China’s embassy in the United Kingdom strongly condemned some foreign politicians and groups on Sunday for their groundless slander on the country’s decision to improve the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s (HKSAR) electoral system.
A spokesperson for the embassy criticized such politicians and groups for confusing right and wrong, and blatantly interfering in Chinese mainland’s internal affairs. They were urged to immediately stop interfering in the affairs of the HKSAR, which are also the mainland’s internal affairs.
The spokesperson was responding to statements from British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, G-7 foreign ministers and the high representative of the European Union. They claimed the move by the National People’s Congress to improve the HKSAR’s electoral system undermined “one country, two systems” and eroded democracy.
The spokesperson stressed that the decision was made in line with provisions of the mainland’s Constitution and the HKSAR’s Basic Law, and it conforms with universal practice.
The spokesperson for China’s embassy in the United Kingdom stressed that the decision improve the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s (HKSAR) electoral system was made in line with provisions of the mainland’s Constitution and the HKSAR’s Basic Law, and it conforms with universal practice
Meanwhile, the spokesperson said the allegations that improving the HKSAR’s electoral system “stifles critical voices”, “erodes democracy” and “undermines ‘one country, two systems’” are absurd.
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Improving the HKSAR’s electoral system and implementing the “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle will promote sound development of the democratic system, ensure the steady and sustained practice of “one country, two systems”, and better safeguard the rights, interests and freedoms of residents in the HKSAR.
The spokesperson said that 71 countries delivered a joint statement and more than 20 countries gave their remarks at the 46th session of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council in support of the mainland’s position and measures on Hong Kong-related issues and opposing other countries’ interference in the affairs of the HKSAR and the mainland’s internal affairs.
The spokesperson said the attempts by politicians from the relevant countries and groups, including the UK, to distort facts and impose unwarranted accusations on the mainland will in no way change the judgment of the international community as to the justice of HK’s actions.
On Sunday, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council also expressed strong opposition to remarks made by foreign forces on the improvement of the HKSAR’s electoral system.
A statement issued by the office said that these remarks disregarded international law and basic norms governing international relations.
On Saturday, the central government’s liaison office in the HKSAR slammed some countries and regional bodies, including the United States, the EU and Australia, for vilifying a justified move by the mainland to improve the SAR’s electoral system.
The office’s spokesperson said the meddling showed these countries’ hegemonic mindset and ulterior motives to contain the mainland’s development. Zero tolerance
The spokesperson emphasized that no country will allow people who refuse to pledge allegiance to it to run for public office. And no country will allow people who collude with foreign forces or attempt to subvert or split the country to serve as local lawmakers.
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No interference or slander can shake the mainland’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty, national security and development interests to maintain the HKSAR’s stability and prosperity, nor obstruct the HKSAR’s resumption and the mainland’s growth.
