Chinese delegation barred from visiting Queen Elizabeth’s coffin as she lies in state, report says
- Zheng Zeguang, China’s ambassador to Britain, was barred from visiting Parliament last year after UK MPs were sanctioned by Beijing
- Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan is expected to attend state funeral and may be able to attend the lying in state
The House of Commons has barred a delegation of Chinese government officials from visiting Queen Elizabeth’s lying in state at Westminster Hall in the latest political rift between London and Beijing, Politico reported on Friday.
House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has told colleagues that he turned down a request by the Chinese government, Politico said, citing a senior parliamentary figure familiar with the matter.
A Commons spokesman declined to comment on Friday, saying they do not discuss “security matters”.
China is one of dozens of nations with diplomatic ties to Britain invited to attend Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral on Monday, with Wang expected to arrive in London on Sunday and attend the funeral.
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In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she had not seen the report, but said the UK should “follow the diplomatic protocols and proper manners to receive guests”.