Italian invitation to Wong slammed

The Chinese embassy in Italy has condemned Italian politicians for providing a platform to "Hong Kong independence-seeking separatist" Joshua Wong.

A spokesman for the embassy in Rome said that a few Italian politicians have disregarded facts and failed to distinguish right from wrong in holding a videoconference with Wong to back the Hong Kong separatist. Wong tweeted that he spoke before Italian senators via videoconference.

"This is an extremely wrong and irresponsible behavior and we are lodging our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition," the spokesman said in a statement released on Thursday local time.

He said Hong Kong affairs are purely China's domestic affairs and allow no interference by any foreign country or organization. He called for Italian politicians to respect China's sovereignty, be discreet in words and deeds and contribute to China-Italy friendship and cooperation rather than doing the opposite.

Escalating violence and criminal activities have pushed Hong Kong into a dangerous situation, the spokesman said. It has seriously trampled on the rule of law, jeopardized social order, damaged Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle, he said.

He said that Wong, secretary-general of Demosisto, was still on bail. Wong was arrested in Hong Kong for plotting and participating in riots and storming police stations.

"Wong has tried hard to confuse right and wrong, eulogized violence, slandered 'one country, two systems' and publicly invited foreign forces to meddle in Hong Kong affairs. He is a total clown," the spokesman said.