China warns UK over Hong Kong intervention

China has warned Britain to refrain from interfering in Hong Kong following a call for international support by a pro-democracy activist following the introduction of new security rules.

Chinese Ambassador Lui Xiaoming has said that the UK's offer to grant British citizenship to 3 million Hong Kong citizens is tantamount to "open interference" in Hong Kong.

The offer was made by the UK following the introduction of new security rules in Hong Kong.

Critics of the laws say the semi-autonomous region has lost its independence since the laws were enacted.

Democrat activist Joshua Wang called for broad support for Hong Kong at the international level and told his compatriots living in Hong Kong in particular and the outside world in general not to listen to Beijing.

Chinese Ambassador Louie has expressed hope that the UK will reconsider its offer.

He told the media that the British government has been making irresponsible statements about Hong Kong.

The Chinese ambassador said a decision on what Beijing should do in response to the British government's move would be made after details of the British offer came to light.

The British government says China has deviated from the 1997 agreement under which Hong Kong was handed over to China, under which China was to ensure the freedom of Hong Kong citizens for 50 years.

A spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged China not to block Hong Kong citizens, who have overseas British civil rights, from coming to the UK.

The British spokesman added that he expected China to abide by international law.

He added that "national security laws and their implications are being considered and the possibility of deportation of Hong Kong nationals is also being considered."