China probes protest around ambassador’s car

BEIJING – China is investigating protesters’ harassment of the U.S. ambassador as he attempted to enter the American Embassy.

About 50 protesters spilling over from demonstrations at the nearby Japanese Embassy surrounded the car of U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke on Tuesday, tried to block him from entering the embassy compound and ripped the car’s flag.

Locke told reporters Wednesday that Chinese authorities were “very quick” to move the demonstrators away. “I never felt in any danger,” he said.

There have been angry demonstrations across China following the Japanese government’s decision last week to purchase some disputed East China Sea islands from their private Japanese owners.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Chinese authorities have expressed regret over the incident.