Question: On 14 December, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron criticised the Hong Kong police of issuing arrest warrants for five anti-China fugitives who are determined to disrupt Hong Kong. What is your comment? 

Embassy Spokesperson: China firmly opposes the UK side's denigration of the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, its sheltering of persons on the wanted list, and its interference in Hong Kong-related affairs. We have lodged a serious démarche with the UK side on this.

The Hong Kong police have issued arrest warrants for five persons at large suspected to have committed offenses including "incitement to secession", "incitement to subversion" and "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security". This is an action taken in accordance with the law. It is a just move to safeguard national security and a necessary act to ensure the prosperity, stability and development of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is governed by the rule of law. Laws must be obeyed and violations must be prosecuted. No one has the right or freedom to be above the law. Those anti-China elements bent on destabilising Hong Kong, no matter what kind of protection or support they have behind them, and wherever they may hide, must be held accountable for their criminal activities. 

We once again remind the UK side that Hong Kong has long returned to China. The UK government is in no position and has no right to make irresponsible remarks on the Hong Kong police's law enforcement actions, or to intervene or obstruct them. We strongly urge the UK to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and work with the Hong Kong police to bring those fugitives to justice. No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s firm determination to oppose foreign interference and safeguard our interests.