- Title: China urges Australia not to go down 'wrong path' on Hong Kong
- Date: 2nd July 2020
- Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (JULY 2, 2020) (REUTERS) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN, ZHAO LIJIAN, ARRIVING AT NEWS CONFERENCE MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN, ZHAO LIJIAN, SAYING: "We also noted the relevant reports. We urge the Australian side to correctly and objectively view Hong Kong's national security law and immediately stop using Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal affairs, to not go further down this wrong path." MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN, ZHAO LIJIAN, SAYING: "Any power or situation cannot shake the resolve that China has in safeguarding the country's sovereignty, safety, in safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Anyone who attempts vainly to use Hong Kong to harm China's sovereignty, safety and development will not prevail." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS EXTERIOR OF FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE NATIONAL FLAG
- Embargoed: 16th July 2020 11:24
- Keywords: Australia China Hong Kong national security law visas
- Location: BEIJING, CHINA
- City: BEIJING, CHINA
- Country: China
- Topics: Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001CL47TC7
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:China urged Australia on Thursday (July 2) to stop interfering in its internal affairs after the Australian prime minister signaled his government may follow Britain in offering visas to Hong Kong citizens in light of the new national security law in the city.
"We urge the Australian side to correctly and objectively view Hong Kong's national security law and immediately stop using Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal affairs, to not go further down this wrong path," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.
Scott Morrison said on Thursday that events in Hong Kong were concerning and the Australian government was "prepared to step up and provide support."
Britain has said it would grant leave for Hong Kong citizens with British National Overseas Status, and their dependent families, to live and work in Britain for five years, and later apply for citizenship.
Asked if Australia would consider offering safe haven to Hong Kong people, similar to Britain, Morrison said proposals to provide similar opportunities are being considered, but he did not provide details.
(Production: Wang Shubing, Thomas Suen) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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