Question: On 19 May, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said in an interview that a recent strengthening of diplomatic relations between China and Russia poses a threat to democracy. What's your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: The relevant remarks by the British politician were a vicious attack against China and China-Russia relations. They were full of Cold War mentality and aimed at provoking confrontation. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to such attack.

On the basis of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties, China and Russia have dedicated themselves to lasting good-neighbourliness and friendship, deepened comprehensive strategic coordination, and forged a new paradigm of major-country relations that is completely different from the Cold War approach. This is of irreplaceable and crucial value to global strategic stability and cooperation among emerging major countries. The steady development of China-Russia relations not only serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, but contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the wider world.

The UK side seems to be inciting animosity and confrontation around the world, heightening tension in international conflicts, and has no morality to speak of when it comes to matters of international peace and justice.

We urge British politicians to stop making groundless accusations against China, seriously reflect on their role in international peace and security issues, and do something truly in the interest of world peace and justice.