Question: It is learned that a summer reception that the All Party Parliamentary China Group originally scheduled to hold at the Palace of Westminster on 15 September has been postponed. Is that true? Is the postponement related to China's sanctions on some British Parliamentarians? Does the Chinese government plan to lift relevant sanctions?

Embassy Spokesperson: The event you mentioned is the summer reception to be hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary China Group and the China-Britain Business Council. This event represents a positive gesture of the hosts, the importance they attach to the China-UK relationship and their commitment to enhancing dialogue and cooperation between China and the UK. As for when and where to hold this event, it is for the hosts to decide.

Regarding the sanctions on relevant persons and institutions in the UK announced by the Chinese side in March, they are beyond reproach because they are justified responses to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the British side on relevant Chinese individuals and entities based on disinformation and under the pretext of so-called human rights abuse in Xinjiang.

Relations between states must be based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and non-interference in each others' internal affairs. The Chinese side has always been resolute in responding to and would never tolerate any attempt at harming China's core interests.

The despicable and cowardly action of certain individuals of the UK Parliament to obstruct normal exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK for personal political gains is against the wishes and harmful to the interests of the peoples of both countries.

We appreciate the positive role of the All-Party Parliamentary China Group and China-Britain Business Council in promoting dialogue and cooperation between China and the UK. We will stay in close communication with friends from all walks of life including the UK Parliament and work together to promote exchanges and collaboration in all areas in order to better benefit the two peoples.