Minister: Respect territorial integrity, sanctity of 'one country, two systems'

Beijing on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to moves by Washington to smear legislation in Hong Kong meant to improve the special administrative region's electoral system, and urged the United States to stop interfering in China's internal affairs.

During a regular news briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian criticized a statement made by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over a bill which was approved by the Hong Kong SAR's Legislative Council on Thursday.

"The US side is interfering in China's internal affairs and politics in Hong Kong in the guise of caring about Hong Kong democracy and the rights of residents there," Zhao said. China is a country ruled by law, the spokesman said, and the local legislation will plug the loopholes in the electoral system in Hong Kong and further ensure the principle that "patriots administer Hong Kong".

Zhao said it will also better safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests as well as Hong Kong's long-term prosperity.

"The reform of Hong Kong's electoral system is China's internal affairs. We urge the US side to respect the basic norms governing international relations and stop interfering in issues related to Hong Kong and other domestic affairs of China," he added.

In another development, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that all of what China has done in Hong Kong is to ensure the steady implementation of "one country, two systems", as he held a phone conversation on Thursday with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

"One country, two systems" is a basic State policy that China will unswervingly and consistently adhere to, Wang said, adding that efforts to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR are gaining widespread support in Hong Kong.

Wang also elaborated on China's position on issues related to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, saying that China welcomes foreign visitors to Xinjiang to learn about the real situation, but does not accept "investigations" based on a presumption of guilt.

China is ready to continue exchanges with Britain on sensitive issues with an open attitude, the state councilor said.

But he noted that the British side should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the development path independently chosen by the Chinese people and China's right to handle its internal affairs without interference.

Wang underlined the importance for the two countries to conduct equal dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect, so as to enhance understanding, dispel doubts, clarify facts and distinguish right from wrong.

Microphone diplomacy is not advisable, and "small clique" politics do not meet the requirements of the times, he said.