US Homeland Security head Tom Ridge yesterday apologised to the Chinese consulate in New York over the beating of Tianjin businesswoman Zhao Yan .
The apology is the latest move in a diplomatic saga that has stirred emotions in New York's Chinese community.
In a telephone conversation with acting Chinese ambassador Lan Lijun , Mr Ridge offered an apology for what he described as a 'totally unacceptable' act.
Ms Zhao was allegedly beaten by US homeland security officers at Niagara Falls, when they mistook her for a member of a drug-smuggling gang last week.
Mr Ridge said the alleged assailant would be charged and promised measures would be taken at the Canadian border to prevent similar incidents.
The apology came shortly after US Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote to his counterpart Li Zhaoxing to say he was disturbed by the 'unfair treatment' of Ms Zhao.
A US State Department spokesman also expressed regret at the 'apparent mistreatment' of Ms Zhao, adding that the US would continue to work to ensure that such incidents did not occur again.