Several senior members of the Conservative Party have criticized the attendance of Chinese officials at King’s coronation as “outrageous” due to concerns about the Chinese government’s human rights record and alleged involvement in cyber-espionage. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the UK and China, as the two countries navigate a complex relationship amid growing global concerns about China’s geopolitical ambitions and actions.
The officials were part of a diplomatic delegation that attended the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday. Led by the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang, the delegation included several other high-ranking officials.
MP Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, described the attendance of the Chinese officials as “outrageous” given concerns about China’s human rights record and alleged cyber-espionage activities. Other Conservative MPs echoed Tugendhat’s concerns, with MP Tobias Ellwood stating that the Chinese officials should not have been invited to the coronation.
The controversy comes amid heightened criticism of China’s treatment of ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region and its crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. China has also been accused of engaging in cyber-espionage activities against other countries, including the UK.
As tensions between the UK and China continue to rise, some are calling for a review of the government’s approach to China. However, the Chinese Embassy in London has rejected allegations of human rights abuses and cyber-espionage, stating that they are “groundless” and “politically motivated.”
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