China defends right to protect consulate after assault claim

LONDON (AP) — China’s Foreign Ministry says its diplomatic missions abroad have the right to “take necessary measures” to maintain security after British police opened an investigation into the assault of a Hong Kong protester who alleged he was dragged into the Chinese consulate in Manchester and beaten up during a demonstration. British police said a peaceful protest outside the Chinese consulate on Sunday turned into a “hostile” situation when unidentified men came out of the building, dragged one of the protesters into the consulate grounds and assaulted him. Police said officers had to intervene and remove the man. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Tuesday that the protester “illegally entered” the consulate and “jeopardized the security of the Chinese diplomatic premises.”