Hellenic Business

Chinese authorities said they would investigate how protesters surrounded and damaged the car of the U.S. ambassador there, an incident that didn't result in injuries but highlighted security concerns over U.S. officials abroad.

On Tuesday, protesters outside the U.S. Embassy surrounded a car carrying Ambassador Gary Locke, according to U.S. officials. The demonstrators caused minor damage to the vehicle before Chinese security personnel cleared them away.

On Wednesday, Mr. Locke said the protesters appeared to have spilled over from demonstrations at the nearby Japanese Embassy, where more than 1,000 people protested against the Japanese government's plans to purchase islands also claimed by China.

"It was all over in a matter of minutes and I never felt in any danger," Mr. Locke said. He added that embassy personnel met with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urge protection for U.S. personnel as well as facilities.

The ministry "promised a thorough review and to make any adjustments to procedures and protocols to make sure a similar incident doesn't occur," Mr. Locke said.

At a daily news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said, "relevant departments are seriously investigating the case and will handle in accordance with the law." He added that China's security practices adhere to requirements under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Security of U.S. officials abroad has been under a microscope in recent days following an attack last week on a U.S. consulate in Libya in which four Americans were killed, including the ambassador to Libya.

The car incident came during a visit to Beijing by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who has been pressing China and Japan to calm tensions over the islands.

Japan's plans to purchase the islands—called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese—touched off both tough verbal objections from Beijing as well as protests that in some cases resulted in vandalism against Japanese business and brands.

Security near the U.S. Embassy was heightened this week due to the demonstrations near the Japanese Embassy, as riot police and others attempted to keep order among protesters.

Main roads near the embassy had been closed to vehicle traffic, though they were reopened Wednesday amid a heavy police presence.

The Wall Street Journal