China says "UK should not interfere in China's internal affairs" regarding Hong Kong issue

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Chinese government claimed that the 'Sino-British Joint Declaration (Hong Kong Handover Agreement)' signed with the United Kingdom in 1984 does not constitute an international obligation.

On the 12th, Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing, "The Joint Declaration is a unilateral policy declaration by China," adding, "Since it is not a promise to the UK, there is no issue of violating international obligations."

This response came after British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab pointed out that the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law) being promoted by the Chinese government conflicts with Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law and the obligations China must uphold under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

On the 11th (local time), in a Hong Kong report submitted biannually to the House of Commons, Secretary Raab emphasized, "Hong Kong itself must find solutions to its unrest, and mainland China should not impose them."

In response, spokesperson Hua expressed "strong dissatisfaction with the interference in Hong Kong affairs," and countered, "The UK has no right to interfere in China's internal affairs."

The Chinese government has also expressed dissatisfaction with the United States regarding the Hong Kong issue.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated the day before that the U.S. might restrict the movement of American capital to Hong Kong as retaliation for China's enactment of the Hong Kong Security Law.

Regarding this, spokesperson Hua said, "The United States has many of its nationals and financial companies in Hong Kong and earns a large trade surplus with Hong Kong," adding, "If the U.S. takes actions that harm Hong Kong's interests, it is akin to setting fire to its own body."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.