China News Service, Beijing, June 9 (Reporter Liang Xiaohui) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying’s regular press conference in Beijing on the 9th introduced the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the UK’s Chief Minister and Diplomacy Secretary Rab talked on the phone. Regarding the British "concern for the freedom of Hong Kong citizens", Hua Chunying asked again: What freedom did the United Kingdom give Hong Kong?
At the press conference that day, Hua Chunying introduced that Wang Yi had made clear to the British side China's position. Wang Yi said that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and foreign interference is not allowed. Hong Kong’s safeguarding of national security concerns China’s core interests and is a major principle issue that must be adhered to. National security affairs belong to the central authority. This is a common practice in all countries, and China is no exception. Through Article 23 of the Basic Law, the Central Government instructs the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to make its own legislation to safeguard national security, and does not change the nature of national security as a central authority. In the face of real dangers and serious threats to Hong Kong’s national security, the NPC’s decisive legislation and application of Hong Kong will help to fill in the obvious loopholes and long-term deficiencies of Hong Kong’s national security laws as soon as possible. Reasonable and legal is imperative.
Wang Yi emphasized that Hong Kong's national security legislation is to better implement "one country, two systems." The first article of the decision adopted by the National People’s Congress of China stated clearly: “The country is unswerving and comprehensively and accurately implements the policies of'one country, two systems','Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy." This is yet another solemn commitment by the highest organ of power of China to legislate the NPC, the highest legal form, to uphold "one country, two systems." We will never accept unfounded accusations that the so-called national security legislation will change "one country, two systems."
Wang Yi also emphasized that Hong Kong’s national security legislation should punish a very small number of “Hong Kong independence” and terrorist acts that seriously endanger national security. It will better protect the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong citizens deserve, and will also allow all Law-abiding foreigners work and live in Hong Kong more at ease. The current capitalist system in Hong Kong will not change, the rights of high autonomy enjoyed under the Basic Law will not change, and the lifestyle of Hong Kong citizens will not change. National security legislation will only make Hong Kong's legal system more complete, the social order more stable, and the business environment more improved. National security legislation is a "touchstone". If we expect long-term security in Hong Kong, we should support it without worrying about it; if we want "one country, two systems" to be stable, we should support rather than oppose it.
"The United Kingdom cares about the freedom of Hong Kong citizens. In fact, it may wish to review what freedom they gave to the citizens of Hong Kong during the 156 years of colonial rule in Hong Kong? What democracy?" Hua Chunying asked back: Which of the 28 Hong Kong Governors Hong Kong people elected? At that time, did Hong Kong people have the freedom to protest on the streets? Moreover, during the British colonial rule over Hong Kong, the British "Treason Law" was applicable to Hong Kong.
She further emphasized that since Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, does the Chinese Central Government legislate to maintain Hong Kong’s national security, are there any problems? "I don't think there should be any double standards on this issue. The British side should understand the situation and be cautious." (End)