Foreign ministry’s arm in Hong Kong hits out after top UK official meets Lai son from

Hong Kong's Foreign Ministry Office Slams UK Official's Meeting with Lai Son

Beijing's Liaison Office Condemns British Interference

Hong Kong's Liaison Office, an arm of China's foreign ministry, strongly criticized a meeting between a top UK official and Lai son, the son of imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. The office denounced the meeting as "blatant interference" in Hong Kong's internal affairs.

UK Official's Support for Lai

The meeting, which took place in London, was part of a series of engagements by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab with pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong. Raab expressed the UK's support for Lai and other activists facing prosecution under the Beijing-imposed national security law.

Condemnation from Beijing

The Liaison Office released a statement condemning the meeting, stating that it "grossly interfered" in Hong Kong's affairs and "undermined the rule of law." The office also accused the UK of "providing a platform for anti-China secessionist elements."

Ongoing Tensions

The meeting has further strained relations between the UK and China over Hong Kong. The UK has repeatedly criticized China's crackdown on dissent in the former British colony, while China has accused the UK of undermining its sovereignty.

Lai's Imprisonment

Jimmy Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has been in prison since December 2020 on charges related to national security and fraud. His trial is ongoing, and he faces a possible life sentence.

International Concern

Lai's imprisonment and the broader crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong have raised international concern. The US and other Western countries have condemned China's actions, which they see as a violation of Hong Kong's freedoms.

China's Defense

China maintains that its actions in Hong Kong are necessary to maintain stability and national security. It has accused the UK and other Western countries of interfering in its internal affairs.

Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions

The meeting between the UK official and Lai son is likely to further escalate diplomatic tensions between the UK and China. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming weeks and months.

Hong Kongs Foreign Ministry Office Slams Uk Officials Meeting With Lai Son