Question: On 7 November, the UK and Japan held the fifth Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (“2+2”) and issued a joint statement, in which the ministers “voiced their concerns” over issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. They also “called on” China to press Russia to stop its “military aggression”. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy Spokesperson: Matters related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong are purely China’s internal affairs. Foreign countries, including the UK and Japan, are in no position to point their fingers at these affairs. What the UK and Japan are trying to do is not safeguarding peace and human rights, but to interfere in China's internal affairs and create chaos in China. Their vile scheme will never succeed.

China has indisputable territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. China will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and rights and firmly oppose any attempts by relevant countries to sow discord and stoke confrontation in the region.

On the Ukraine issue, China has all along stood on the side of peace, upheld an objective and just position, and actively promoted talks for peace. On the contrary, some countries have been adding fuel to the fire and kept stimulating tension, running counter to efforts for peaceful settlement.

If the UK and Japan truly are responsible countries, they should stop fanning the flames and stirring up trouble and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability.