CCTV news: The spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the UK responded to reporters’ questions on the China-related content of British Prime Minister Starmer’s foreign policy speech

Reporter: On December 1, British Prime Minister Starmer delivered a foreign policy speech at a dinner in the City of London. He said that the United States, the European Union, and China are the three major forces in the world today. The UK’s lack of contact with China cannot continue. The UK needs to strengthen exchanges with China and carry out trade and cooperation with China. At the same time, he claimed that China poses a "national security threat" to the UK and the UK will continue to take measures to deal with it. He also mentioned other issues related to Hong Kong. What is your comment on this?

Embassy Spokesperson: China firmly opposes the British speech spreading the so-called "China threat" and other erroneous arguments that accuse China and interfere in China's internal affairs.

Facts have fully proved that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. When it comes to peace and security issues, China is a major country with the best record in the world. China's development does not pose a threat to any country, but will only bring opportunities for common development to all countries.

It must also be emphasized that Hong Kong has long since returned to China. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. The British side has no qualifications or right to make irresponsible remarks or interfere.

On the issue of Sino-British relations, China’s position is consistent and clear. Only by adhering to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit can China-UK relations develop smoothly. It is hoped that the UK will recognize the situation clearly, correct its mentality, treat China's development rationally and friendly, pursue a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, work with China halfway, and push China-UK relations onto the track of healthy and stable development.