China News Service, Beijing, June 11. According to the website of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom responded to a reporter's question on the British side’s 48th "Half-Annual Report on Hong Kong Issues", saying that the British side insisted on publishing despite China’s opposition The so-called "Semi-annual Report on the Hong Kong Issue" is pointing fingers at Hong Kong affairs. It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs and a serious violation of the basic norms of international relations.
China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this, and has lodged solemn representations with the British side.
The reporter asked: On June 10, the British government issued the 48th report on Hong Kong. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy on this?
Embassy spokesperson: The British side insisted on publishing the so-called "Semi-annual Report on the Hong Kong Issue" regardless of China’s opposition. This is a gross interference in China’s internal affairs and a serious violation of the basic norms of international relations.
China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this, and has lodged solemn representations with the British side.
I want to emphasize:
First of all, the so-called China's violation of the "Sino-British Joint Declaration" is a false proposition.
The core essence of the "Sino-British Joint Declaration" is that China resumes its sovereignty over Hong Kong and does not entrust Britain with any responsibility for Hong Kong after the return of Hong Kong.
The British side has no sovereignty, governance, or supervision over Hong Kong after the return.
The Chinese government governs Hong Kong based on the Chinese Constitution and Hong Kong Basic Law, not the "Sino-British Joint Declaration."
No foreign country has the right to use the joint statement to interfere in Hong Kong affairs or interfere in China's internal affairs.
Second, the so-called China's suppression of the rights and freedom of the people of Hong Kong is purely reversing right and wrong.
Since the return of Hong Kong, China has consistently and accurately implemented the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong people have enjoyed unprecedented rights and freedoms.
The Hong Kong National Security Law aims to effectively plug the legal loopholes in Hong Kong’s national security. It targets only a very small number of criminals who endanger national security. It is conducive to safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the general public in Hong Kong in accordance with the law.
Improving Hong Kong's electoral system and implementing the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" will better promote the healthy development of Hong Kong's democratic system and better protect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people.
Relevant measures are generally welcomed and actively supported by the Hong Kong people. They are not only conducive to consolidating and perfecting "One Country, Two Systems", and promoting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, but also in the common interests of citizens and enterprises in Hong Kong, including the United Kingdom, and the international community.
Third, Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, and no outside interference is allowed. Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong. The Chinese government's determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests is unwavering, its determination to fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy is unwavering, and its determination to oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs is unwavering. We once again urge the British side to recognize the reality and general trend, respect China's sovereignty and unification, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any way, so as not to cause further interference in Sino-British relations.