BEIJING (Reuters) – China said on Tuesday that expressions of concern by the Group of Seven industrialized nations over the selection process for Hong Kong’s new chief executive were interfering in China’s internal affairs.
The Group of Seven said on Monday that the process for selecting a new chief executive in Hong Kong was a source of grave concern and highlighted broader concerns about fundamental freedoms in the former British colony.
“Some Western countries and institutions have conspired to distort the election of the chief executive in Hong Kong, which is an arbitrary interference in China’s internal affairs that China firmly opposes and strongly condemns,” said Zhao Lijian, a ministry spokesman. Affairs, at a regular press conference.
These countries have chosen to ignore improvements in Hong Kong’s democracy, Zhao said.
He also criticized countries for “using the language of a democracy professor to give a lecture on democratic elections in Hong Kong,” adding that “the countries and institutions involved should respect China’s sovereignty.”
The G7 includes France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Hong Kong’s next leader, John Lee, was approved to the city’s highest position on Sunday by a panel filled with Beijing supporters.
(Provided by Eduardo Baptista)
source:
Reuters
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