China accuess US, others over HKong protests

China on Monday accused Western countries of "irresponsible remarks" after they condemned the arrests of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.

At lease 14 veteran activists, including 81-year-old activist and former lawmaker Martin Lee and democracy advocates Albert Ho, Lee Cheuk-yan and Au Nok-hin, were arrested on Saturday on charges of joining massive anti-government protests last year.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement Beijing's actions "inconsistent with commitments made under the Sino-British Joint Declaration," which promised the city would enjoy political freedoms not afforded mainland China.

Britain's Foreign Office also criticized the arrests, saying “the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to Hong Kong’s way of life and as such is protected in both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shung on Monday said such remarks amounted to "gross interference in China's Hong Kong affairs and a serious violation of the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong."

Commenting on a UN report that recommended blacklisting 14 vessels, including a Chinese vessel, for violating sanctions against North Korea, Geng said China has been implementing the sanctions.

"China has been earnestly fulfilling its international obligation. We always deal with relevant issues according to provisions of the resolutions," he told reporters.

China has been neighbouring North Korea's largest trading partner and has been considered critical to enforcing UN sanctions.

In response to Vietnam's protest against China's establishment of two administrative units in the South China Sea, Geng said "China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and rights and interests."

China on Saturday established one administrative district on the Paracel Islands and the other Spratly Islands in China's Sansha City, according to its state broadcaster CCTV.