Editor’s note: The Chinese embassy in Canada on Sunday protested Hong Kong-related remarks by a Canadian diplomat, urging the Canadian government to stop meddling in China’s internal affairs.

The embassy’s opposition came after Diplomatic Chief of the EU Federica Mogherini and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland released a joint statement in Ottawa on Saturday. The foreign affairs chiefs voiced support of protesters in Hong Kong.

In a response published on its official website, the embassy urged the Canadian top diplomat to respect China’s sovereignty in good faith. The below is the full statement by the embassy.

Screenshot (Photo: ca.china-embassy.org)

On August 17, in disregard of China's solemn position, the Canadian Foreign Minister once again issued the so-called statement on the situation in Hong Kong and meddled in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. We deplore and strongly oppose such move.

Since Hong Kong's return to the mainland, the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in the Hong Kong SAR have been fully implemented. The people of Hong Kong enjoy unprecedented democratic rights and a broad range of freedoms rarely seen across the world. The recent radical violence has impinged on Hong Kong's rule of law, social order, economy and livelihood, and international image. The relevant protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong have already deteriorated and evolved into extreme violence. In face of such severe violence and offences, no government with a sense of responsibility would sit idly by. The most pressing and overriding task for Hong Kong at present is to stop violence, end the chaos and restore order, which is also the mainstream opinion of the public and strong voice of Hong Kong society. Under the current situation, the Canadian side should be cautious on its words and deeds regarding the Hong Kong related issue. If the Canadian side wants to express its position, it should clearly condemn the violent criminal activities, support the Hong Kong SAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law, and support the Hong Kong police in punishing violent offences in accordance with the law, instead of making irresponsible and erroneous remarks.

We want to reiterate that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, which brook no interference by any other country, organization or individual. The "One Country, Two Systems" is enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not international law. The Central Government of China has the determination, confidence and capability to safeguard the "One Country, Two Systems" and maintain the stability and prosperity in Hong Kong.

We once again urge the Canadian side to observe international law and the basic norms governing international relations, respect China's sovereignty in good faith, and immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs.