On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the Chinese approach to the protests, saying the government was choosing to take further action rather than listen to its people.
This prompted a rebuke from China’s embassy in London. On Tuesday it published a statement on its website quoting an embassy spokesperson: “The UK is not in a position to pass judgment on China’s COVID policy or other internal matters.”
The statement said the UK had “serious problems” with its COVID policies.
“China respects the right of journalists to report, but they must abide by the laws and regulations of the host country. No journalist is exempt, including the British.”
Britain last summoned a senior Chinese diplomat in October to complain about the treatment of a man protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester, northern England.
The man said he was dragged, kicked and punched by masked men in an incident caught on camera. China said the protesters invaded its territory.
Earlier in August, Britain summoned the Chinese ambassador and asked him to explain his country’s actions towards Taiwan. China criticized then-Prime Minister Liz Truss for “irresponsible rhetoric”.
A British parliamentary committee said Tuesday it is visiting Taiwan this week to meet President Tsai Ing-wen and other senior officials.