China News Service, March 25. According to the website of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom, on March 17, 2020, four Chinese students at the University of Southampton wore masks to go out to buy meals. They were provoked and abused by local youths near the school apartment. Physical conflict, one Chinese student was beaten. My foreign student called the police in time, and the local police arrested the two perpetrators for suspected brawl. The injured students were not seriously injured and their lives were not affected. Local media reported the incident.
When the Chinese embassy in the UK was informed, they verified the situation and expressed condolences to relevant students, and immediately made representations to the Southampton Municipal Government, the police, and the University of Southampton, asking them to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of our international students in accordance with the law, and punish the accident. By. The Southern City government and police have stated that any crime based on ignorance, prejudice and hatred is unacceptable. NTU said that opposing any form of discrimination will strengthen relevant measures to ensure the safety of all foreign students in the UK, including Chinese students.
With the rapid spread of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, especially since politicians in some countries and the media have stigmatized China through the epidemic, there have been multiple incidents of discrimination, provocation, and even personal attacks on Chinese and Asian groups in countries such as the United States and Britain. The nature is severe and the impact is severe . This time, Chinese students who traveled wearing masks for epidemic prevention were beaten for no reason, which is outrageous. The perpetrators violated the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and violated British laws prohibiting racial discrimination and hate crimes. The Chinese embassy in Britain resolutely opposed it and strongly condemned it. We require the British government and police to effectively protect the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in the UK in accordance with their international obligations and domestic laws.
It is hoped that Chinese citizens in the UK will comply with the UK government's epidemic prevention regulations and requirements and reduce unnecessary travel. When going out, take good protection to ensure safety. In the event of malicious provocation, keep calm and properly respond to the police and call the Chinese consulate in the UK. The Chinese embassy and consulate in the UK will continue to provide consular services and assistance within the scope of their duties. I hope everyone can help each other and overcome the difficulties together.
British police, emergency phone: 999
Emergency Call Center for Global Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China: + 86-10-12308 or + 86-10-59913991
Chinese Embassy in the UKTel: + 44-20-74368294
Chinese Consulate General in Manchester Tel: + 44-161-2248986
Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh Tel: + 44-131-3374449
Chinese Consulate General in Belfast Tel: + 44-7895306461