US, UK show 'double standards' on HK after violence

Beijing slammed the irresponsible remarks by officials from Washington and London regarding the latest violence in Hong Kong, saying it has exposed their hypocrisy and double standards.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks on Tuesday after an unnamed United States official condemned "unjustified use of deadly force" after a masked rioter was shot and wounded when he tried to snatch a police officer's gun in Hong Kong on Monday.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street office also urged "calm and restraint on all sides", saying he supports "the right to peaceful protects."

China urges countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, to respect China's sovereignty, exercise prudence in their words and deeds, stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and interfering in China's domestic affairs, Geng said at a daily news conference.

Full video of the incident clearly shows the rioter was attacking the police officer before being shot, and the officer's reaction is in accordance with law, he said.

In any country in the world, it is not allowed to snatch a police officer's gun, attack police officers and threaten their safety, the spokesman said. In every case, the police will take countermeasures, said he added.

Also on Monday, a Hong Kong citizen who expressed opposition to the protest was set on fire by rioters.

Such heinous behavior has raised concern among the public in Hong Kong, Geng said, adding "if countries like the US and the UK really call for restraint and oppose violence as they said, why don't they condemn such attacks against civilians?"

Geng went on to say "I am afraid the unnamed US official would feel embarrassed to make such a statement if he disclosed his name."

"While painting themselves as unbiased critics, the remarks by the US and the UK officials have again revealed their confusing right from wrong and hypocrisy, and their words have exposed their double standards and ulterior motives," he added.

Stopping violence and chaos as well as restoring order is the most important task for Hong Kong, Geng said. The central government firmly supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in implementing policies according to law, supporting the police in law enforcement to maintain social order and protecting the safety of its citizens, he added.