mkphoto taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, July 14, 2020. (File Photo:Xinhua)" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-01-22/a1a37b07-0694-4b29-af39-7698cf4abe5b.jpeg" />

This photo taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, July 14, 2020. (File Photo:Xinhua)

The Chinese Embassy in the UK said it is despicable for the UK to shelter criminals in response to UK foreign officials' meeting with four anti-China individuals seeking to destabilize Hong Kong who are wanted by the Hong Kong police. The embassy said that the four individuals' egregious actions seriously endanger national security, severely undermine the fundamental interests of Hong Kong, and have a serious impact on the principle of One Country, Two Systems which is a bottom line that must not be crossed.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the embassy expressed strong opposition and condemnation to the UK officials' blatant interference in the rule of law in Hong Kong and in China's internal affairs, after UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West met with Carmen Lau and three other disruptors wanted by the Hong Kong police.

The embassy spokesperson said that the four individuals have long engaged in anti-China activities seeking to destabilize Hong Kong, and the law enforcement actions taken by the Hong Kong police are necessary to uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong and defend national security.

We urge the UK to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, stop emboldening those anti-China individuals seeking to destabilize Hong Kong and stop harboring criminals, said the spokesperson.