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Commissioner’s Office: it’s time for Hanscom Smith to stop grandstanding show
2022-07-12 01:23

The spokesperson of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR strongly disapproved and condemned the so-called “farewell remarks” of US Consul General in Hong Kong Hanscom Smith, who slandered the Chinese central government’s policies towards Hong Kong and vilified the successful practice of “one country, two systems”.

The spokesperson said that over the 25 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the Chinese government has stayed committed to comprehensively and accurately implementing the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and “Hong Kong enjoying a high degree of autonomy”, to firmly safeguarding national sovereignty, security, development interests and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, to supporting the development of democracy with Hong Kong characteristics, and to fully protecting the extensive lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people. Facts have proved that since 1997, Hong Kong’s economy has developed vigorously, its position as a global financial, shipping and trade center has remained stable, and its freedom, openness and favorable business environment have ranked among the top in the world. Hong Kong’s vitality as a global metropolis is admired by the world, and the bright light of the Pearl of the Orient is shining even more brightly. “One country, two systems” has been a universally recognized success and practice has repeatedly proved that it is a good system that conforms to the fundamental interests of the country and the Chinese nation, serves the fundamental interests of Hong Kong, and has the full support of 1.4 billion people in the motherland.

The spokesperson stressed that the legal basis for the Chinese government to govern Hong Kong after Hong Kong’s return to the motherland is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law for the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The basic policy towards Hong Kong in the Declaration is a policy statement made by the Chinese side, which is purely China’s internal affair, and other countries have no right to interfere into Hong Kong affairs by citing the Declaration.

The spokesperson highlighted that with the implementation of the National Security Law and the successful practice of the new electoral system in the SAR, China’s national security has been safeguarded, Hong Kong society has become more stable and united, and the rule of law and justice in the city have been fully upheld. Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms such as freedom of speech, press and association are better protected in a more secure environment. Hong Kong is ushering in a new phase featuring greater prosperity and opening a new chapter in sound governance.

The spokesperson pointed out that Hong Kong cannot afford chaos and no time should be lost for Hong Kong’s development. However, a few US politicians go against the historical trend and exploit every opportunity to interfere with the development of China, including the development of Hong Kong. Hanscom Smith claims that “America’s policy on Hong Kong has been consistent for decades”. The fact is the US has been consistent in confusing black and white, slandering Hong Kong, trying best to infiltrate and subvert Hong Kong, and sanctioning those who act against the will of the US. On one hand, the US said it cares about Hong Kong”, but on the other, it intimidates foreign investors in Hong Kong with a “business advisory”. America’s intention to disrupt Hong Kong and use Hong Kong to curb China has been exposed and despised by the world. Hanscom Smith’s “farewell remarks” are exactly a symbol of the complete bankruptcy of the US strategy of “using Hong Kong to contain China”.

The spokesperson pointed out that the so-called “erosion of autonomy, decline of democracy, and oppression of human rights” are only America’s ideological paranoia. For the US, all countries that differ from its system are “not free”, all countries that differ from its ideology are “not democratic”, and all countries that do not follow the lead of the US are execrable. Ignoring the repeated objection of the Chinese side and the aspiration of Hong Kong society, the US insisted on talking down Hong Kong’s prospects. It harbors the ulterior motive of the US to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and strangle China’s growth.

The spokesperson reiterated that Hong Kong is in a new stage of moving from chaos to stability and then to greater prosperity. With the strong support of the central government and the firm backing of the motherland, the new SAR government will rally and lead the 7.5 million Hong Kong people to build, develop and run Hong Kong affairs well, and write a new chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems”. China’s determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests is rock solid, and its resolve to oppose external forces interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs is unwavering.

The spokesperson stressed that America’s ill intentions have been laid bare, its tricks seen through, and its hypocrisy mask torn off. Hanscom Smith’s deceiving plot has failed and his show no longer has audience. “There was nothing more for him to do, and he had to take to the road, his briefcase under his arm”. Farewell, Hanscom Smith!