China hits out at foreign attacks on Hong Kong National Party ban, but spokeswoman for US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo renews criticism just hours later
Statement from foreign ministry in Beijing comes after US, Britain, EU and Human Rights Watch take aim at decision to outlaw separatist group
China’s foreign ministry on Tuesday issued a stern rebuke to other countries for criticising the Hong Kong government’s unprecedented ban of a separatist party, urging foreigners to stop interfering in the nation’s internal affairs “under the guise” of freedom of speech and association.
“To the irresponsible comments made by some countries and organisations on the Hong Kong government’s decision to ban the Hong Kong National Party, we are in strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition,” ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing.
Any move to promote Hong Kong independence and secession from China was not acceptable, and the Hong Kong government had acted correctly, in accordance with the law, Geng said.
“Banning the party is an internal affair of Hong Kong and China, which cannot allow any foreign intervention.
“We urge countries and organisations concerned to respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to stop intervening in Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs under the guise of so-called ‘freedom of speech and association’,” he said.
Geng did not name any countries or groups, but after Hong Kong security minister John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Monday that the National Party had been outlawed on national security grounds, several foreign bodies issued statements of disapproval.
