Question: The Times carried an article on Oct. 17th saying that universities in the UK have sacrificed academic liberty to China. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy Spokesperson: We deplore and strongly opposes the malicious slander against China.

China has no ambition to dominate the world. It is never our tradition to seek expansion and hegemony. As China develops and makes progress, we actively participate in global governance only to fulfill our due responsibilities as a member of international community and contribute to a better world. History of China’s development tells us that China will do well when the world does well, and vice versa. During the pandemic, we have provided assistance to more than 150 countries and international organizations and helped developing countries and least developed countries to respond to the public health crisis. China has always upheld an independent foreign policy of peace and is firmly committed to finding a new path of peaceful development and win-win cooperation with other countries. At the same time, we stick to basic principles of international relations. China has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries, including the internal affairs of the UK. Hong Kong-related matters and Taiwan question are purely China's internal affairs that brook no foreign interference.

Freedom of expression has boundaries. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states, everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression. The exercise of the rights carries with it special duties and responsibilities. This means it must be subject to certain restrictions, provided by law, for respect of the rights or reputations of others and for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals. The abuse of freedom of expression by certain forces to spread fallacies, deceive the public and instigate division and turmoil for the purpose of destabilizing China will be met with firm and strong opposition from the Chinese people.

Article 38 of the National Security Law stipulates that the Law shall apply to offences under the Law committed against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from outside the Region by a person who is not a permanent resident of the Region. This article is in line with the international practice, and the principle of protective jurisdiction on national security it embodies is a globally accepted principle. It is conducive to safeguarding national security and ensuring law and order in Hong Kong in the long run. The accusations against this law are out of ulterior motives and purely "double standards" and totally untenable.

Academic co-operation promotes development and prosperity of both China and the UK and enhances mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples. China respects academic freedom. We have never exerted any political influence on normal academic activities in British universities. Stoking ideological prejudice and distorting the helpful and ordinary interaction and cooperation for narrow political gain, will dampen the enthusiasm of students and researchers from both countries. It will also further undermine academic co-operation between China and the UK as well as the social foundation of the bilateral relations. As for the expression of indignation and opposition of Chinese students and other Chinese citizens overseas against words and deeds that attempt to separate China and smear its image, this is completely understandable and reasonable. It is pure double standards if slandering China is dubbed freedom of speech but debunking the lies and telling the truth is denied such freedom. This only reflects the political motives behind it.