Question: On January 21st, the Australia-UK Ministerial Meeting issued a joint statement “expressing concerns” about China-related issues, including issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?
Embassy Spokesperson: The China-related contents in the joint statement of the Australia-UK Ministerial Meeting distort facts and confuse right and wrong by deliberately discrediting China on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. This is a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and severe violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations. We express grave concern and strong opposition.
Issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong are purely China’s internal affairs which no foreign country has the right to interfere in. No one should underestimate the strong determination, will and capability of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Currently, the biggest threat to the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is that the Taiwan authorities headed by the Democratic Progressive Party are colluding with external forces and playing a provocation game with “Taiwan independence”. We urge the relevant countries to uphold the one-China principle and refrain from having official relations of any form with Taiwan, or giving any encouragement to secessionist activities in the name of “Taiwan independence”.
The so-called Xinjiang-related issues have nothing to do with human rights, ethnic groups or religious affairs, but everything to do with fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism. Xinjiang is now enjoying economic development, social stability and ethnic solidarity. The basic rights of people of all ethnic groups are fully safeguarded. The allegation that there are “severe human rights violations” in Xinjiang is merely a barefaced lie. We urge the relevant countries to stop fabricating and spreading rumours about Xinjiang.
China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. The Chinese Government governs the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The fact that the chaos has given way to order and order has led to prosperity in Hong Kong fully proves that to enforce the Law on Safeguarding National Security, improve the electoral system and implement the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong” in the Hong Kong SAR facilitate the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”, provide better safeguards for the rights and freedoms of the majority of the local residents, promote the healthy development of the democratic system in Hong Kong, and ensure the city’s lasting stability and prosperity.
On the South China Sea, China’s policies and position are consistent. China’s sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea, which had been formed in the course of a long history, have abundant historical and legal basis. China remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests. It also remains committed to addressing the disputes in a peaceful manner together with the relevant countries and working with ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the region. Certain countries outside the region sent naval vessels and aircrafts to the region to flex military muscle and stir up trouble. This has become the biggest threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea, which the Chinese side strongly opposes. The so-called South China Sea arbitration is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or participate in the arbitration, nor does it accept or recognize the award. China’s Coast Guard Law and Maritime Traffic Safety Law are important measures to strengthen the rule of law at sea. They are fully consistent with internationally-accepted practice and the legal practice of other countries. Neither the UK nor Australia has the right to make irresponsible remarks on the laws.
It must be pointed out that AUKUS has gravely undermined regional peace and stability, intensified the arms race, and had a severe impact on the international non-proliferation system. Therefore, more and more countries have expressed vigilance and rejection. We urge the relevant countries to stop forming small circles, stop creating divisions or inciting confrontation, and stop their wrong moves that threaten regional peace and stability.
