China's FM defends Hong Kong security bill

China's Foreign Minister said Sunday  Hong Kong's affairs were China's internal affairs and that central government was entitled to safeguard its national security, following protests in former British colony over new legislation.

bill was submitted at China's national legislative session on Friday and is expected to be passed on May 28.

Speaking to media, Wang Yi said it was " power of central government to safeguard national security and country is exception."

It would bypass Hong Kong's legislature and allow city's government to set up mainland ncies in city that would make it possible for Chinese nts to arrest people for activities deemed to be pro-democracy.

"It does t affect rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. And it does t affect legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong," he said.

Wang Yi also said China was firmly opposed to any official relations of or countries with Taiwan, after US expressed support for Taiwan's democracy and its effort to join World Health Organisation.

"We firmly oppose any external support and encourment for Taiwan independence vocates to take vant of COVID-19 to seek independence," he said.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated inauguration of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, praising Tsai's "cour and vision in leing Taiwan's vibrant democracy."

It was, he said, an "inspiration to region and world."

US support comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over tre, techlogy and allegations of Beijing's mishandling of coronavirus pandemic that began last year.

"We remind US side t to make any effort to challenge China's red line," Wang said.

(Representative Im)