(Sky News) Chinese embassy tells UK to 'stop meddling' as it defends arrest of BBC journalist
The Chinese embassy has called on British officials to "stop meddling" with its affairs, singling out a Foreign Office minister. It accused Anne-Marie Trevelyan of making "anti-China" and "groundless accusations" after she had tweeted about the situation in Hong Kong.
Ms Trevelyan had said: "Ongoing harassment of pro-democracy supporters & civil society organisations in Hong Kong, including of Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun is unacceptable. "Its vital Hong Kong people are allowed to associate freely without fear of arrest & detention (sic)."
In response, the Chinese embassy said the politician was "pointing fingers" and that foreign government officials "have no right whatsoever to interfere". "The Chinese side urges British officials to respect facts and the rule of law, stop meddling in Hong Kong-related affairs, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs," it said.
It also defended the arrest of BBC journalist Ed Lawrence, who had been covering the recent protests and was reportedly kicked and beaten. The embassy said: "Journalists have the freedom to report, but they must abide by the laws and regulations of the host country. BBC is not exempt."
The Chinese embassy has called on British officials to "stop meddling" with its affairs, singling out a Foreign Office minister. It accused Anne-Marie Trevelyan of making "anti-China" and "groundless accusations" after she had tweeted about the situation in Hong Kong.
Ms Trevelyan had said: "Ongoing harassment of pro-democracy supporters & civil society organisations in Hong Kong, including of Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun is unacceptable. "Its vital Hong Kong people are allowed to associate freely without fear of arrest & detention (sic)."
In response, the Chinese embassy said the politician was "pointing fingers" and that foreign government officials "have no right whatsoever to interfere". "The Chinese side urges British officials to respect facts and the rule of law, stop meddling in Hong Kong-related affairs, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs," it said.
It also defended the arrest of BBC journalist Ed Lawrence, who had been covering the recent protests and was reportedly kicked and beaten. The embassy said: "Journalists have the freedom to report, but they must abide by the laws and regulations of the host country. BBC is not exempt."
