China’s envoys try to rally Europe to Beijing’s side on Hong Kong protests

China is stepping up its attempts to rally global support for its handling of protests in Hong Kong, with its ambassadors in Europe calling for condemnation of the violence in the city.

In a series of statements, Chinese envoys to Britain, the Netherlands and Spain have added their voices to a global campaign to promote Beijing’s line on the demonstrations.

At an address on Tuesday at the London embassy to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, Liu Xiaoming, China’s ambassador to Britain, said ending violence in Hong Kong was a “top priority” for the city.

Liu underlined Beijing’s support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and the city’s police force.

He also praised members of the Chinese community in Britain who petitioned British politicians and raised public awareness “to deplore violence and oppose foreign interference” in Hong Kong.

“You have demonstrated a strong sense of justice and responsibility and you have lived up to the Chinese national spirit,” he said.