A Chinese spokesperson on Monday condemned Joshua Wong Chi-fung, leader of a Hong Kong political group advocating "independence", for seeking foreign interference in Hong Kong.

File photo: Xinhua

The 22-year-old urged US President Donald Trump to include human rights provisions in any trade deal with China.

“As a Chinese, Wong sought foreign interference in China’s internal affairs. The spokesperson of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has pointed out the nature of such people. I think Wong doesn’t have any say in the relationship between China and the US,” said Hua Chunying, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“China has always been consistent and clear on matters related to Hong Kong and the trade negotiations between China and the US,” Hua added. “I just want to reiterate that Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs, and no foreign government, organization or individual has the right to interfere. Any words, acts or plots to promote oneself by pulling in foreign forces and to split the country are doomed to failure. ”

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office warned that a few protesters are acting for foreign powers confronting the central government, attempting to jeopardize the "one country, two systems" principle.

Wong is among the leading separatists in the ongoing Hong Kong protest over the now-withdrawn extradition bill. On Aug. 30, Wong was arrested by Hong Kong police on charges of organizing unauthorized rallies, but was granted bail. He was detained again at the Hong Kong airport on Sep. 8 for breaching bail conditions. On Sep. 9, Wong met with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, which China expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to.