China hits out at UK & allies over statement on Hong Kong polls; 'respect our sovereignty'

elections for seventh Legislative Council of Hong Kong Special ministrative Region were conducted on December 19. In a new development, China has criticised remarks me by United Kingdom and all of its allies regarding electoral system in Hong Kong.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson in United Kingdom issued a statement on 20th December, "strongly" urged handful of countries including UK to recognise results trend and respect China's sovereignty and unity.

Furrmore, Chinese Embassy spokesperson in UK called on countries to not interfere in matters related to Hong Kong and China.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson in United Kingdom me statement after Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of UK issued a joint statement with Secretary of State of United States and Foreign Ministers of Australia, Cana and New Zealand expressing "grave concern" over election results of Legislative Council of Hong Kong.

"China strongly urges handful of countries, including UK, to take off ir mask of hypocrisy, recognize reality and major trend, respect China’s sovereignty and unity, and stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China’s internal affairs," Chinese Embassy spokesperson in UK said in statement.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson in UK has expressed "firm opposition" and "strong condemnation" over comment me by foreign ministers of or four countries. embassy spokesperson furr mentioned that "election was smooth, fair" and this election showed a "rational and constructive culture". elections will be first since passage of National Security Law in June 2020 and as per ANI report, all of Hong Kong’s major opposition leers have been in prison or exile.

US, UK, Cana, Australia, New Zealand issue statement

Earlier on December 20, Foreign Ministers of Australia, Cana, New Zealand, and United Kingdom, and United States Secretary of State issued a statement expressing "grave concern" over erosion of democratic elements of Hong Kong's Special ministrative Region.

foreign ministers pointed out that since handover, candidates with different political views contested elections, however, elections that were held on December 19 reversed trend. 

y noted that as Hong Kong's electoral system was introduced earlier this year, re is a decrease in number of directly elected seats. Furrmore, y pointed out that a new vetting process has been implemented to "severely restrict" choice of candidates on ballot paper.

y raised concern over effect of National Security Law and growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of Assembly. y urged Chinese authorities to act according to international obligations to respect protected rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.

Inputs from ANI

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