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China rejects criticism of Apple Daily closure

UK foreign minister Dominic Raab on Thursday called on China to respect its commitments to free media in Hong Kong under an agreement with Britain, referring to the closure of the Apple Daily.

"The Chinese government manages Hong Kong on the basis of China's constitution and the Basic Law, and not the Sino-British Joint Declaration," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian during a regular briefing in Beijing.

Apple Daily's owner and other staff have been arrested under a new national security law, which is championed by Beijing. After police froze the publication's assets, it was forced to close on Thursday.