Officials from the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have condemned the United Kingdom’s latest so-called six-monthly report on the SAR for smearing the city’s rule of law and human rights, warning the UK government to respect China's sovereignty and HKSAR's judicial independence.
The recent issue of the series of reports, published by the UK authorities every six months, was released on Thursday, drawing strong criticism from Chinese officials and the public because of its groundless accusation over Hong Kong affairs.
In Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Friday afternoon that the safety, democracy and freedoms of Hong Kong residents are better protected than ever, with brighter development prospects ahead.
READ MORE: HKSAR govt demands UK stop interfering in HK matters
Guo said the city now presents to the world a more secure, free, open and predictable business environment, evidenced by a record high number of non-local companies registered in Hong Kong.
Some people should get rid of their deeply entrenched colonial mindset as early as possible, respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong SAR’s rule of law, stop pointing fingers at the handling of judicial cases in the SAR, and stop being a haven to the people who sought to destabilize the city, Guo said.
In a statement issued late Thursday, a spokesperson from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR lambasted the report for ignoring facts, distorting the truth, and blatantly trampling on the basic norms of international law and international relations, including “non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries”.
The spokesperson urged the UK to immediately stop its political manipulation of fabricating such Hong Kong-related reports.
Following Hong Kong’s return to the country in 1997, all provisions pertaining to the UK under the Sino-British Joint Declaration have been fully fulfilled, noted the spokesperson.
“After Hong Kong’s return, the legal basis for the Chinese government to govern the SAR is the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of Hong Kong SAR. The UK has no sovereignty, no jurisdiction, and no right to supervise Hong Kong after its return,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also pointed out that facts have proven the Chinese government has fully, accurately, and unswervingly implemented the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy since its return.
The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law are better protected at present in a more stable and united society, said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson also condemned the British side for its double standards, noting that the UK itself has over a dozen national security laws and has arbitrarily arrested foreign nationals under the pretext of national security, yet it has hypocritically criticized Hong Kong’s “lawful handling” of some cases.
“Such remarks constitute blatant interference in the SAR’s judicial independence and a gross violation of the rule of law.”
The spokesperson urged the UK to contribute positively to the development of Sino-British relations by exercising caution in its words and actions regarding Hong Kong, ceasing its actions that undermine the city’s stability and prosperity, and refraining from any interference in the SAR’s affairs and China’s internal matters.
The SAR government also expressed strong disapproval of the UK in a statement issued on Thursday night, refuting the report’s groundless accusations point by point.
The SAR government spokesperson said that since the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, the city has been rated highly in a number of economic or competitiveness rankings, and urged the UK to “discern facts from fallacies, respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong SAR matters, which are purely China’s internal affair”.
Hong Kong lawmaker and solicitor Holden Chow Ho-ding condemned the report as “utterly ridiculous for interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs,” accusing it of being filled with slanderous falsehoods against the HKSAR and baseless smears regarding national security.
“The UK government and some politicians ought to speak with their conscience instead of keep telling lies with an aim to suppress HKSAR and China. Hong Kong's edge on our free business environment, financial market, remains intact, as acknowledged in latest global survey,” Chow told China Daily.
In an op-ed article published on Friday, Sham Shui Po District Councilor Raymond Lam Wai-man said the Office of the Commissioner’s response demonstrated the country's firm determination to safeguard national sovereignty and oppose external interference.
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“The principle of ‘one country, two systems’ has ensured stronger legal protection for the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, continuous improvement in the rule of law, and enhanced social stability and harmony.
“As one of the world's freest economies, Hong Kong retains its vital role in international finance, trade, shipping and other sectors, while preserving its distinctive appeal,” the article read.
He also praised the enactment of national security law for effectively safeguarding social stability and national security in Hong Kong, which are fully consistent with international law and common practices of nations worldwide, while rigorously respecting and protecting human rights.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
Wang Zhan contributed to the report
