Chinese police detain Evergrande wealth management staff.
Chinese Police Detain Staff at Evergrande Firm’s Wealth Management Unit
In a dramatic turn of events, police in a southern Chinese city have taken action against staff members at China Evergrande Group’s wealth management unit, adding to the woes of the heavily indebted developer.
The Shenzhen police released a statement on Saturday, revealing that they have implemented “criminal coercive measures” against suspects, including individuals from the financial wealth management company under Evergrande Group.
While the identity of one of the suspects, Du, remains unclear, media reports from 2021 had identified Du Liang as the head of the company’s wealth management unit.
Evergrande, known as the world’s most heavily indebted real estate developer, is currently at the epicenter of a property market crisis that is adversely affecting China’s economic growth.
To avoid defaulting on a staggering $340 billion debt, the group is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring plan that involves asset offloading.
On a positive note, China’s national financial regulator recently approved the takeover of Evergrande’s life insurance arm by a new state-owned entity.
Since 2021, China’s sprawling property sector has experienced a series of debt defaults, leaving behind unfinished buildings and disgruntled homebuyers. This real estate crisis has raised concerns about its potential impact on the global economy.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Chinese Police Move in on Evergrande Firm, Detain Wealth Management Staff appeared first on The Western Journal.
What are the potential implications of the detainment of a staff member at the UK Consulate in Hong Kong for diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and China?
UK Consulate in Hong Kong
On August 20th, 2019, the Chinese police detained a staff member at the UK Consulate in Hong Kong, further escalating tensions between the United Kingdom and China in the midst of ongoing pro-democracy protests in the region. The individual, Simon Cheng, a Hong Kong citizen who worked as a trade and investment officer at the consulate, was reportedly detained during a business trip to Shenzhen, a city in mainland China bordering Hong Kong. According to Cheng’s girlfriend, he traveled to attend a business meeting which was scheduled to take place the following day. However, after failing to return home that night, his girlfriend reported him missing and later discovered through an online travel registration system that he had been held in administrative detention by the Chinese authorities. The detention of Cheng raises serious concerns about the treatment and safety of diplomatic staff in Hong Kong. The fact that he was allegedly apprehended in Shenzhen, rather than in Hong Kong itself, illustrates the reach of the Chinese authorities in exerting control over individuals beyond their jurisdiction. This incident highlights the potential vulnerability of foreign diplomats and the impact it may have on their ability to fulfill their duties in regions where political tensions are high. The exact reasons for Cheng’s detention remain unclear, but it is believed that his arrest is connected to his involvement in the pro-democracy protests that have taken place in Hong Kong since June 2019. It is no secret that Beijing views the protests as a threat to its sovereignty and stability. The Chinese government has openly condemned the demonstrations, accusing foreign countries of interfering in China’s internal affairs and supporting the protesters. Cheng’s arrest could be seen as an attempt to send a warning message to other foreign diplomats who may consider involvement or support for the pro-democracy movement. The UK government has expressed its concern over the detainment, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stating that they are “extremely concerned” about the situation and providing consular assistance to Cheng and his family. The British consulate in Hong Kong has been in close contact with the authorities in the region, seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding Cheng’s detention and demanding his immediate release. This incident is undoubtedly a blow to the already strained relationship between China and the United Kingdom. It comes after months of tension stemming from the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, and more recently, the controversy surrounding the British government’s decision to allow Huawei, a Chinese telecommunications company, to have a limited role in the development of the UK’s 5G mobile network. The detainment of a staff member at the UK Consulate will undoubtedly further complicate bilateral relations and could provoke a strong response from the UK government, affecting both political and economic ties. The international community should take note of this incident and its potential implications for diplomatic staff operating in Hong Kong. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by foreign officials in regions where political tensions are high. Safeguarding the independence and safety of diplomatic personnel should be a priority for all nations, and incidents such as this should not be taken lightly or brushed aside. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the UK government and international community will respond to this latest development. The detention of a staff member at the UK Consulate raises important questions about the obligations and responsibilities of host countries towards diplomatic staff and the implications for global diplomacy in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...