LONDON/HONG KONG – A Group of Seven statement on Monday said that the selection process of a chief executive for Hong Kong was a cause of serious concern. This prompted a rebuke by China.

John Lee was the leader-in-waiting in Hong Kong. He was supported by a pro Beijing loyalist committee for Sunday’s city top job. The financial hub is trying to rebuild itself following several years of political chaos.

Lee was the only candidate to receive the votes from 1,416 members of an election committee pro-Beijing, whose members were screened for loyalty to the central governments.

Even though China promised to give full democracy to former British colony in the future, the rest of 7.4 million residents had no say. They returned to Chinese control in 1997.

According to a G7 joint statement, “The nomination and subsequent appointment represent a drastic departure from universal suffrage” and further undermine the legitimacy of Hong Kongers being legitimately represented.”

According to the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong, the “so-called” statement by G7 on Tuesday was “full arrogance.” They also stated that the Hong Kong elections were legal and fair.

On Monday night, Hong Kong’s Commissioner’s Office of China Foreign Ministry stated it was against G7 “irresponsible statements”. These remarks smear Hong Kong’s electoral system and interfere in China’s internal affairs.

Lee won by a wide margin, and it was an example of “whole-process democracy with Hong Kong characteristics”.