Zimpapers Logo

Hong Lei

BEIJING. — China yesterday again urged Britain to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs. “We have repeatedly stated that Hong Kong’s affairs fall within China’s internal affairs,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing. Hong’s remarks were in response to a written statement to the British parliament on recent events in Hong Kong, which was submitted on Monday by Hugo Swire, a minister of state with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British government.

“No country or individual has a right to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” Hong said, adding that Hong Kong’s political reform should be implemented in line with the Basic Law and the decision of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee’s (NPCSC). The NPCSC has decided that the election of a chief executive for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2017 shall be implemented by universal suffrage. Hong urged the British side to speak and act cautiously and not send any wrong signals.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s most prominent tycoon, Li Ka-shing, yesterday urged protesters who have occupied parts of the city since late last month to go home, after police mounted their toughest action against the protesters in more than a week. — Xinhua/Reuters.