China reiterates opposition to UK lawmakers' interference in HK affairs

BEIJING -- China on Thursday reiterated that Hong Kong affairs are part of China's internal affairs, urging British lawmakers to stop badgering China for refusing to allow them to visit Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes the interference of any country, institution or individual in any form in Hong Kong affairs," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a daily press briefing.

According to Reuters, a group of senior lawmakers said on Wednesday that China's refusal to allow them to visit Hong Kong last month was an insult to Britain and called on the government to react more strongly, including formally summoning China's ambassador over the issue.

"I would like to reiterate that the Chinese central government and the government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region have full right to deal with relevant issues in accordance with the law," said Hong. "We hope certain British lawmakers will stop their meaningless hype."