Reports of 'abused diplomat' inaccurate

BEIJING - China on Wednesday said media reports that an Indian diplomat was mistreated and hospitalized when offering consular services to two Indian traders on trial in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu were not factually accurate.

"China has always strictly abided by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and other relevant laws and regulations, protected the personal safety of foreign consular officials and provided them with assistance when carrying out their duties," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in response to a question at a regular news briefing.

Some media reports said that S. Balachandran, from the Indian consulate general in Shanghai, was not allowed access to food and medication and was attacked by an angry crowd while offering consular assistance to two Indian businessmen on trial in Yiwu, Zhejiang province.