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 the former British colony over new legislation.

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

Speaking to the media, Wang Yi said it was "the power of the central government to safeguard the national security and no country is exception."

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

"It does not affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. And it does not affect the 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 other countries with Taiwan, after the US expressed support for Taiwan's democracy and its effort to join the World Health Organisation.

"We firmly oppose any external support and encouragement for the Taiwan independence advocates to take advantage of COVID-19 to seek independence," he said.

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

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

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

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

(Representative Image)