The Chinese ambassador to Britain, Liu Xiaoming, called London’s statement on national security law in Hong Kong a gross interference in China’s internal affairs, according to a statement on the website of the Chinese embassy.
It was reported the day before that the Chinese ambassador to Britain was summoned to the British Foreign Ministry after accusing China of violating sovereignty. Earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the law on the protection of national security in Hong Kong violates the provisions of the Declaration on the autonomy of the region, signed by Britain and China.
“Chinese Ambassador to London Liu Xiaoming met with British Deputy Foreign Minister Simon MacDonald on July 1. During the meeting, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming categorically rejected the British side’s unfounded accusations of Hong Kong’s national security law and outlined China’s position regarding the British’s erroneous statements and actions”, – the statement said.
It is emphasized that the Chinese ambassador called the recent statements by the British side on the law on national security in Hong Kong “irresponsible and unreasonable”.
“They (these statements) constitute gross interference in the internal affairs of China and contradict the important principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. The Chinese side expresses serious concern and strongly opposes”, – the statement said.
President Xi Jinping signed a decree on the entry into force of Hong Kong’s National Security Act on June 30. Earlier on Tuesday, the Standing Committee of the All-China People’s Congress approved the law. The NPC SC also decided to include the law in Appendix III of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The National Security Bill displeased Hong Kong’s anti-government forces and a number of Western officials who saw Beijing’s desire to tighten control over autonomy.
Hong Kong returned to China from Great Britain in 1997 and has enjoyed wide autonomy since then. The central authorities of China adhere to the principle of “one country, two systems” in the management of the area. According to the joint declaration of Great Britain and China, Hong Kong will maintain wide autonomy until 2047. How the former British colony will be managed after this period is still unknown.