Diplomats from China, sought by British authorities for interrogation, return to Beijing
In a recent turn of events, the Chinese Consulate in London has accused the British government of failing to protect its consular personnel, following an incident outside Manchester's Chinese consular office in October. Approximately 60 pro-democracy demonstrators gathered to protest Chinese leader Xi Jinping's consolidation of power, with the fight occurring during the demonstration. The incident involved a pro-democracy militant being dragged into the consular office and beaten by a team of men. The Greater Manchester Police is currently investigating the matter, with potential suspects and victims being sought for interviews. The British government, led by Foreign Secretary James Smartly, has expressed its preparedness to take 'firm action' if the police establish a case to charge officials for their involvement in the incident. The Chinese Consulate, however, has defended its actions, claiming that militants provoked the violence with rude banners and it was the consul-general's responsibility to defend China's dignity. The Consulate launched its own investigations with the UK over the incident, which it referred to as 'of a most serious nature.' The incident in Manchester is not an isolated event. Tensions between the two nations have been escalating, with many Hong Kongers moving to Britain, primarily due to Beijing's introduction of a sweeping national security regulation in 2020. The British government has demanded that China waive diplomatic immunity for its mediators to be interviewed by authorities. In response, China has removed 6 mediators, including the consul-general, from the UK. The name of the person who served as the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Manchester and returned from the United Kingdom to China is not currently available. The Chinese government has consistently denied criticism that the regulation has suppressed freedoms, claiming instead it has restored order in the city. Under the new law, protesters, newsrooms, public culture, and formal political resistance have been suppressed in Hong Kong. James Smartly has stated that the Chinese government's response to their demand shows the UK's commitment to the rule of law. The incident in Manchester is a testament to the ongoing strained relations between the two nations, with both parties showing no signs of backing down. The investigations by the Greater Manchester Police are ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen.
