The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Friday issued a statement strongly condemning the “untruthful remarks, slanders and smears” in the United Kingdom’s latest six-monthly report on Hong Kong, and urged the UK government to stop interfering in HKSAR matters.
In the statement, issued on Friday, a government spokesperson denounced the report for its “misleading and irresponsible remarks”, which “distort facts” and “reverse right and wrong”.
The spokesperson said that Hong Kong SAR matters are China’s internal affairs, and that the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over the city following its return to the motherland. He also urged the UK to discern facts from fallacies and respect international law and basic norms governing international relations.
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The statement said that human rights are robustly protected in Hong Kong and dismissed the report’s criticisms of Hong Kong’s laws to safeguard national security as “absurd” and “hypocritical”, adding that the UK itself has at least 14 similar pieces of such legislation.
It defended the implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, saying that the enhanced legal framework ensures a stable business environment in the city and has earned it top international rankings in economic freedom and competitiveness.
Regarding criticisms concerning the case and conviction of 78-year-old media mogul Lai Chee-ying, the government said the trial was fair and that Lai has not issued any appeal.
The spokesman said that law enforcement actions are strictly based on evidence and in accordance with the law, irrespective of the political stance, background, or occupation of the individuals or entities involved.
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“All cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the HKNSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights,” he said, rejecting any suggestion that certain individuals or organizations should be immune from legal consequences for illegal acts.
The spokesperson also defended the 2021 electoral reforms, stating the Legislative Council now implements a “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle with greater efficiency. The eighth-term LegCo election saw active voter turnout, reflecting a democratic system suited to Hong Kong’s circumstances.
On education, he said schools must remain free from political interference. National education — including on security topics — is taught in schools worldwide, he said, while academic freedom in Hong Kong’s higher education sector remains fully protected.
Contact the writer at gangwen@chinadailhk.com
