The Hong Kong government and China's foreign ministry branch in the city have hit back at a report by Britain criticising Beijing's plans for national security legislation, saying it was "biased" and intervened in internal affairs.
The British government says the proposed legislation is a clear violation of China's international obligations and a breach of the "one country, two systems" formula that has governed the former British colony since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997.
British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab says a solution to the year-long unrest in Hong Kong, which has been marked by sometimes violent clashes between protesters and police, must come from within the city, not from Beijing.
The commissioner of China's ministry of foreign affairs in Hong Kong says Britain has "seriously trampled on the principles of international law including non-interference in other countries' internal affairs".
"Hong Kong returned 23 years ago" and it should stop "distorting facts" as it has no sovereignty or power of supervision over the territory, the office says.
Pro-democracy and anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong. Source: Viola Kam / SOPA Images/Sipa USA
Hong Kong's government says it firmly opposes the "inaccurate and biased remarks on the national security law and the high degree of autonomy (in Hong Kong)".
Local and Beijing authorities have insisted the legislation will focus on small numbers of "troublemakers" who pose a national security threat and will not curb freedoms or hurt investors.
The exchange over the legislation, which is expected to be implemented by September, came as Hong Kong marked the anniversary of a major turning point in the city's pro-democracy movement.
On 12 June last year, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters rallied in the heart of the business district against a proposed bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.
It was the first such response from police, who have argued the use of "minimum" force was necessary to restore law and order, a move that radicalised many moderates in Hong Kong.
While the bill was later withdrawn, the movement evolved into broader appeals for democracy amid fears Beijing was tightening its grip.
Dozens gathered on Friday in the working-class district of Mong Kok and in a shopping mall in the Sha Tin district to mark last year's pivotal moments. Riot police could be seen nearby.
Earlier on Friday some students formed human chains and there were also small, peaceful lunchtime protests in shopping malls.
The street at causeway Bay filled with bricks and traffic corns as barricades during an anti-government demonstration. Source: Viola Kam / SOPA Images/Sipa USA
A student group and several unions postponed this Sunday's vote on whether to hold a wide-scale strike to June 20, citing a storm forecast.
Diplomats, lawyers and business leaders fear national security motives will be used to curb academic, media and other freedoms in Hong Kong.
Britain has been joined by the United States and others, including Australia, in criticising the proposed legislation.
