China defends ban on Hong Kong pro-independence party

China Tuesday defended the Hong Kong government's decision to ban a political party that promotes independence and expressed "strong dissatisfaction" at countries which criticised the move.

Britain was among those to express concern after the territory's security minister said Monday he had upheld a police request to bar the Hong Kong National Party.

"Certain countries and institutions have made numerous and irresponsible remarks on the Hong Kong SAR (special administrative region) government's move to ban the Hong Kong National Party," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

"We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this," Geng told a regular news briefing, adding that countries should "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and Chinese internal affairs under the pretext of freedom of speech."
Geng said the city's government had acted in accordance with the law, and "any organisation or attempts to promote Hong Kong independence and to separate our nation cannot be tolerated."