China protests US official's meeting with HK separatists

The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong has lodged stern representations with the US Consulate General on its officer meeting "Hong Kong Independence" activists, a statement on the office's website said Thursday.

The statement came after it was reported that an officer at the US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao held a meeting with major "Hong Kong Independence" activists.

An official at the Commissioner's Office urgently summoned a senior official at the US Consulate General to lodge stern representations, expressing strong disapproval and firm opposition, and requiring clarification, according to the statement.

The official of the Commissioner's Office emphasized that China is firm as a rock in upholding the national sovereignty and security and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and in opposing any interference in Hong Kong affairs by any country, organization or individual in whatever form, the statement said.

We strongly urge the members of the US Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and observe their obligations as consular personnel, said the statement.

They are urged to immediately make a clean break from anti-China forces who stir up trouble in Hong Kong, stop sending out wrong signals to violent offenders, refrain from meddling in Hong Kong affairs, and avoid going further down the wrong path, said the statement.