China has sent a formal representation to the United Kingdom after British border services subjected Chinese citizens to lengthy questioning and seized their personal electronic devices, including mobile phones.
According to a statement from China’s embassy in the United Kingdom, numerous Chinese citizens – including trade representatives, tourists, and people who had arrived to visit relatives – faced prolonged delays, questioning by border services, and the confiscation of phones and other devices.
The embassy indicated that British border officers cited the provisions of the United Kingdom’s 2019 Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act as the legal basis for their actions.
“China expresses serious concern over this and has sent formal representations to the UK authorities,” the embassy said, noting that it will continue to call on the United Kingdom to stop arbitrarily detaining and questioning Chinese citizens.
The embassy urged Chinese travelers to protect their personal property and privacy, to be aware of the relevant British rules and procedures, and to seek help from the consulate if necessary.