This undated photo shows Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Liu Xiaoming. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

HONGKONG – Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Liu Xiaoming firmly rejected the UK's groundless accusation against the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China on the qualification of members of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

READ MORE: HK legislators vow to continue work through tough stretch

Liu made the remarks during a meeting with Philip Barton, permanent under-secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK, on Friday.

Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Liu Xiaoming described the so-called mass resignation of 15 opposition lawmakers as “sheer political farce”, which was met with opposition and despise from Hong Kong residents

Liu pointed out that seniors officials of the FCDO have made unwarranted accusation against the decision of the NPC Standing Committee and blatantly interfered in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs. “The Chinese side expresses its grave concern and firm opposition,” Liu said.

Liu said, the NPC Standing Committee, as the highest organ of state power in China, has the right to rule on any constitutional issues in the implementation of the Basic Law of the HKSAR and the National Security Law for the city.

It is a basic political ethics in any country that holders of public office, legislators vested with legislative power in particular, shall uphold constitutional laws and pledge allegiance to the country, Liu added.

“Nowhere in the world will holders of public office, legislators included, ever be allowed to breach their oath and betray their country, and get away with it,” he said.

Liu pointed out that some LegCo members, including Dennis Kwok Wing-hang, have acted against their oath, breached rules and defied the law. Their actions have disrupted the operation of the LegCo and obstructed normal operation of Hong Kong's political system and administration, Liu said.

“They have even refused to acknowledge China's exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, begged foreign countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong, and stand against ‘one country, two systems’ and the Basic Law. Therefore, it is only just and completely necessary to withhold the qualification for these people in accordance with law,” Liu said.

He also described the so-called mass resignation of 15 opposition lawmakers as “sheer political farce”, which was met with opposition and despise from Hong Kong residents.

ALSO READ: EU urged to stop applying double standards

Liu stressed that by clinging to ideological bias, applying double standards and taking the Sino-British Joint Declaration as an excuse time and again to accuse China of "not fulfilling its international obligations", the UK side is confusing right and wrong.

“What must be pointed out is that, the core content of the Joint Declaration is China resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. All the rights and obligations regarding the UK in the Joint Declaration were fulfilled at the time of the handover,” Liu said.

The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision" over Hong Kong after the handover, he added.

Liu concluded that Hong Kong-related issues bear on China's core interests. China will remain unwavering in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

“The Chinese side urges the UK side to immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and stop interfering in China's internal affairs, so as to avoid going down the wrong path,” Liu said.