The Spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the so-called annual report on Hong Kong issued by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on September 22, which openly defamed Hong Kong’s freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law, vilified the policy of One Country, Two Systems and Hong Kong’s national security laws, as well as made groundless accusations against its lawful trial of national security cases.

The spokesperson stressed that the Chinese government has fully, faithfully, and resolutely implemented the policy of One Country, Two Systems. Since the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong has bidden farewell to disorder and entered a new phase of stability and prosperity, with rights and freedoms better protected. While ignoring its own stringent national security laws and human rights issues, the EU’s Report wantonly smeared Hong Kong’s national security laws and fabricated falsehoods. This is a classic case of double standards, using human rights and the rule of law as a pretext to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.

The spokesperson emphasized that it is a universal international practice to severely punish the illegal acts and crimes endangering national security. Individuals such as Jimmy Lai, Joshua Wong, and members of the Hong Kong Alliance have long engaged in anti-China and Hong Kong-destabilizing activities. The criminal facts of the defendants in these cases are clear, and the evidence is conclusive and irrefutable. Meanwhile, the trial proceedings were open and transparent, with the defendants’ legal rights fully protected. The HKSAR Judiciary made impartial judgments on the basis of solid facts and evidence, which is entirely beyond reproach and tolerates no interference.

The spokesperson pointed out that the extraterritorial application of the Hong Kong National Security Law fully complies with the principles of international law, international practices, and the universal practice. The HKSAR Police’s legitimate law enforcement actions against overseas anti-China, Hong Kong-destabilizing elements are both lawful and reasonable.

The spokesperson noted that the Legislative Council election was held smoothly in accordance with the law and in a secure and orderly manner. It received active support from all sectors of society and fully reflected the public opinion of Hong Kong, which is of great significance for Hong Kong to achieve good governance, accelerate the transition from stability to prosperity, and maintain long-term prosperity and stability. The election results fully demonstrate that, with the continuous improvement of the system of One Country, Two Systems and under the escort of national security laws, Hong Kong is expediting its departure from the “quagmire of pan-politicization” and continuously gathering social consensus on safeguarding security and seeking development.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs, and no external forces have the right to point fingers, nor does any country or organization have the right to interfere. The Chinese Central Government firmly supports the HKSAR Government in holding to account acts endangering national security in accordance with the law. We urge the relevant parties to recognize the reality, earnestly abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs in any way.