On 6 July, I shared my views on #NationalSecurityLaw in HKSAR with nearly 50 journalists from 33 British, Chinese and international media agencies at an on-line press conference and answered their questions. Watch Q&A below. 
Q: Can you give details about corresponding measures to UK's policy on BNO?
A: China-UK relations have to be based on principles governing international relations: That is mutual respect for sovereignty＆territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
A: China-UK relations have to be based on principles governing international relations: That is mutual respect for sovereignty＆territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
A: In the past 70 years, the relationship has on the whole moved forward. When these principles are abided by, we would see the leaps and bounds of the relationship. But when these principles are violated, the relationship will suffer setbacks and even retrogression.
Q:How does universal jurisdiction of the law fit alongside intl. law?
A: It is common practice. According to UK national security laws, those who committed crimes or work against interest of UK should be accountable no matter where they are. There’s nothing new in the Law for HK.
A: It is common practice. According to UK national security laws, those who committed crimes or work against interest of UK should be accountable no matter where they are. There’s nothing new in the Law for HK.
Q: How can journalists, activists＆others continue exercise freedom of speech in HK?
A: The law is clear. It outlines 4 categories of crime against national security. As long as a journalist abides by law, you have nothing to worry about. Also human rights are fully respected.
A: The law is clear. It outlines 4 categories of crime against national security. As long as a journalist abides by law, you have nothing to worry about. Also human rights are fully respected.
Q: If UK makes U-turn on Huawei, what would be the impact on UK-China relations?
A: Huawei is a win-win example of China-UK collaboration. Having Huawei is in fundamental interest of UK. If UK chooses to pay a higher price for less qualified products, it’s up to you.
A: Huawei is a win-win example of China-UK collaboration. Having Huawei is in fundamental interest of UK. If UK chooses to pay a higher price for less qualified products, it’s up to you.
A: When the west turns dark, the east will be brighter. I heard a lot of noises about Huawei, but there is nothing to fear. The world is big enough to accommodate Huawei. The more pressure from the so-called superpower and its allies, the stronger Huawei will grow.
Q:Is China interfering in UK's internal affairs?
A: I have been Chinese Ambassador for 10+ years. I can totally reject any accusation of China interfering in UK’s internal affairs. If you have evidence,please show me.But do not make disinformation＆false accusation against China.
A: I have been Chinese Ambassador for 10+ years. I can totally reject any accusation of China interfering in UK’s internal affairs. If you have evidence,please show me.But do not make disinformation＆false accusation against China.
Q: Your comment on security concerns with Huawei.
A: Huawei has done its best to address security concern and tried to improve its technology. Intelligence agencies said risks are manageable and technology in general is safe. It’s up to the UK to make the final decision.
A: Huawei has done its best to address security concern and tried to improve its technology. Intelligence agencies said risks are manageable and technology in general is safe. It’s up to the UK to make the final decision.
A: Some UK politicians regard China as a threat. The truth is China wants to be UK’s friend and partner. But if you treat China as a hostile country, you would have to bear the consequences. To quote Zbigniew Brzezinski: If we treat China like an enemy, they will become an enemy.
Q: Will you prevent HK BNO holders to come to UK?
A:On BNO issue, we don’t think UK has honoured its commitment. This is an interference in China’s internal affairs ＆ it’s a political manipulation. We will decide on counter measures in accordance with the actual actions by UK.
A:On BNO issue, we don’t think UK has honoured its commitment. This is an interference in China’s internal affairs ＆ it’s a political manipulation. We will decide on counter measures in accordance with the actual actions by UK.
Q: What are the consequences for UK in response to its position on HK?
A: Once basic principles are violated, there will certainly be consequences for relationship. The mutual trust＆confidence will be weakened. We hope UK will stand by the fundamental interests between China-UK.
A: Once basic principles are violated, there will certainly be consequences for relationship. The mutual trust＆confidence will be weakened. We hope UK will stand by the fundamental interests between China-UK.
Q: Will China's attitude & policy regarding Chinese students studying in UK change due to political differences?
A: I hope normal exchanges of students between China-UK will go forward. I have not seen any negative consequences on educational cooperation.
