Embassy criticizes UK after judges resign

China's embassy in the United Kingdom has said it strongly opposes the British government's "political manipulation" of the "so-called withdrawal" of serving UK judges from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.

Robert Reed and Patrick Hodge, president and deputy president of the UK Supreme Court, both resigned from their positions on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's highest appellate court on Wednesday, promoting the UK government to attack the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR for allegedly undermining human rights there.

"The UK side took advantage of the so-called withdrawal of serving UK judges from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal to make irresponsible remarks on the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR. The Chinese side is gravely concerned about such political manipulation and strongly opposes this interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs," China's embassy in the UK said in the statement released on Thursday.

The statement reminded the UK that China's government governs the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with "China's Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration" because China has long resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong.

The embassy further pointed out that China remains unwavering in its resolve to fully and accurately implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and to safeguard sustained prosperity and stability in the Hong Kong SAR.

"Since the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR came into force, Hong Kong has seen stability restored, rule of law and justice upheld, judicial independence effectively guaranteed in accordance with law, and the lawful rights and freedoms of the vast majority of Hong Kong residents safeguarded," the embassy added.

"We strongly urge the UK side to respect China's sovereignty and stop all forms of trouble-making in Hong Kong and interference in China's internal affairs."