China’s London Envoy Fires Off a Strong‑Spoken Critique of Western Reaction
In a splash of diplomatic drama, Liu Xiaoming, China’s ambassador to the UK, spoke out on Monday (November 18) in a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy, slamming what he described as foreign interference in Hong Kong’s turmoil.
Hong Kong Under Fire
- Hong Kong, handed back to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” agreement, has been a hotbed of unrest for months.
- Police stormed a university, firing rubber bullets and tear gas to push back protesters armed with petrol bombs and other contraptions.
- The clashes have been a nightmare, with anti‑government activists and clashing forces both throwing punches.
Ambassador’s “Unfiltered” Take
Mr. Liu didn’t mince words, calling the United States and Britain “publicly backing extreme violent offenders.” He singled out the US House of Representatives’ Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act as a blatant meddling in China’s internal business and accused the British Parliament’s foreign affairs committee of publishing “irresponsible” reports on Hong Kong.
He argued that by critiquing both the police and the protesters, Britain was essentially picking sides. “They claim to be balanced, but they’re not,” he said. “That’s our hollowness.”
Western Media Under the Spotlight
Liu blasted the headlines, saying they “mislead” readers and don’t give the protesters’ violence enough spotlight. He dismissed Western accounts linking UN experts to allegations of repression in Xinjiang as “pure fabrication.”
UK’s Response Amid Tension
While the embassy chatter took place, the UK Foreign Office issued a statement expressing serious concern about violence from both sides around university campuses. It urged medical aid for the injured and safe exit for those wishing to leave. The government calls for an end to the bloodshed and meaningful dialogue before the upcoming District Council elections on Sunday (November 24).
Prisoner spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged restraint from everyone involved.
European Commission’s Call for Proportionality
The EU on Monday urged law‑enforcement forces to maintain strict proportionality in their actions.
In short, China’s ambassador put the kettle on in London, telling Western powers to step back and keep their voices low while Hong Kong’s drama unfolds on the stage of international politics.
