China urges UK to stop interference in Hong Kong's affairs

BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Friday urged the United Kingdom to cease acts of interference in Hong Kong's affairs.

Qin told a daily press briefing that China hopes the UK should respect China's sovereignty and position.

Qin's remarks came after the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Thursday responded to China's latest decision on Hong Kong's electoral reform.

Qin said some content of the British statement was obviously inconsistent with its previous commitment. The British side even attempted to exert influence on the process of Hong Kong's constitutional development, he added.

China is strongly displeased with the British statement, the spokesman said, noting that China had repeatedly explained its principle and position to the UK.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, Qin said, stressing Hong Kong's affairs, including its constitutional development, are China's internal affairs.

No foreign country has the right to make improper comments and interfere in Hong Kong's affairs in any way, said Qin.