(AP File Photo)BEIJING: A detained Chinese bookseller with Swedish citizenship at the centre of an escalating row between Western governments and Beijing has accused Sweden of using him as a "chess piece" in a media appearance staged by Chinese police. The statement from Gui, who spoke in a detention facility flanked by police, was immediately denounced by rights activists as coerced. The Swedish Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on Gui's interview when reached by The Associated Press. But earlier this week, China's Foreign Ministry heavily criticised Sweden for advocating on Gui's behalf and warned against efforts to interfere in Chinese judicial matters. It is not the first time that Gui, 53, has been detained by Chinese authorities, nor is it his first interview conducted in Chinese captivity.

Source: Bangkok Post February 10, 2018 08:37 UTC