Missing Hong Kong bookseller is a British citizen: UK

Britain confirmed Tuesday that one of five missing Hong Kong booksellers feared detained by Chinese authorities is a UK citizen, saying it was “deeply concerned” over the disappearances.

The case has sparked fury from lawmakers and activists in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, adding to growing unease that freedoms in the city are being eroded. Lee Bo, 65, disappeared last week and was last seen in Hong Kong, where he is a resident.

All five missing men worked for the same Hong Kong-based publishing house Mighty Current, known for books critical of the Chinese government.

British foreign secretary Philip Hammond, visiting Beijing, told reporters: “We have urgently inquired with both Hong Kong and mainland authorities.” Mr Hammond added that if Lee were charged with any offences, he should be tried in Hong Kong.

Foreign minister Wang Yi did not reply directly when asked whether China had detained the booksellers, but said policy towards Hong Kong remained “unchanged”.