China strongly deplores, gravely concerned about UK police's arbitrary, excessive law enforcement actions: foreign ministry

BEIJING, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese side strongly deplores and is gravely concerned about the UK police's arbitrary and excessive law enforcement actions, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily media briefing in response to a related query about a recent security alert issued by the Chinese embassy in the UK, which advises Chinese citizens to be aware of recent practices in UK border checks.

Recently, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in the UK have received multiple reports of Chinese citizens being held and examined for extended hours by the UK police when entering and exiting the country, with their electronic devices including mobile phones seized, Guo said.

He noted that China has lodged stern representations with the UK, and will take all necessary measures to keep Chinese citizens safe and protect their legitimate and lawful rights and interests. He also reminded Chinese citizens planning to travel to the UK to read carefully the embassy's alert to avoid any inconvenience or loss.