China blasts UK, US 'malicious intentions in messing up Hong Kong'

China on Friday accused the United States and Britain of having “malicious intentions” following their denunciation of Hong Kong police for paying rewards for information that resulted in the apprehension of five foreign activists. In addition to offering HK$1,000,000 ($128,000) in rewards for information leading to the capture of the wanted persons, the city’s authorities declared on Thursday that they would pursue the individuals “till the end”. Washington fiercely opposed the action, while London referred to it as “a threat to our democracy and fundamental human rights”. But China said Friday that the Hong Kong police force’s desire to arrest the activists was “necessary and legitimate” on national security grounds and was in line with international law. “The national security laws of other countries, including the United States and Britain, also have extraterritorial effects,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press briefing. “By cheering on these anti-China individuals that are bringing havoc to Hong Kong, the United States and Britain are exposing their malicious intentions in messing up Hong Kong,” Mao added. Hong Kong authorities said the five were suspected of incitement to secession, incitement to subversion, and foreign collusion - crimes that can carry sentences of up to life in prison. With inputs from agencies