Scottish Government 'concerned' for trade official detained in China

A Scottish Government trade official in Hong Kong has been detained after visiting mainland China, it has been confirmed.

Simon Cheng Man-kit had not been seen for 13 days after he failed to return from a business-related trip to the neighbouring city of Shenzhen.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Cheng had been given 15 days of “administrative detention”, claiming he had violated public security law.

Cheng works for Scottish Development International, the Scottish Government’s global investment arm, but is employed by the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and we are concerned for Mr Cheng’s welfare.

“We are liaising with the FCO, who are in contact with Mr Cheng’s family, the authorities in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and are seeking further information.”

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are extremely concerned by reports that a member of our team has been detained returning to Hong Kong from Shenzhen.

“As soon as we became aware, we raised the issue with the authorities in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong and have done so regularly since.

“We have also raised with the Chinese Embassy in the UK and with the authorities in Beijing.

“We are also in regular contact with his family and providing them with support.”

According to the 28-year-old’s family, Cheng had been in touch with his girlfriend on 9 August while travelling back to Hong Kong by train, but lost contact as he reached the border.

His girlfriend shared screenshots of WhatsApp messages appearing to be from Cheng as he neared the crossing point.

The last messages read: "Ready to pass through the border…Pray for me”.

It is not known at this time whether Cheng had been travelling on a UK diplomatic passport.

Cheng’s Facebook profile shows that he had recently shared images that appear to be supportive of the pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for over a month now.

The image features illustrations of people holding umbrellas, which have become the symbol of the protest movement.

Cheng’s LinkedIn profile describes him as a trade and investment officer for Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish Government’s global investment attracting body.

SDI has offices both in Hong Kong and in Shenzhen, where Cheng was making his business trip.

Cheng said that his work involved “[acting] as the first point of contact for stakeholders, [handling] enquiries as a representative of the Scottish Government.”

He also said he works with Scottish companies to support their trade in Hong Kong and South China.

Cheng studied in the UK and appears to have made at least one trip to Edinburgh, visiting the Scottish Parliament.