China protests excessive UK border checks on Chinese nationals

China has lodged solemn representations with Britain over multiple cases involving Chinese nationals being subjected to prolonged detention and questioning by British border enforcement officers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

Guo said the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Britain had recently received several reports of Chinese citizens being detained and questioned for extended periods while entering or leaving the country, with mobile phones and other electronic devices confiscated.

China expresses strong dissatisfaction and serious concern over what it considers arbitrary and excessive enforcement measures by British authorities, he said.

The Chinese side has lodged solemn representations with Britain and will make every effort to safeguard the personal safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals, Guo added.

His remarks came after the Chinese Embassy in Britain issued a safety advisory on Oct 19, warning Chinese citizens about heightened risks during British border inspections.

Guo urged Chinese citizens planning to travel to Britain to carefully read the embassy's advisory to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and losses.