The spokesperson of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR strongly disapproved and firmly rejected the Hong Kong Annual Report for 2021 released by the European Union, which yet again slandered that China undermined “one country, two systems”, vilified Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to stability, and defamed Hong Kong’s democracy, freedom and the rule of law. We urged the EU to stop its botched political performances.
The spokesperson pointed out that democracy, rights and freedoms are neither pretexts for illegal activities nor excuses for interfering in others’ internal affairs. Facts have proved that with the implementation of the National Security Law and the successful practice of Hong Kong’s new electoral system, China’s national security has been better safeguarded, Hong Kong society more stable and united, Hong Kong’s business environment more favorable, and its rule of law and justice upheld. All the lawful rights of Hong Kong people are also better protected in a more safe environment. Since last year, the three important elections in Hong Kong have all been held smoothly. The election results are what Hong Kong people hoped for, meet people’s aspirations for peace, stability and progress, and reflect high expectations of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong for a better future. The elections have further implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and fully demonstrated that Hong Kong’s new electoral system is an effective system in line with “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s reality. Hong Kong is opening a new chapter in sound governance on a new journey. However, some anti-China forces, wearing tinted spectacles, only see “dark clouds” rather than the “blue sky” in Hong Kong. It exposes their sinister intention of never wanting Hong Kong to be a stable city.
The spokesperson stressed that as an unprecedented initiative of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government, the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong is a great success and has shown the strong vitality and resilience of the policy. The central government has fully and faithfully the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and “Hong Kong enjoying a high degree of autonomy”, and acted in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. The CPC and the Chinese government have the confidence, wisdom and ability to run affairs well not only in the mainland in which the socialist system is applied, but in Hong Kong where the capitalist system is implemented. They will also continue to promote Hong Kong’s democracy in a way consistent with the actual conditions of the HKSAR.
The spokesperson pointed out that the European side turned a blind eye to the violent criminal activities that put Hong Kong in danger during the 2019 turbulence and to its own problems such as gender, racial, religious discrimination and xenophobia, but instead smeared Hong Kong at every big event that helps Hong Kong to move from chaos to stability and violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations. All EU’s interventions into Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs with condescension have exposed its out-and-out hypocrisy and double standard.
The spokesperson stressed that Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs and brook no external interference. No slanders or hysteria of outside actors can stop Hong Kong’s transformation from chaos to stability and prosperity. The Chinese side is firmly determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, to protect Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and to ensure the sustained implementation of “one country, two systems”. We urge the European side to recognize the situation, put itself in the right position, change course, refrain from misleading comments and deeds, and stop its futile efforts to go against the historical trend.