Hong Kong: UK, China Tension Heightens Over Arrest Of British Media Owner, Lai
Tension is brewing between the Chinese and the British Governments following the latest arrest of a British national, Jimmy Lai, in HongKong.
Lai owns the Apple Daily Newspaper.
Advertisement
The UK Government through its Commonwealth Office, frowned on the arrest of Lai and six others on Monday, stressing that China’s influence over Hong Kong is trying to dismantle democracy in the region.
It stated that it was, “deeply concerned by the arrest of Jimmy Lai and six other individuals”, adding that the freedom of the press in Hong Kong “must be upheld.”
But, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, debunked the British side’s position.
In a statement published on its website on Monday, Xiaoming maintained that the rule of law in Beijing and in HongKong must be observed by all and that violators must be brought to book.
Advertisement
“The Chinese side expresses grave concern over and strong opposition to the UK side’s irresponsible remarks on the lawful arrest of seven individuals, including Jimmy Lai.
“Such remarks are in disregard of China’s solemn opposition and constitute yet another act of interference in Hong Kong’s judicial affairs, which are China’s internal affairs.
“Hong Kong is under the rule of law, where no one has extra-judicial privilege,” he said.
Xiaoming accused Lai and others of publishing reports that set the people against the Communist Party.
“Jimmy Lai and a small group of anti-China elements seeking to disrupt Hong Kong have colluded with external forces in acts and activities that jeopardise China’s national security and challenge the limits of law.
Advertisement
“Their arrest is a lawful act of duty and responsibility by the enforcement institution of Hong Kong SAR,” he said.
Furthermore, he maintained that unlike the British Government’s comments on freedom of expression, ” every right or freedom has its legal boundaries.”
China and UK relations have deteriorated in recent times, after the Chinese Government imposed a unification law over Hong Kong, a former colony of the British Empire.
