Mutual respect needed for sound development of China-Britain ties: Chinese envoy

LONDON -- Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming on Friday called for mutual respect between China and Britain to maintain the sound development of the bilateral relationship.

Numerous obstacles have been overcome and remarkable successes achieved during the past 65 years since China-Britain diplomatic relationship was established at the charge d'affaires level, said Liu at the 11th anniversary dinner of the Young Icebreakers, a leading network which acts as a bridge between Chinese and British young professionals.

"One important lesson we have learned from the history of China-UK relationship is mutual respect. This means we should respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs, and carry out equal-footed and mutually-beneficial cooperation," Liu said.

"History proves that when these principles were upheld, China-UK relationship would move forward; otherwise, this relationship would encounter setbacks or even backpedal," said the ambassador.

Liu said the Hong Kong question, once an obstacle to the development of the China-Britain relationship, now regrettably has reappeared.

Some politicians in Britain have taken advantage of the differences in views concerning the ordinance amendments proposed by China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to accuse China of "going against the 'one country, two systems' principle," warned the ambassador.

Meanwhile, the British government and parliament published so-called reports on the Hong Kong question and interfered in China's internal affairs as well as the affairs of Hong Kong, said Liu.

"This has severely disrupted and undermined China-UK relationship," he said.

The ambassador said for "one country, two systems" to work in Hong Kong, there are three bottom lines, namely, no tolerance of any activity that undermines national sovereignty and security, that challenges the authority of the Chinese central government or the Basic Law, and that uses Hong Kong for infiltration into or sabotage of the Chinese mainland.

Britain has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision" over Hong Kong whatsoever, Liu said.

"Citing the Joint Declaration as a justification for irresponsible remarks and interference in Hong Kong affairs has no valid ground. This goes against not only 'one country, two systems', but also the basic norms governing international relations," he said.

Meanwhile, the ambassador said China has full confidence in "one country, two systems."

"I firmly believe that with the strong support of the central government and under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the SAR Government, Hong Kong will overcome the difficulties and put an end to chaos," he noted.

"The 'oriental pearl' will once again shine brightly and continue the success of 'one country, two systems'," he said.

The ambassador urged the British side to actively support the HKSAR Government to end the chaos and restore order, support Hong Kong's efforts in maintaining prosperity and stability, and create sound conditions for the healthy and steady growth of the China-Britain relationship.

A stable and prosperous Hong Kong is in the interests of both China and Britain, said the ambassador.