Question: On 1 December, during a foreign policy speech at the Lady Mayor’s Banquet in the City of London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the US, the EU and China are the three global giants today, and that the absence of the UK’s engagement with China should not continue. The UK needs to engage with China and work and trade with China. At the same time, he claimed that China poses “national security threats” to the UK and that the UK will continue to take measures in response. He also touched upon issues related to Hong Kong and others. What is your comment? 

Embassy Spokesperson: China firmly opposes the erroneous remarks in the speech that spread the so-called “China threat”, make groundless accusations against China, and interfere in China’s internal affairs. 

Facts have fully demonstrated that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. On issues of peace and security, China has the best track record among major countries. China’s development poses no threat to any country, but instead brings opportunities for common development to all. 

It must also be emphasised that Hong Kong has long since returned to China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs. The UK is in no position and has no right to point fingers or interfere. 

China’s position on China-UK relations is consistent and clear. Only by abiding to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and equality and mutual benefit can China-UK relations develop smoothly. The UK should have a clear understanding of the situation, adjust its mindset, adopt a rational and friendly approach towards China’s development, pursue a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, and work with China in the same direction to steer China-UK relations onto a path of sound and steady development.