Beijing's top official in Hong Kong on Thursday warned foreign forces not to interfere with the bottom line of national security in the city, threatening retaliation amid tensions between China and Western powers.
The US, Britain and their allies have condemned China's tightening control over Hong Kong's freedoms, including the sweeping national security law and electoral reforms that have all but silenced the once-vibrant opposition in the semi-autonomous territory.
When it is time, actions must be taken in relation to any external or foreign forces that may interfere Hong Kong affairs or attempts to use Hong Kong as a pawn, said Luo Huining, director of the central government's liaison office in Hong Kong.