国内英语新闻:Spokesperson slashes foreign meddling in Russia, Hong Kong affairs

BEIJING, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The activities of some external powers in Russia are exactly the same as what they have done in Hong Kong, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Geng Shuang made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on some Western countries' role in Russia's recent illegal demonstrations.

According to media, the U.S. Embassy in Russia has accused Russia of restricting citizens' exercises of basic rights. The embassy website also published the route map of the rally scheduled in downtown Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry said posting the route is "an act encouraging participation and a call to action, which constitutes an attempt to interfere in Russia's domestic affairs."

Geng said the Russian government has taken measures to maintain social stability with sufficient legal basis.

"What is disturbing is that some Western countries were quick to point the finger and confound the situation," Geng said.

Commenting on the Hong Kong issue, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said recently at a press briefing that a number of Western countries' interference in China's internal affairs is not just theoretical global meddling, but specific participation in those riots and in the organization of those riots.

Geng said that China fully agrees with and speaks highly of what the Russian side said, adding that the remarks have pointed out the disgraceful role played by some countries in the violence in Hong Kong and exposed the real plot of external powers to incite violent incidents to undermine Hong Kong's stability.

Stressing that China and Russia share common interests in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, maintaining social stability and order, and opposing external interference, Geng said China is willing to work with Russia to promote the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.