China has recalled six diplomats from the United Kingdom who police wanted to question over the alleged assault of a man while protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester in October.
British foreign minister James Cleverly welcomed the removal of the officials, including the Consul General in Manchester.
Cleverly had raised British concern over the incident with Chinese diplomats.
British police had been investigating allegations that a protestor was beaten by several men after being dragged inside the grounds of the consulate in Manchester during a demonstration against Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On Wednesday Cleverly told reporters that the UK police had requested six Chinese officials waive diplomatic immunity so they could be questioned and the embassy had been informed. He said:
We set a deadline that expired today, making it clear that we expected them to take action.
In response to our request, the Chinese government has now removed from the UK those officials, including the Consul General himself.
This demonstrates that our adherence to the rule of law, the seriousness with which we take (this) instance, has had an effect… it is right that the Chinese government has now removed these officials from the UK.
| France24