China recalls diplomats from Britain after attack

Two months ago, riots broke out at the Chinese consulate in Manchester. Consular officials tore down banners held by protesters who had gathered outside the embassy. Videos of the incident show how a protester is dragged into the embassy compound and beaten before police intervene.

One of the people in the video has been identified as Consul General Zheng Zhijuan, head of the embassy in Manchester. The incident sparked a diplomatic crisis between China and Britain, but the investigation was difficult because diplomats wanted by police to investigate had diplomatic immunity and did not participate in the investigation.

BBC British officials told the Chinese embassy in London that the diplomats would face consequences if they did not waive their immunity, according to reports. This may have driven them out of the country. Now, China has decided to bring six ambassadors to China instead, which will ease the diplomatic crisis.

Disappointing lack of investigation

According to the BBC, British Foreign Secretary James Wise said the Chinese decision showed the seriousness of Britain’s response to the incident.

“I am disappointed that these individuals will not be investigated or brought to justice,” Wise said in a written statement to parliament.

“However, those responsible for the humiliating scenes in Manchester are no longer – or will soon cease to be – UK-accredited consular staff.”

Iain Duncan Smith, the former leader of the Conservative Party, said Britain would like to act harder.

– The blatant assault on a peaceful democracy activist in Manchester requires more than letting those responsible walk the country with their heads held high without prosecution. It is not fair to let China take them back. The BBC said we would have kicked them out weeks ago.

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