China denounces Thai politicians for show of support to Hong Kong activists

[BANGKOK] The Chinese embassy in Bangkok has condemned Thai politicians for showing support for Hong Kong activists involved in anti-government protests, saying it could harm the relationship between the two countries.

The criticism was echoed by Thailand's army chief, who on Friday spoke of "hidden agendas" in meetings between opposition activists.

The embassy criticism, in a statement on its official Facebook page late on Thursday, came days after Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong posted a picture on social media with prominent Thai opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

"Some Thai politicians have contacted the group that wants to separate Hong Kong from China, showing gestures of support," the embassy said in a Thai-language statement without naming any individuals.

"This is wrong and irresponsible. China hopes that relevant people will understand the truth about problems in Hong Kong, act carefully and do useful things for the friendship between China and Thailand."

Hong Kong has seen months of protests led by young activists against the city's Beijing-backed government amid fears Beijing is gradually eroding freedoms promised when the city returned to China from British rule in 1997.

China denies that and has accused Western countries of stoking anti-China sentiment in Hong Kong.

Mr Wong and Mr Thanathorn met on Oct 5 at the Open Future Festival in Hong Kong, attending as speakers at the annual event.

"Under the hard-line authoritarian suppression, we stand in solidarity," Mr Wong wrote in a tweet that showed a picture of him standing next to the Thai politician.

Mr Thanathorn said he was not involved with the Hong Kong protests. He also said he respected Hong Kong's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, and supported freedom of expression.

"I have always supported people's rights to peaceful self-expression. I wish to see the situation in Hong Kong resolve," Mr Thanathorn said in a Facebook post.

Thai army chief General Apirat Kongsompong indirectly criticised Mr Thanathorn's meeting with Mr Wong on Friday during a press briefing in which he accused opposition politicians of inappropriate behaviour.

"Wong came to Thailand countless of times. To meet whom? The meetings had hidden agendas. Were they conspiring, cooking up something together?" Gen Apirat asked.

"And with the incidents in Hong Kong, someone went, to give moral support, to give encouragement," Gen Apirat added, showing the picture of Mr Thanathorn and Mr Wong that was posted on social media, though Mr Thanathorn was blacked out in the image.

The Thai Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the Chinese embassy's statement but referred to a statement in September stating that Thailand regarded the situation in Hong Kong as China's internal affairs.

REUTERS