Chinese diplomat involved in protester attack, says UK MP
One of China’s most senior UK diplomats was involved in violence against protesters at the Manchester consulate on Sunday, a British MP says.
“What we saw was the Chinese consul-general then ripping down posters and peaceful protest,” Alicia Kearns told MPs in the House of Commons.
MPs in Parliament have privilege, allowing them to speak freely without fear of legal action.
China has not commented on Zheng Xiyuan’s alleged involvement.
But the foreign ministry in Beijing defended the actions of consulate staff.
Spokesman Wang Wenbin said people had “illegally entered” the grounds and any country’s diplomats would have taken “necessary measures” to protect their premises.
In a tweet, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “I’ve ordered the summoning of the Chinese chargé d’affaires to demand an explanation for the shocking scenes outside the Chinese consulate-general in Manchester on Sunday.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in Great Britain and the Chinese government must respect that.”
The UK said that a meeting was held with China’s chargé d’affaires – the ambassador’s deputy – Yang Xiaoguang, where it was reiterated that all diplomats and consular staff based in the UK must respect the UK’s laws and regulations.
The official Chinese version of what happened is at odds with video footage and statements from police. Officers had to drag back a protester from inside the consulate gate as he was being attacked.
Earlier, Kearns told MPs that after Consul-General Zheng Xiyuan ripped down the placards, there was “grievous bodily harm against a Hongkonger, one of whom was hospitalized for taking part in a peaceful protest.
“Some were then dragged onto consulate territory for a further beating by officials who have been recognized to be members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“We cannot allow the CCP to import their beating of protesters, their silencing of free speech, and their failure to allow time and time again protests on British soil. This is a chilling escalation.”
Agencies