BEIJING: In a heated exchange between China and the United Kingdom, Beijing staunchly denied the existence of secret police stations in the UK. This denial comes in response to an order issued by the UK government to shut down these alleged stations following the publication of a report by the human rights group Safeguard Defenders.
UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat revealed on Tuesday that the government had informed the Chinese embassy of the decision to close the stations. According to Tugendhat, the report by Safeguard Defenders claimed that these stations, initially established for administrative purposes, were being utilized to monitor and harass diaspora communities. Additionally, the report alleged that some individuals were coerced into returning to China through illegitimate means.
China Abides by International Laws: Spokesperson
However, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin vehemently denied these allegations during a regular news briefing on Wednesday. Wang declared, “There are simply no so-called secret police stations.” He further urged the UK to respect the facts, cease the exaggerated hype, and refrain from smearing China while creating obstacles to China-UK relations. Wang emphasized that China consistently abides by international law and respects the judicial sovereignty of all nations.
The UK Foreign Office, upon being made aware of the report, expressed its strong disapproval of any activities associated with these alleged “police service stations.” Tugendhat stated, “Any functions related to such ‘police service stations’ in the UK are unacceptable and must not operate in any form.”
The Chinese embassy in the UK has refuted the report, cautioning against false accusations disseminated by the media. The escalating controversy surrounding the existence of secret police stations has heightened tensions between China and the UK, raising concerns about human rights and diplomatic relations.
