China says criticism of Xi Jinping by George Soros is ‘meaningless’

US billionaire said in a speech at Davos that the Chinese president is the world’s most ‘dangerous opponent of open societies’

Chinese foreign ministry responds that remarks by individuals who ‘invert right and wrong’ are ‘not worth refuting’

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US billionaire George Soros called Chinese President Xi Jinping “the most dangerous opponent of open societies”. Photo: TNS

Published: 7:34pm, 25 Jan 2019Updated: 7:35pm, 25 Jan 2019

US billionaire George Soros’ criticism of Chinese President Xi Jinping was “meaningless”, China’s foreign ministry said on Friday, after the investor and philanthropist called Xi the world’s most “dangerous opponent” of open society.

Soros, who promotes liberal causes through his charities, said during a speech on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that China was the wealthiest, strongest and technologically most advanced authoritarian regime in the world.

“This makes Xi Jinping the most dangerous opponent of open societies,” Soros said.

George Soros said China was the wealthiest, strongest and most technologically advanced authoritarian regime in the world. Photo: AFP

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about the comments, said remarks by some individuals that “invert right and wrong” were “meaningless and not worth refuting”.

“We hope the relevant American can correct his attitude, not be short-sighted, and hold an objective, rational and correct opinion of China’s development,” Hua told reporters at a regular briefing.