China says it will not stand foreign interference in Hong Kong

BEIJING: China today asked foreign countries to exercise prudence in expressing support for the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong saying it will not stand any external interference in its matters.

"Hong Kong is China's special administrative region and it falls within China's domestic affairs," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters here when asked about Chinese media allegations that US diplomats are training the protesters.

"No foreign country has the right to interfere. We urge the relevant country to be prudent with their words and actions and refrain from sending wrong signals," he said.

His comments came as Hong Kong police moved in to clear the barricades put up by protesters in the Admiralty area.

"We urge other countries to respect our sovereignty because Hong Kong is China's special Administrative Region," Hong said.

"China brooks no interference from any foreign country. We urge prudence from foreign countries and stop sending wrong messages," he said.

Hong Kong is witnessing some of the biggest protests in its recent history after a rule stipulated by China necessitated prior screening of all candidates, who are to take part in elections for the post of Chief Executive of the former British colony.