UK summons Chinese envoy as BBC journalist assaulted in Shanghai, read here

The Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom has been called to the Foreign Office after a diplomatic spat erupted over police "beating" a BBC journalist in Shanghai.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly summoned Zheng Zeguang, China's senior Ambassador, to Whitehall to explain the treatment of Ed Lawrence, who was jailed while reporting rallies against Xi Jinping's zero-covid policy, which includes harsh lockdown restrictions. According to a Foreign Office source, the Chinese Ambassador has been summoned to the FCDO.

According to the source, the BBC has made it known that one of its journalists was detained and abused by police while reporting the protests.


Earlier, Cabinet Minister Michelle Donelan chastised Beijing when the Chinese foreign ministry said the BBC was playing the victim in the Shanghai affair.

Downing Street described Lawrence's treatment as awful and disgraceful on Monday. However, China's foreign ministry stated on Tuesday that journalists should not engage in activities that are unrelated to their job. At a news conference in Beijing, ministry spokeswoman Zhao Lijian said that the BBC is playing the victim. Britain was also accused of hypocritical double standards by the Foreign Ministry.

However, Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan reacted angrily to Beijing, questioning whether the Chinese government was telling the entire truth about the incident.

FAQs:

1. Where exactly is Shanghai?
   Shanghai is the largest metropolis in China and a worldwide financial centre.
2. Why is Shanghai so well-known?
   It is a famous destination for historical monuments like The Bund, and the Yu Garden, the Lujiazui skyline, several skyscrapers, and major museums like the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum.