SENIOR Hong Kong-based Chinese officials yesterday repeated a warning against foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs.
The warning came after Australian officials proclaimed support for the electoral reforms of the Governor, Chris Patten.
Qin Wenjin, a deputy director of Xinhua (the New China News Agency), said the question of Hong Kong remained an issue between China and Britain prior to the changeover.
After 1997, it would become purely an internal matter of China.
''We have told the world time and again that no third country should have the right to make irresponsible comments or indiscreet remarks on the question of Hong Kong,'' he said.
Mr Qin was referring to praise by Australian Foreign Minister Senator Gareth Evans for the political reform proposals of Mr Patten.
The Governor also received a similar reception at his meeting with other Australian ministers yesterday - a contrast to the attitude of Prime Minister Paul Keating.