A: I hope normal exchanges of students between China-UK will go forward. I have not seen any negative consequences on educational cooperation.
Q: Is the “Golden Era” over between the two countries？
A: “Golden Era” was an idea proposed by UK side＆endorsed by both sides. Whether it’s over or not is not up to Chinese side. I hope our relationship will develop further＆enjoy steady growth in the best interests of both.
A: “Golden Era” was an idea proposed by UK side＆endorsed by both sides. Whether it’s over or not is not up to Chinese side. I hope our relationship will develop further＆enjoy steady growth in the best interests of both.
Q:Will election in HK this autumn be held on the same basis as the ones before?
A:The election will be conducted in accordance with law. Nothing has changed as long as you do not violate National Security Law. HK’s social system, legislative system＆legal system remain unchanged.
A:The election will be conducted in accordance with law. Nothing has changed as long as you do not violate National Security Law. HK’s social system, legislative system＆legal system remain unchanged.
Q:What countermeasures might be taken regarding BNO?
A:We hope UK will reconsider their position on BNO. With regard to what response China is going to make, we have to wait and see what will be the specific actions from the British side.
A:We hope UK will reconsider their position on BNO. With regard to what response China is going to make, we have to wait and see what will be the specific actions from the British side.
Q: Your comment on Ofcom's decision about CGTN.
A: I think CGTN has already made a rebuttal. I think they have made their position very clear. The accusation against CGTN is totally not based on fact.
A: I think CGTN has already made a rebuttal. I think they have made their position very clear. The accusation against CGTN is totally not based on fact.
Q: Is this the end of freedom of expression as people have known it in HK?
A: Not at all. Freedom of speech＆the press in Hong Kong will be protected. As long as people abide by National Security Law, do not cross the line prohibited by the Law, they should be 100% free.
A: Not at all. Freedom of speech＆the press in Hong Kong will be protected. As long as people abide by National Security Law, do not cross the line prohibited by the Law, they should be 100% free.
A: British and American media demonise this Law. That’s totally wrong. As long as you exercise your rights within the limits protected by the Constitution, by the Basic Law, by the International Covenant, you should have no problem at all. Thank you.
Q: What will happen if HK police request to use UK businesses data or system and they refuse?
A: The Law has made it very clear that law enforcement people, including police, the people working in national security offices, have to abide by the law in China＆the law in Hong Kong.
A: The Law has made it very clear that law enforcement people, including police, the people working in national security offices, have to abide by the law in China＆the law in Hong Kong.
Q: Why is UK so ready to give citizenship to HK but not to other former colonies?
A: Some UK politicians still have very strong colonial mindset. They make irresponsible remarks, and try to interfere in HK affairs. They fail to realise that HK is now part of China.
A: Some UK politicians still have very strong colonial mindset. They make irresponsible remarks, and try to interfere in HK affairs. They fail to realise that HK is now part of China.
A: They fail to realise that stability＆prosperity of HK is not only in the interest of China. It’s also in the interest of the UK. The UK has 300,000 citizens living in HK and more than 700 businesses there. So prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is in their best interest.
Q: What are consequences for UK if Huawei is removed from 5G?
A: It damages UK’s image as an open, business-friendly, free ＆transparent environment as it claims. It tarnishes its image as a country which follows independent policy. It means UK has succumbed to foreign pressure.
A: It damages UK’s image as an open, business-friendly, free ＆transparent environment as it claims. It tarnishes its image as a country which follows independent policy. It means UK has succumbed to foreign pressure.
A: It will also send out a very bad message to Chinese business community＆other foreign businesses. A sound relationship has to be built on mutual respect and mutual trust. There is a Chinese saying:You can’t make your decision in the morning＆then change it in the evening.
Q:Your comment on the Law will help protect UK investments＆legal rights in HK.
A:The Law can guarantee a sound business environment for HK. UK public＆media should approach it from an objective,correct＆accurate perspective. HK will become a safer, better＆more prosperous place.
A:The Law can guarantee a sound business environment for HK. UK public＆media should approach it from an objective,correct＆accurate perspective. HK will become a safer, better＆more prosperous place.
