China opposes the UK’s interference in HK affairs: FM spokesperson

(ECNS) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the UK to respect facts and the rule of law and stop meddling in Hong Kong’s affairs, which are China’s internal affairs, at a regular press conference on Wednesday.

UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron reportedly met with Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, on Tuesday night. The UK side said it opposes the Hong Kong National Security Law and will continue to stand by Jimmy Lai and the people of Hong Kong.

“The UK apparently considers itself a country based on the rule of law, but it is now openly interfering in an ongoing judicial process. The UK has recently adopted its own National Security Bill, but it is now brazenly opposing China’s national security legislation for Hong Kong. That says everything about the UK’s hypocrisy and hidden agenda,” the spokesperson said.

It’s public knowledge that Jimmy Lai is one of the most notorious anti-China elements bent on destabilizing Hong Kong and a mastermind of the riots that took place in Hong Kong, Mao said, adding that he blatantly colluded with external forces to undermine China’s national security and is responsible for numerous egregious acts. The Hong Kong SAR took action to hold him accountable in accordance with the law. This is beyond reproach.

More than three years on since the Hong Kong National Security Law was adopted, more than 80 percent of people in Hong Kong believe the law has made Hong Kong safer. What the UK has done is laughably pointless, especially when Hong Kong has already restored order and is set to thrive, Mao mentioned.

By calling China “aggressive”, the UK is misrepresenting facts.

China is a partner presenting opportunities to other countries, not a threat posing challenges, and is committed to developing relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, Mao said, adding that the country will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security and development interests at the same time.

The UK’s “debt trap” rhetoric is not based on facts. China’s investment and financing cooperation with fellow developing countries is carried out in compliance with international rules, market laws and the principle of debt sustainability and has been widely welcomed, according to Mao.

Mao stressed it is a handful of Western countries who have been spreading the fallacy of “Chinese debt traps”. The multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors these countries dominate are the major creditors of developing countries and constitute the major source of stress for them in terms of debt repayment. They are the ones that need to make substantive contributions to easing developing countries’ debt burden. 

“We call on the UK to reject the Cold War mentality, stop spreading ‘China threat’ narratives, look at China and China-UK relations in an objective and rational light, and work with China for the sound and steady development of bilateral ties,” the spokesperson said.