Beijing lodges protest over foreign comments on HK case
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
China's foreign ministry said on August 24 that it strongly opposed criticism from the United States, some other countries and the European Union over a Hong Kong court ruling in the Hong Kong Alliance case. Speaking in Beijing, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China had lodged solemn representations and urged outside parties to stop what he called political interference in Hong Kong affairs.
Key Points
- At a regular press briefing in Beijing on August 24, Lin Jian responded to questions about overseas reactions to the Hong Kong Alliance ruling
- The comments followed a Hong Kong judicial ruling that found the Hong Kong Alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho and Chow Hang-tung guilty of inciting subversion
- Lin said some countries and institutions were using a Hong Kong judicial case to smear Hong Kong, discredit its rule of law and interfere in China's internal affairs.
- He said China firmly opposed those statements and had already lodged solemn representations over the matter with the relevant parties.
- Lin also said the Hong Kong Alliance's platform was, in essence, aimed at subverting state power, and backed Hong Kong's government in acting according to law
Why It Matters
The response shows Beijing is treating international criticism of the Hong Kong Alliance ruling as a diplomatic issue as well as a legal one. For Hong Kong readers, it points to continued official insistence that national security cases are matters of law and sovereignty, not subjects for foreign comment.