WAR OF WORDS
China’s ambassador to UK warns Britain not to treat Beijing as an enemy as he slams ‘interference’ in Hong Kong
THE Chinese ambassador has warned Britain not to treat his country as an enemy as he slammed what he claimed was UK interference in Hong Kong.
Liu Xiaoming ‘s comments in the wake of a draconian new security law for the territory, which has drawn widespread international criticism amid fears its automony was being eroded.
4
4
Britain has said that China’s imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a “clear and serious” violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration that paved the way for the colony to be hand back to Beijing.
In response the Government has offered around three Hong Kong million residents who hold British National Overseas (BNO) a path to British citizenship.
The law makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city's internal affairs.
Liu said that, although China wanted friendly relations with Britain, there might be many consequences if Britain treated Beijing as an enemy or with suspicion.
"We want to be your friend. We want to be your partner. But if you want to make China a hostile country, you will have to bear the consequences," the ambassador told a news conference.
"The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong after the handover.
"However, the UK Government keeps making irresponsible comments on Hong Kong affairs, making unwarranted accusations against China."
4
4
On Britain’s offer to give passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: “This move constitutes gross interference in China’s internal affairs.”
Though Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes himself as a “Sinophile”, he has also spoken of the need to “stick up for our friends in Hong Kong”, further straining relations with Beijing.
He has also toughened his language on a provisional decision to allow China’s Huawei to be involved in the development of Britain’s 5G infrastructure.
The Prime Minister vowed to protect critical infrastructure from “hostile state vendors” amid concerns about Huawei’s allegedly close ties to China’s security apparatus.
The ambassador said the new law security law protects Hong Kong and "will end the chaos and restore order" to the city after months of protests, initially sparked by a proposed extradition law to China.
He also said the law has no bearing on Hong Kong's free market system and its high degree of autonomy including its legal system.
"The UK side knows well that Hong Kong is no longer under its colonial rule and that Hong Kong has returned to China and is now part of China," he said.
Most read in World News
"No one should underestimate the firm determination of China to safeguard its security."
Responding to a question about Huawei the ambassador told Sky News: "If you don't want Huawei, it's up to you."
But he warned the consequences "might be many" if the UK decides to reject the company.
Topics