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China urges EU to stop meddling in internal affairs after restrictions announced

CHINA has urged the EU to stop meddling in its internal affairs after the neoliberal economic bloc set out restrictions regarding the sale of technology for use in Hong Kong.

A spokesperson for Beijing insisted the people of Hong Kong were best placed to judge whether the “one country, two systems” principle introduced after Britain handed back its former colony to China in 1997 was being implemented.

They said that “the EU has no right to make irresponsible remarks” after it expressed “grave concerns” over the introduction of the new national security law, claiming it restricted rights to freedom

EU chiefs outlined measures on Tuesday including restricting exports of equipment and technologies to Hong Kong which could be used for surveillance under the new legislation, a move fronted by France and Germany.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said: “If we want to maintain our values and principles in dealing with powers like China, we Europeans have to speak with one voice. We now have a common toolbox.”

China voted to adopt the national security law on June 30 in a bid to restore order in Hong Kong after violent protests brought chaos to the special autonomous region last year.

Demonstrations, portrayed as “pro-democracy” by the mainstream Western press, saw pro-Beijing businesses and individuals brutally attacked, hospitals bombed and trade union offices burned down.

Beijing has continued to insist the law was necessary to bring stability and said it was welcomed by the majority of Hong Kong residents.

“China is firmly against the EU’s wrong moves and has made serious representations with the EU side,” the spokesperson said.

The EU was urged to “truly respect China’s position on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong and to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and Chin’s internal affairs in any way.”

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