Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong has rebutted criticism from Western blocs of the selection process for the city’s new leader, a day after the top Chinese government agency issued a lengthy statement defending the election. On Tuesday, the liaison office hit back at the Group of Seven nations and the European Union’s remarks, asking the two blocs not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs. “[The G7 and EU] have blatantly smeared Hong Kong’s election and meddled in Hong Kong issues and China’s domestic affairs,” a spokesman for the office said. “They have ignored the fact that Hong Kong’s chief executive election was held in accordance with the laws and principles of fairness and impartiality. They have disregarded that the election results have commanded people’s respect and support. They have also ignored the united and delightful atmosphere in Hong Kong society.” Chinese and Western diplomats trade barbs over Hong Kong leadership election The Group of Seven (G7) nations consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The spokesman said politicians from countries in the two blocs had ignored their own poor performance in regards to democracy, freedom and human rights, and repeatedly used these issues to make wanton remarks about Hong Kong with the aim of disrupting the city and containing China. He also hailed Sunday’s chief executive election, the city’s third poll since Beijing drastically overhauled Hong Kong’s electoral system last year to ensure only “patriots” held power. The spokesman pointed to the three elections as proof that Hong Kong’s autonomy and democratic rights were protected. He added that the election was “broadly representative” and showed political inclusiveness and fair competition. John Lee embarks on whirlwind of visits after winning Hong Kong leadership poll In a previous statement issued on Sunday, the office said more than 13,000 residents had submitted 47,000 suggestions to Chief Executive-elect John Lee Ka-chiu through an online platform, which showed Hongkongers were excited about the city’s “new future”. The first of the three polls, held in September last year, was for choosing members of the Election Committee, which is tasked with picking the city’s leader. The second was the Legislative Council election in December. On Monday, the G7 issued a statement expressing “grave concern over the selection process” of Hong Kong’s new leader, describing it as “part of an ongoing assault on political pluralism and fundamental freedoms”. The EU on Sunday also expressed concerns over the election process. “The European Union regrets this violation of democratic principles and political pluralism and sees this selection process as yet another step in the dismantling of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle,” said the bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell. Hong Kong’s John Lee must now deliver; can he change ‘us versus them’? On Sunday, China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong and the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said “any attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability will be in vain”. Lee paid a visit to the liaison office and met its director Luo Huining on Monday, a day after he was officially confirmed as Hong Kong’s leader-in-waiting without a contest. Out of the 1,428 votes cast by the Election Committee, 1,416 voted to support him. Eight members voted against him, four cast blank votes and 33 members did not take part. “The liaison office will continue to implement Beijing’s comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong and firmly defend the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests,” Luo said on Monday. “As long as the Hong Kong government and various sectors can seize the historic opportunities and give full play to the city’s strengths, Hong Kong will surely achieve more and create new glory.”