China yesterday urged the United Kingdom to "properly settle" differences that arose after the execution of a British drug trafficker late last year, and "avoid impairment of bilateral relations".

Addressing the first regular press briefing of the new year, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said: "The two countries may hold different opinions on the issue, but we should follow the principle of mutual respect, and refrain from damaging our relationship."

Jiang said that no one had the right to point a finger at the judiciary, which she said was an independent authority whose sovereignty should be respected.