David Lammy, Jimmy Lai, United Kingdom, China, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Beijing from

China Accuses UK Government Officials of 'Gross Interference' in Hong Kong Affairs

UK Foreign Secretary Summons Chinese Ambassador

The Chinese government has accused UK government officials of "gross interference" in Hong Kong's internal affairs, following comments made by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and other officials. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in London said that the UK's actions were a violation of international law and the principles of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

The statement came after Raab met with Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and expressed concerns about the erosion of freedoms in the former British colony. Lai was arrested in August under a new national security law imposed by Beijing, which has been criticized by the UK and other Western governments.

UK Defends Right to Criticize China's Actions

The UK government has defended its right to criticize China's actions in Hong Kong, saying that it has a responsibility to speak out in support of democracy and human rights. In a statement, the Foreign Office said that the UK "remains deeply concerned about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong" and that it will continue to "raise our concerns directly with the Chinese government."

The diplomatic spat between the UK and China comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries. The UK has been critical of China's human rights record, its treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority, and its increasingly assertive foreign policy.

China-UK Relations Strained

Relations between the UK and China have been strained in recent years by a number of issues, including the UK's decision to allow Huawei to participate in its 5G network, the UK's criticism of China's human rights record, and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The diplomatic spat over Hong Kong is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. The UK has said that it will continue to raise concerns about human rights in Hong Kong, while China has warned that it will not tolerate any interference in its internal affairs.