Question: On December 29th, a Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK tweeted that the search of Stand News and related arrests by the Hong Kong police further erode freedom of speech in Hong Kong. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy spokesperson: The Chinese side is gravely concerned over and strongly opposed to UK officials once again making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs and blatantly interfering in China's internal affairs.

Hong Kong is under the rule of law. The rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press, are safeguarded in accordance with law. At the same time, everyone is equal before the law, and any organisation or individual who violates law must be brought to justice. The action taken by the Hong Kong police in relations to Stand News and the related persons is completely lawful and beyond reproach. It brooks no distortion.

The Chinese side once again urges the UK side to right its wrongs and stop interfering in any form in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs.