The UK said Thursday that China has recalled its consul general and five other diplomats in the wake of the assault on a pro-democracy Hong Kong protester at the Chinese consulate in Manchester.
Beijing also warned of strong "counter-measures" following the decision.
The six envoys left the country before a deadline set by London on Wednesday to waive their diplomatic immunity and to be questioned by authorities over the October incident, according to British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Bob Chan alleged that during a peaceful anti-Beijing demonstration in October, masked men walked out of the consulate building, dragged him into the consulate compound, and assaulted him. Chan claimed that he was subjected to "barbaric" treatment.
Greater Manchester Police launched a criminal investigation after the incident was reported.
Tensions rose between the two countries in the aftermath of the event, part of which was caught on camera.
"As part of that investigation, we requested that six Chinese officials waive diplomatic immunity, so they can be questioned," Cleverly said on Wednesday.
The Chinese embassy in London has been told the deadline "for them to take action," according to the top British diplomat.
The Chinese embassy in London was informed of the deadline for "them to take action," according to the UK top diplomat.
"In response, the Chinese Embassy, acting on instructions from Beijing, notified His Majesty's Government that the functions of the consul general in Manchester have come to an end, and he has returned to China," he said.
Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry warned on Thursday of "strong and powerful countermeasures". China alleged that Britain failed to protect Chinese staff at the consulate during the protest in Manchester.
"We urge the UK to ... stop political manipulation and ensure the normal functioning of our consulate-general in the UK," Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said.
China confirms that Chan entered the consulate building illegally and maintains that Chinese diplomats have the right to keep their property secure.
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