US, Britain reject claim they incited anti-national-education rallies
US and Britain deny allegations of inciting anti-national education rallies to hurt Beijing
The US and Britain rejected claims they are manipulating anti-national-education protests in Hong Kong in a bid to "cripple" the city and undermine Beijing's ability to rule.
Both the US and British consulates strongly rejected commentaries on ATV and in the Hong Kong edition of - a central government mouthpiece. The commentaries said Western powers were pulling strings behind the scenes to disrupt China's modernisation drive and destabilise Hong Kong.
A British consulate spokeswoman said: "We strongly deny any accusation of interference in the national education issue by the UK. We are strong supporters of 'one country, two systems'.
"Education policy is one of the areas over which Hong Kong has autonomy. The issue of national and moral education is therefore a matter entirely for the Hong Kong government and people. … any suggestion of interference in the issue by the UK is absurd."
A spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office in London also backed the statement.
Last Monday, on local pan-democrats were described as "destructive powers" who "are backed by London and Washington", aiming to cripple the city and prove China is an incapable ruler.
