Beijing warns London over Hong Kong interference

The British government warns of a possible repression of the population of the Territory, and the Chinese ambassador reacts with fury. Called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The tension in the former colony is still high.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The British government has summoned the Chinese ambassador to the Foreign Ministry, and warned him after the diplomat had ordered the United Kingdom to keep its not to "interfere in its domestic affairs". London had warned of the risks of a "repression" of protesters, and in response the ambassador Liu had accused Britain of having forgotten that Hong Kong is no longer a British colony.

Diplomatic tensions add to the violence and clashes that have been stirring the Territory for weeks. During the march of July 1, organized by the Civil Front for Human Rights to celebrate the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, citizens demonstrated in favor of their freedom. This year the demonstrations are marked by the cancellation of the China extradition law, which risks reducing legal autonomy and freedom of expression in Hong Kong to almost zero.

The demonstration, started in a peaceful way, had moments of strong tension and violence. Some demonstrators, passing in front of the buildings of the Legco (Legislative Council, the parliament of Hong Kong), have prepared a kind of "ram" with a trolley, slamming it against the windows. The authors of the vandalism gesture wore helmets and gas masks and were protected with umbrellas by the cameras. Some marchers tried to stop them, but they were pushed and pushed away. One of those present explained: "The government does not listen to us ... Then we are forced to penetrate into the building!"

For weeks, the demonstrations that have followed demand the cancellation of the law, an independent investigation into the violence carried out by the police, cancel the definition of "revolt" at the demonstrations. From many parts (dioceses, political figures, etc.) there has been a request to the government to hear the frustration of the people of Hong Kong.