Question: On 16 December, the UK and Australia issued the Joint Statement on Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations, which “expressed concerns” over issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. They also claimed to “urge” China to stop supporting Russia's defense industrial base and “call on” China to stop Russia's “military aggression”. What is your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: We firmly oppose the UK and Australia using the above issues to make groundless accusations against China.

Matters related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, and Hong Kong are China’s internal affairs and brook no interference from external forces.

On the South China Sea, China will unswervingly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is ready to continue to properly handle differences with countries directly concerned through consultation and negotiation.

The UK and Australia are in no position and have no right to make irresponsible remarks on China’s internal affairs. They pretend to protect human rights, but what they are really up to is to interfere in China’s internal affairs, which is very hypocritical. The UK and Australia should stop any words and deeds that undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, instead of continuing to stir up trouble.

As for the Ukraine issue, China has always taken an objective and just stance, and worked actively to enable talks for peace and a political solution. We firmly oppose relevant countries spreading disinformation about so-called China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, and urge the UK and Australia to stop adding fuel to the fire or shifting blame onto others.