File photo: CGTN

China expressed its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition on Tuesday after German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas met Hong Kong separatist Joshua Wong Chi-fung, saying that no foreign country had a right to interfere in China’s internal affairs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was “extremely dissatisfied and resolutely opposed” to Germany allowing Wong to visit and to allow him to meet the German foreign minister. “China has already lodged stern representations with the German side.”

“Hong Kong is an internal affair and no foreign government, organization or individual has a right to interfere,” she added. 

“Any plots to rely on foreigners to build oneself up, or acts or words to split the country, are doomed to failure.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Beijing last week. Hua said that during her trip last week, Merkel clearly said that she opposes violence and supports “one country, two systems.”

“We can’t help but ask, what is the purpose of the German side in allowing Joshua Wong to come to Germany at this time and to meet with Minister Maas?”

“China urges Germany to abide by its promises and avoid sending wrong messages to separatist Hong Kong forces, and urges Maas to abide by the basics of international law and act for the benefit of relations and not be a ‘damager’ of the relationship,” Hua added.

(Compiled by Zhu Yurou)