WORLD : China Recalls All Foreign Envoys but Ambassador Will Stay in U.S.

China has recalled all of its foreign ambassadors, but officials refused to confirm the move was linked to the fallout from the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

A cultural attache at China’s embassy in Kenya confirmed that all envoys will be called back to Beijing for a general meeting. He denied the recall was connected to the crackdown, which began June 3-4.

But in Washington, a spokeswoman at the Chinese Embassy said Ambassador Han Xu will remain in Washington. She declined comment when asked why Han is not returning to Beijing.

Embassies in West Germany, Italy, Yugoslavia, the Philippines, Australia, Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Poland and Belgium were among those that said their ambassadors had left or will return to Beijing soon. The most common reason given for the return of the ambassadors was “for scheduled vacation” or “annual home leave.”

A Western diplomat in Beijing said the ambassadors’ meeting will occur July 7. “We assume they’re going to give them the government line, and tell them to go out and sell it. And stop your people from defecting,” the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.