China says British plans to disrupt Hong Kong ‘doomed to failure’

HONG KONG (Reuters) – China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong criticized a six-month report on the financial hub by Britain, saying it ignored “good” social conditions and a more stable business environment and instead he supported “anti-China” chaos.

The comments came after Britain published its semiannual report on the Chinese-controlled center, from Jan. 1 to June 30, which said authorities had expanded enforcement of a national security law imposed by Beijing. “beyond genuine national security concerns.”

Beijing imposed the sweeping law in 2020 after sometimes violent anti-government protests rocked the city in 2019.

While some Western governments have criticized the laws for limiting social and political freedoms in the city, both Chinese and Hong Kong officials have said they were vital to restoring stability.

Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997 from Britain, has had “universal success” in implementing the “one country, two systems” practice, China’s Foreign Ministry said.

“In recent years, the number of people in the UK living in poverty has been increasing…crime rates have reached record levels. How confident do you have to criticize democracy and the human rights situation in Hong Kong?” the ministry said.

“Plans to disrupt Hong Kong are doomed to fail.”

The British report says authorities continue to try to use legal avenues to suppress the protest anthem ‘Glory to Hong Kong’, while the national security trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai has been further delayed.

“The UK will always defend universal human rights, including freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and we will defend those who are targeted,” he said.

Lai’s prosecution is “highly politicized,” Britain said, adding that the government was continuing to push for consular access.

Hong Kong police have also issued arrest warrants and rewards against people in the UK and elsewhere, he said, adding that Britain would not tolerate attempts to intimidate and silence people in its country.

Hong Kong’s legal and judicial systems are at a critical juncture, the report said, adding that while the city’s courts remain independent, they have to “rule on an opaque national security law that places the authority of the Chief Executive in security matters above that of his own.”

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