When China is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland nationwide, heads of government of a few countries, the Secretary of State of the US, foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, a few EU officials as well as some subordinate agencies of the US White House and US Congress disregarded facts and played the same old tune again to smear the central government’s policies towards Hong Kong, the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong and the effects of the National Security Law for the HKSAR. The spokesperson of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR strongly disapproved, firmly rejected and roundly condemned their gross interference into China’s internal affairs that trample on the basic norms of international relations.

The spokesperson pointed out that Hong Kong’s return to the motherland opened a new epoch in the history of Hong Kong. Over the past 25 years, with the full support of the motherland and common efforts of the government of the Hong Kong SAR and people of all sectors, the practice of “one country, two systems” has achieved success in Hong Kong recognised by all. Thanks to the support of the motherland and with an international vision and an innovative spirit, Hong Kong’s economy has been thriving and its position as a global financial, trade and shipping center has been further consolidated. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong enjoys vitality that is the admiration of the world. Facts have proved that “one country, two systems” is not only the best solution to the historical question of Hong Kong, but also the best institutional arrangement for Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. There is no reason to change such a good system, and it must be adhered to over the long run.

The spokesperson said that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, Hong Kong has embraced true democracy and Hong Kong compatriots have become masters of their own destiny. Over the past 25 years, the constitutional order of the SAR, which is based on China’s Constitution and the Basic Law of the SAR, has functioned smoothly. The overall jurisdiction of the central government has been enforced, and the SAR’s high degree of autonomy has been exercised in the right way. Faced with political chaos in Hong Kong years ago, the central government took the decisive action to adopt the National Security Law for the HKSAR, improve Hong Kong’s electoral system, and implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. These measures addressed both the symptoms and root causes of the chaos and brought Hong Kong’s development back on the right track. Hong Kong has since taken on a new look and held bright prospect. In Hong Kong today, the fortress for national security has been strengthened, quality democracy has further developed, the environment has been more favorable for working and living, and the spirit of “loving the country and loving Hong Kong” has been the mainstay of the society. 

The spokesperson stated that standing at a new starting point, we have high expectations for the governance team of the new SAR government. We believe the team will strive to improve governance, take solid steps to address difficulties in people’s lives, jointly uphold harmony and stability, and rally and lead people from all sectors in Hong Kong to move forward together. The new team will help Hong Kong seize the opportunities from the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan and other major development strategies, achieve greater progress of Hong Kong when integrating into the country’s overall development, write a new splendid chapter of “one country, two systems’, and make more contributions to realizing the country’s second centenary goal and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The spokesperson pointed out that a few countries and politicians acted like clowns and are obsessed with smearing Hong Kong whenever there are major events or important occasions in the SAR. Their tricks are by no means for the good of Hong Kong, but to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and contain China by using Hong Kong as a card. Lies cannot hide the truth. Their hysteria will only make people around the world see more clearly their arrogance, hegemonic thinking, hypocrisy and double-standard.

The spokesperson stressed that those who go against the historical trend have no future. Hong Kong’s transformation from chaos to stability and prosperity is irresistible, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irreversible. Any attempt to play the “Hong Kong card” to contain China’s development is a pipe dream and is doomed to failure. We urge relevant countries and politicians to cease and desist, immediately stop their political performances, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, otherwise they will only shoot themselves in the foot.