China bravery award for British diplomat’s rescue of drowning student
- British consul general in Chongqing says he is honoured and will give reward money to charity
- Long live the friendship between Chinese and British people, he says
Stephen Ellison, 61, British consul general in Chongqing, jumped into a river in a tourist area called Zhongshan Ancient Town on Saturday, pulling to safety a 24-year-old Chinese student who had slipped into the water.
The award was offered by the government-backed Chongqing Foundation for Justice and Courage, and came with a reward of 50,000 yuan (US$7,600).
Ellison, who assumed his post in Chongqing in October, said he would donate all the prize money to charity next week at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the consulate’s establishment, according to the consulate’s official social media account.
“I have received many goodwill messages and recognition from Chinese people these days, and today I am honoured to receive the Special Award for Bravery of Chongqing,” Ellison was quoted as saying.
“Long live the friendship between Chinese and British people!”
British diplomat felt ‘deep relief’ when Chinese student he saved from drowning started breathing again
A video of the incident attracted tens of millions of views on Chinese social media, prompting many commenters to describe Ellison as a hero.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday that Ellison should be commended for his act of bravery.
“I’d like to give him a big, big thumbs up,” Zhao said.
Ellison’s actions also earned praise back in London. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said “his bravery and commitment demonstrates the very best of British diplomats around the world”.
