On March 26, the UK released a latest so-called Six-monthly report on Hong Kong, smearing and discrediting the development of the HKSAR, making irresponsible remarks about Hong Kong affairs. The spokesperson for the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong expressed strong condemnation and firm opposition, and emphasized the following:

    First, the core essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It did not grant the UK any right to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs after its return to the motherland. The legal basis for the Chinese government’s jurisdiction of the HKSAR is China’s Constitution and the Basic Law, and the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong.

    Second, the Chinese government bears the fundamental responsibility for maintaining national security in all local administrative regions, including Hong Kong. The HKSAR shall fulfil its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security. The implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance is entirely justified and beyond reproach. Hong Kong’s judicial systems adjudicate impartially cases that endanger national security, and law enforcement agencies crack down on crimes endangering national security in accordance with the law. These are moves to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard fairness and justice, and bear no interference.

    Third, the Chinese government has always been fully, accurately, and resolutely implementing the principles of One Country, Two Systems, and the people of Hong Kong administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the success of "One country, Two systems" has won recognition throughout the world. Now, the security and the rule of law of Hong Kong are effectively safeguarded, governance efficiency is enhanced, social order remains stable, and the economy and business environment continues to improve. Residents' rights and freedoms are fully protected in accordance with the law.

    We urge the UK side to face reality, correct position and abandon its colonialism and condescending posturing. The UK must respect China's sovereignty, immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, and cease using the six-monthly report for political manipulation. We hope the UK side could do more good and practical things that are conducive to the development of China-UK relations and Hong Kong-UK cooperation.