# UK-China diplomatic dispute over Hong Kong > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-china-diplomatic-dispute-over-hong-kong > Updated: 2026-10-23T04:02:12.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. A diplomatic confrontation has emerged between the United Kingdom and China following a British report regarding the state of freedoms in Hong Kong. The UK report, issued by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, expressed concern over the “expanding scope and application” of national security legislation and its impact on freedom of expression, assembly, and the press. The report specifically highlighted the 20-year prison sentence of media tycoon and British citizen Jimmy Lai, with London demanding his “immediate release.” In response, both the Chinese government and the Hong Kong authorities have condemned the report. Beijing accused the UK of “serious interference” in its internal affairs and urged London to “abandon its colonial mentality,” asserting that the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration does not grant the UK any right to supervise Hong Kong. Hong Kong officials labeled the report as containing “untruthful remarks, slanders and smears,” maintaining that national security matters are purely internal affairs. The authorities defended the city’s judicial independence, stating that high-profile cases are handled according to the law based on evidence rather than political affiliation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: China accuses UK of interference over Hong Kong report China has lodged a diplomatic protest against the UK, accusing it of interference after a British report highlighted declining freedoms and the imprisonment of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-accuses-uk-of-interference-over-hong-kong-report ### 2026-10-23: Hong Kong government rejects UK report on national security laws Hong Kong authorities have condemned a UK report criticizing the city's national security laws, calling the remarks “untruthful” and an interference in China's internal affairs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hong-kong-government-rejects-uk-report-on-national-security-laws --- Cite as: UK-China diplomatic dispute over Hong Kong. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-china-diplomatic-dispute-over-hong-kong