The Chinese foreign affairs office in Hong Kong criticized the British government on Wednesday for its condemnation of the city’s new national security law, accusing it of maintaining a colonial mindset.
Hong Kong, formerly a British colony until its handover to China in 1997, recently passed a security law targeting five major offenses through an expedited legislative process.
British Foreign Minister David Cameron characterized the legislative process as “rushed” and expressed concerns that the law would further erode the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong.
In response, Beijing’s foreign affairs commissioner accused Britain of hypocrisy and double standards, citing its own national security laws, including one enacted last year.
The commissioner’s statement on Wednesday criticized the UK for making “inflammatory and irresponsible comments” on Hong Kong’s situation, attributing this behavior to its historical role as a colonizer and preacher.
“We urge the UK to reassess its stance, acknowledge the reality, and abandon the illusion of maintaining its colonial influence in Hong Kong,” the statement emphasized.
Additionally, a separate statement was issued addressing the European Union’s criticism of the new law, which expressed concerns about its impact on Hong Kong’s status as an international business hub.
“We urge the EU to recognize the strong local support for the legislation in Hong Kong and to discard its hypocritical double standards and prejudices,” the statement added.