· Commissioner Liu Guangyuan Met Outgoing CG of Spain(2022-07-28) · Commissioner Liu Guangyuan Met Outgoing CG of Myanmar(2022-07-28) · Commissioner Liu Guangyuan Met Outgoing CG of the US(2022-07-16) · Commissioner Liu Guangyuan Met Outgoing CG of Finland(2022-07-16) · Commissioner Liu Guangyuan’s Piece on SCMP: Hong Kong has a bright future under “one country, two systems”(2022-07-16)
Commissioner’s Office: Hong Kong’s human rights situation is above reproach and clear-eyed people have a fair conclusion
2022-07-29 12:06

The spokesperson of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR strongly disapproved, firmly opposed and condemned the move of the European External Action Service (EEAS) hyping Hong Kong-related issues after the release of the UN Human Rights Committee’s concluding remarks on a review of the HKSAR under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The EEAS smeared the national security law for the HKSAR and Hong Kong’s new electoral system, vilified the central government’s policies towards Hong Kong, and attacked the human rights and rule of law situation in Hong Kong in its statement.

The spokesperson said that in the 25 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the practice of “one country, two systems” has achieved globally recognized success. Over the past quarter-century, the central government has stayed committed to fully, accurately and unswervingly implementing the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and “Hong Kong enjoying a high degree of autonomy”, firmly supporting the development of democracy with Hong Kong features, and fully protecting the freedom of speech, press, publication and assembly entitled to Hong Kong residents in accordance with law. The national security law has safeguarded “one country, two systems” as well as the interests and well-being of all Hong Kong residents, and has been supported and widely recognized by Hong Kong residents and the international community. The elections under the new electoral system in the SAR have implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and improved Hong Kong’s governance. Facts have proved that the new electoral system is a good system that fits Hong Kong’s reality and helps to protect the democratic rights of Hong Kong people.

The spokesperson stressed that after Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the legal basis for the Chinese government to govern the HKSAR is the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Both the Basic Law and the National Security Law stipulate the respect for and protection of human rights and all lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, but no rights or freedoms are absolute and they must be exercised within the limits prescribed by law. Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law where laws must be observed and lawbreakers held accountable. No one is above the law, and no rights or freedoms shall cross the red line of national security, which is a provision of the relevant international covenant and a common legal practice of all countries. The HKSAR government administers Hong Kong affairs in accordance with law, the Hong Kong police takes actions in accordance with law, and Hong Kong courts try cases in accordance with law, which are all beyond reproach and brook no interference.

The spokesperson pointed out that a few so-called “independent” human rights experts, taking slanders of anti-China forces as the factual basis and misleading reports as the judgment yardstick, ignored the fact of the continuous improvement of Hong Kong’s human rights situation. Its so-called “conclusions” are totally inconsistent with the real human rights situation in Hong Kong and can convince no one. The European Union, pointing a finger at Hong Kong affairs by citing the conclusions, has exposed its hypocrisy and sinister intention of “playing the Hong Kong card” .

The spokesperson pointed out that in recent years, some Western countries have been mired in fierce political party rivalry, distrust in government, public disorder and worsening pandemic. What’s more, their political polarization, the rich and poor chasm and ethnic antagonism are intensifying, and their racism, populism and xenophobia are prevailing. These countries have a tarnished record of human rights and their “human rights” are just window-dressing, but they still wade into others’ human rights situation in the name of “universal human rights”. What an irony!

The spokesperson reiterated that only the Hong Kong people can judge the human rights situation in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is not a “political show arena” or “human rights fair” for a small number of external forces. We urge the EU to put itself in the right position, recognize the historical trend, make self-reflection, stop vilifying Hong Kong’s rule of law and judicial independence, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, and stop undermining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.