EU curbs on exports to HK condemned

The European Union should take concrete actions if it wishes for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability as it claims, instead of adopting unilateral measures that affect the region, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday.

He made the remark after the EU member states agreed on Tuesday to a package of measures including restrictions on exports of sensitive technology and equipment to Hong Kong in response to the National Security Law for Hong Kong.

"The EU's move is in violation of noninterference in domestic affairs, a basic norm of international relations. China firmly opposes it and has lodged solemn representations with the EU side," Wang told reporters at a regular news briefing in Beijing. He reiterated that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs that allow no interference from foreign countries or organizations.

The spokesman noted that the enactment and enforcement of the National Security Law for Hong Kong is aimed at plugging loopholes in the Hong Kong national security legislation and improving its legal system.

The law serves the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong as well as safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all foreign companies and personnel in Hong Kong, Wang said.

Also at the news briefing, the spokesman urged the United States and Australia to view China in a fair manner after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper held two days of talks with their Australian counterparts seeking new military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Wang, China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the two countries' recent slandering and smearing of China on a series of issues and has lodged solemn representations with them.

"We urge the US and Australia to stop making statements or taking actions that interfere in China's internal affairs and undermine China's interests, and create favorable conditions for developing their bilateral ties with China," he said.

Meanwhile, China also urged the two countries to play a constructive role for the peace, stability and development of the region, instead of the opposite, Wang added.