Australia, UK should stop interfering in China's internal affairs, says Wang Wenbin on Hong Kong issue

China's remarks against Australia and the UK showed the dominance it want to exert on Hong Kong, a region which has witnessed a series of protests and violence in recent times due to Beijing's policies.

"Since the relevant decision was adopted, a handful of countries, like the UK and Australia, have made some irresponsible remarks against China on this issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told media.

"I also have to point out that it is untenable for the UK and Australia to use democracy and human rights as excuses to interfere in Hong Kong affairs," he said.

"During the British colonial rule over Hong Kong, Governors of Hong Kong at the time were chosen and appointed in London by the British government," he said.

"When ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1976, the British government made a reservation not to apply to Hong Kong the periodic elections provisions. Both the Public Order Ordinance and the Societies Ordinance during the British rule imposed draconian restrictions on assembly, procession and association in Hong Kong," the Chinese official said.

"The UK keeps dragging the Sino-British Joint Declaration into the spotlight. I want to stress that after Hong Kong's return to China, all the articles related to the UK under the Sino-British Joint Declaration have completed their mission. The UK is not entitled to any right of supervision over Hong Kong, nor citing the Joint Declaration to meddle with Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. Australia is also facing serious issues concerning the rights of refugees, immigrants and aboriginals," he said.

He said the UK and Australia are in no position and have no moral or legal basis to level criticism on Hong Kong affairs.

"At a recent session of the UN Human Rights Council, over 70 countries voiced their support for China on issues related to Hong Kong in a show of support for fairness and justice. We urge these countries including the UK and Australia to stop playing double standards and interfering in China's internal affairs. Should they insist on going down the wrong path, China will make firm, legitimate and necessary reactions," he said.