China protects freedom of the press while enforcing its laws to ensure security and stability in Hong Kong, the country's UK embassy said in response to criticism from a group of countries.

"Hong Kong upholds the rule of law. Freedom of the press and speech are fully safeguarded by law," the embassy statement said. "At the same time, nobody is allowed to engage in criminal activities in the name of freedom of the press and speech."

Formed in 2019, the Media Freedom Coalition represents 50 nations, 22 of which signed a statement yesterday expressing "deep concern" at what they described as attacks on the freedom of the press and independent media in Hong Kong.

The signatories, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and a number of European Union nations, said Beijing's actions were damaging the international reputation of the region.

However, China's embassy said measures taken since the introduction of a National Security Law in 2020 has restored stability and prosperity to Hong Kong. As an integral part of China, domestic policies there are of no concern to third parties, including former colonial power the UK, the embassy noted.

Lithuania

In a mark of the deterioration of the UK's relations with China in recent years, UK prime minister Boris Johnson yesterday accused Beijing of using "coercive trading practices" against Lithuania.

The Baltic country, which is an EU member, had angered China by allowing the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan to open a representation in its capital. This is a breach of the One China policy to which Lithuania and most other countries subscribe, according to China.

However, while the embassy spokesman stated that Lithuania was allowing itself to be used as a pawn by anti-China forces, he denied suggestions that China's response was inappropriate or illegal.

"China has always acted in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization," he said, urging Johnson to stick to the facts.

The embassy spokesman also commented on a report by UK broadcaster Sky News alleging human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region. Such claims are lies aimed at discrediting China, the spokesman said. 

"We also urge the media concerned to abide by the professional ethics of journalists, stop producing and spreading rumors, and stop misleading the public," he concluded.