Crowd attacks US ambassador in Beijing [Telegraph]
September 20, 2012 Leave a comment
Around 50 Chinese protesters surrounded the official car of the United States ambassador in Beijing, who escaped unharmed, according to the US State Department.
The melee occurred outside the gates of the US embassy and security guards had to intervene to protect Gary Locke, 62. The protesters caused minor damage to the vehicle.
“Embassy officials have registered their concern regarding today’s incident with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and urged the Chinese Government to do everything possible to protect American facilities and personnel,” the statement said.
The incident happened on Tuesday, while large crowds of protesters were massed outside the Japanese embassy nearby, to demand that Japan relinquish control of an island chain claimed by China in the waters between the two countries.
Xi Jinping, China’s Vice-President and presumptive leader, denounced Japan’s decision to buy disputed islands as a provocation as China moved to snuff out the wave of anti-Japan protests. “Japan should rein in its behaviour and stop any words and acts that undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xi said in a meeting with visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, according to Xinhua news agency.
