China slams UK warnings about Hong Kong liberties

BEIJING, Mar 16 (AFP): Beijing hit back Friday at Britain over a report condemning jailings of democracy activists and the disqualification of rebel lawmakers in Hong Kong.

"There is no room or right for the UK to intervene," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing.

"The attempt to show the UK's influence on Hong Kong affairs is in vain and can only lead to Chinese people's antipathy," he added, referring to Britain's former role as the city's colonial ruler.

The six-monthly parliamentary report on Hong Kong came days after the Chinese Communist Party decided to give President Xi Jinping a mandate to rule for life, intensifying fears that Hong Kong's freedoms will come under increasing threat.

Last Monday, the city's democracy camp failed to claw back all their lost seats in controversial by-elections as the city's pro-Beijing establishment further cements its grip.