MNI POLICY: China Says HK Law Internal Affair; Warns Cold War

By Archie Zhang

     BEIJING (MNI) - China's top diplomat called a new law to tighten controls

over security in Hong Kong an "internal affair" and warned that some U.S.

political interests are trying to push the two powers into a new cold war.

     "A political virus is spreading in the U.S., taking every opportunity to

smear and attack China," State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a

press conference on Sunday. "Certain U.S. politicians have made up so many lies

about China and planned too many plots," he said.

     "China does not want to change or replace the U.S., while the U.S. cannot

change China at its own wish," Wang said.

     Wang said the new law on Hong Kong "won't affect the high degree of

autonomy, the rights and freedom of Hong Kong residents, and the legitimate

rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong." 

     The pandemic has accelerated China's better relations with Russia,

prompting "strategic coordination" and cooperation in areas such as energy, Wang

said, praising Russia being the first country to send support personnel after

the outbreak in China. China and Russia also stood together against "smearing"

by certain countries, he said.

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: archie.zhang@marketnews.com

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 10 8532 5998; email: william.bi@mni-news.com

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: wanxia.lin@marketnews.com

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