China Briefing | China’s detention of ex-Interpol chief highlights the arrogance of its anti-corruption investigators
It would have been simple for China to minimise the negative reaction to Meng Hongwei’s arrest, but the way the case was handled has destroyed the international community’s confidence in its leadership of global bodies
The international media have overwhelmingly and rightly panned Beijing for its audacity in disregarding international norms, which has undermined the international community’s confidence in Chinese leadership of global organisations and set back its efforts to expand its international presence.
Ironically, the incident, like a short, dark film played out on the international stage, could have been avoided or its implications minimised through a simple phone call or an email from the Chinese authorities to Interpol on the day of, or soon after, Meng’s secret detention in Beijing.
Instead, given Beijing’s brief and unconvincing explanation afterwards, some overseas media have concluded it was a deliberate act on the part of the Chinese authorities. But for what purpose? If it was deliberate, it was nothing but a demonstration of China shooting itself in the foot.
If Meng’s disappearance was deliberate, it was nothing but a demonstration of China shooting itself in the foot
There have been suggestions the urgency and secrecy surrounding Meng’s arrest might indicate he was involved in a deep political scandal, but a simple explanation could just be that the Chinese authorities decided to investigate him on corruption allegations and have him detained at the first available opportunity without thinking through the repercussions.
