- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

China Lodges Protest Over US Senators' Comments on Situation in Hong Kong

© REUTERS / THOMAS PETERAn anti-extradition bill protester throws a stone at police during clashes in Tsuen Wan in Hong Kong, China August 25, 2019.
An anti-extradition bill protester throws a stone at police during clashes in Tsuen Wan in Hong Kong, China August 25, 2019. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
BEIJING (Sputnik) - China lodged protest with Washington on Saturday over statements made by two US senators concerning its handling of the protests in its semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Hong Kong office said.

"The remarks have distorted the truth, condoned the offenders, flagrantly interfered with Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs ... We deplore and firmly oppose such comments," the office's spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that China was "rock-firm" in upholding national sovereignty, security and the stability of Hong Kong.

On Friday, Hong Kong police arrested several activists, some of whom were later released on bail. Following the arrests, two US senators, Chuck Schumer and Jim McGovern, slammed Beijing for its actions and called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to release all of the protesters.

The mass protests in Hong Kong initially started in early June as a reaction to proposed amendments to the city's extradition laws but over the months have grown into a full-blown opposition movement against Beijing’s control over the city’s internal affairs.

In mid-August, protesters occupied the Hong Kong International airport. The peaceful sit-in rally escalated into fierce clashes with some Chinese police officers who were reported injured.

Beijing condemned what it described as violent actions of the protesters, calling them "near-terrorist acts".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called the situation in Hong Kong amid recent massive protests the most serious since the region's return to China in 1997.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала