Beijing on attack over UK handling of consulate row

China yesterday warned it would take retaliatory action against the United Kingdom if it did not move to ensure Chinese diplomats could work freely in the country after Beijing recalled envoys accused of assaulting a protester in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police launched a criminal probe after Hongkonger Bob Chan alleged Chinese diplomats dragged him inside their compound to assault him at an anti-Beijing protest in October.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had said on Wednesday that the six diplomats had left the country by a deadline imposed by London for them to waive their diplomatic immunity and be questioned by police over the incident.

They included consul-general Zheng Xiyuan, one of China's most senior UK diplomats, whose recall Beijing insisted represented a "normal rotation" of personnel. Beijing called on London to fulfill its obligations under international law and consular agreements.

"Otherwise, China will inevitably retaliate firmly, forcefully and in equal measure," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He also accused Britain of "political manipulation" and siding with "violent separatists."

In October, the UK's Foreign Office summoned Yang Xiaoguang, China's Charge d'Affaires in London, after footage emerged backing up the claims of Chan, a pro-democracy protester.

Senior ruling Conservative lawmakers had accused Zheng of being at the Manchester scene and ripping down posters during a peaceful protest.

MP Alicia Kearns, chair of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, said the six "fled the UK like cowards, making clear their guilt," and said they should "never again welcome be in the United Kingdom."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE