CHINA TOPIX

11/02/2024 11:41:48 am

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China Warns International Community not to Support 'Hong Kong Independence' Movement

China Warns Over Hong Kong Movement.

(Photo : Getty Images) China has warned the international community not to support Hong Kong's pro-independence movement.

China on Tuesday cautioned relevant countries not to offer any support to forces advocating "Hong Kong independence" movement. The warning comes amid growing protests across the semi-autonomous city against the Chinese government following the oath-taking ceremony controversy.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a regular briefing, when asked to comment on a report that several important countries such as Britain and U.S. have expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Hong Kong.

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"We demand all relevant countries to honour their open commitments, mind their own words and deeds, not interfere in Hong Kong's domestic affairs nor give support to 'Hong Kong independence' forces," he said.

Lu reiterated that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of Mainland China and its affairs are China's internal matter. He added that the interpretation of Hong Kong's Basic Law or mini-constitution is the lawful right of the Chinese government.

The international community, especially the U.S. and Britain, has so far taken a critical view of recent developments in the former British colony. The U.S. State Department said it was "disappointed" by recent developments concerning the Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo).

China's special administrative region has been on a boil ever since the oaths of two pro-independent legislators were declared "invalid," after they allegedly used derogatory words and unfurled anti-Chinese banners during the ceremony.

Following the controversy, China's top legislative body on Monday interpreted Hong Kong's mini-constitution, also known as Basic Law. The move was unprecedented, given that this was only the second time that Hong Kong's constitution had been interpreted since 1997.

Monday's landmark ruling said that Hong Kong citizens advocating independence from Mainland China cannot hold any public office, directly banning the two pro-independent legislators from taking office.

Ahead of the landmark ruling, hordes of protestors gathered outside Hong Kong's highest court on Sunday to protest against the Chinese government.

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