China’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has been summoned to the Foreign Office amid a diplomatic row over the arrest and alleged beating of a BBC journalist covering COVID-19 protests in Shanghai.

According to a UK government source, Zheng Zeguang has been called by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly over the treatment of cameraman Edward Lawrence, who the BBC said was “beaten and kicked” by police in the Chinese city.

A source from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said “The Chinese ambassador has been called to the FCDO.

“The BBC has been clear one of their journalists was detained and beaten by police when covering these protests.

“We have made it clear this behaviour by the Chinese authorities is completely unacceptable.”

Mr Cleverly on Monday described the incident as “deeply disturbing,” saying the arrest was “shocking and unacceptable” and journalists “must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation.”

Downing Street urged Chinese authorities to “respect those who decide to express their views about the current situation,” as citizens take to the streets to oppose the country’s draconian zero-COVID policy.

The BBC said Mr Lawrence was “arrested and handcuffed” while covering the protests in Shanghai.

The broadcaster said “during his arrest, he was beaten and kicked by police and this happened while he was working as an accredited journalist.”

China’s foreign ministry has reportedly contested the BBC statement, claiming that Mr Lawrence did not identify himself as a journalist.

(dpa/NAN)