Chinese Foreign Ministry: Vice President Wang Qishan to Attend Queen's Funeral on 19th at UK's Invitation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Wang Qishan, Vice President of China, will attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 17th, "At the invitation of the British government, Vice President Wang Qishan, Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, will attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II held in London on the 19th." This is the first time the Chinese government has officially mentioned sending a condolence delegation to the Queen's funeral.

According to foreign media such as the BBC, the Chinese government delegation reportedly requested to pay respects at the Queen's coffin but was refused. Sources said the Speaker of the British House of Commons, who manages the Westminster Hall tribute event, rejected the Chinese government delegation's request to pay respects. The UK is currently experiencing diplomatic tensions with China over human rights issues in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Earlier, on the 9th, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to Charles III, the Queen's son, saying, "On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I express deep condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and sincere sympathy to the British royal family, government, and people." Then, on the 10th, he sent a congratulatory message to Charles III, the new King of the United Kingdom. Vice President Wang Qishan also visited the British Embassy in Beijing on the 12th to offer condolences, signed the condolence book, and observed a moment of silence in front of the Queen's portrait.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.