Hong Kong calls for respect of its overseas-based trade offices after UK charged its London staffer

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s leader has urged foreign governments to respect its overseas-based trade offices after a staff member in its London branch was charged in Britain for allegedly working for the Chinese city’s intelligence service. Chief Executive John Lee said Tuesday his administration has demanded the British government provide an explanation about the prosecution of Bill Yuen, the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, along with two other men. Their arrests are likely to sour relations between Britain and China. Britain summoned China’s ambassador to the Foreign Office on Tuesday in a sign of strong diplomatic displeasure.