China firmly opposes German FM's meeting with HK separatist: spokesperson

China on Tuesday expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to Germany over its allowing a Hong Kong separatist to enter the country to engage in anti-China separatist activities and its foreign minister's contact with him.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a press briefing when responding to media reports that German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has welcomed the bail granted to Hong Kong separatist Joshua Wong Chi-fung who is the leader of a Hong Kong political group advocating the so-called "independence" and met with him on Monday evening in Berlin.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying takes a question at a regular press briefing in Beijing, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

"China has lodged stern representations with the German side," Hua said.

Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and no foreign government, organization or individual has the right to interfere, Hua said. "Any words, acts or plots that attempt to build oneself up by pulling in foreign forces and to split the country are doomed to failure."

It is also extremely wrong for some German media outlets and politicians to grab a share of limelight to "put on political shows" using anti-China separatists, she said. "This constitutes disrespect for China's sovereignty and interference with China's internal affairs."

During her visit to China last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed clearly her support to the "one country, two systems" principle and opposition to violence, Hua said. "We cannot help but ask what is the purpose of Germany allowing Wong to visit the country at this time and meet with Maas."

"We urge the German side to keep its promises and avoid sending wrong signals to Hong Kong radical separatists," Hua said.

Hua also urged Maas as the German foreign minister to abide by international laws and basic norms governing international relations and contribute to rather than undermine the development of China-Germany ties.