Ambassador raises concerns about UK's Hong Kong comments

Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, has expressed grave concerns and registered his strong opposition to the British government's recent remarks about Hong Kong in a meeting with Dominic Raab, Britain's foreign secretary, on Monday.

Liu told Raab the nature of the current situation in Hong Kong has nothing to do with so-called democracy or freedom, as claimed by some Western politicians and media.

Instead, extreme, violent offenders have trampled on the rule of law, disrupted public order, severely undermined the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and challenged the principled bottom line of "One Country, Two Systems", Liu said.

Their behavior is extremely violent and criminal, he added.

Liu urged the UK to have a clear understanding of the current situation in Hong Kong, to immediately stop condoning extreme, violent offences, and to immediately stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are also China's internal affairs.

During their meeting, Raab mentioned the case of Simon Cheng, an employee of the British consulate in Hong Kong.

In response, Liu said Cheng had been given a 15-day administrative detention by police in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in August for violating China's Public Security Administration Punishment Law.

Cheng made a full confession in the matter and his lawful rights and interests were guaranteed in accordance with the law, Liu added.