China on Tuesday defended the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s decision to formally ban a separatist party and expressed "strong dissatisfaction" at countries and institutions which criticized the move.
The HKSAR on Monday banned the operation of the so-called "Hong Kong National Party" which advocates "Hong Kong independence" and the government said the order was made to safeguard national security, public security, public order, and other people's rights and freedom.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on Monday's regular press conference pointed out that certain countries and institutions have made numerous and irresponsible remarks on the HKSAR's decision.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at the regular press conference on Sept. 25, 2018 in Beijing. /Chinese MOFA photo
He told these countries and institutions to stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs under the pretext of freedom of speech and to respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Geng stressed that any attempts to promote Hong Kong independence and to separate the nation cannot be tolerated.
HKSAR's decision acts in accordance with the law and is an attempt to uphold national security and Hong Kong's rule of law, he added.