China on Monday urged the US to stop interfering in its internal affairs and judicial sovereignty on Hong Kong.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hua Chunying was responding to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's statement regarding 12 Hongkongers in criminal detention for illegally crossing the border.

File Photo: Xinhua

“The Chinese judicial organs handle cases according to law and the US has no right to interfere,” Hua said at a daily press conference.

The spokesperson also lashed out at the US government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The right to life is the greatest human right," Hua said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has so far caused more than 20 million confirmed cases and more than 350,000 deaths in the US. Does Mr Pompeo ever express sympathy for those who have passed away because of the pandemic?"

"In the face of the pandemic, inaction and carelessness are the real ruthlessness and real contempt for human rights." She said.

(Compiled by Yang Jiaqi)