The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Wednesday strongly denounced what it called “unfounded and biased criticisms” against various aspects of the SAR in the so-called annual report on the city by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

It urged the EU to respect the facts, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations and immediately stop its long-arm jurisdiction and interference in HKSAR's matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.

A government spokesman said the enactment of the National Security Law for Hong Kong by the central authorities has restored stability and safety in the city. “Its necessity and legitimacy are unquestionable. The HKSAR, as an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, must fulfill the constitutional responsibility to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.”

The implementation of the NSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws has effectively restored stability in Hong Kong’s social order, providing a solid foundation for developments in the city’s economy, social life and other aspects, the spokesman said.

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“The various rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents and other persons in the HKSAR in accordance with the law are all better protected, steadily improving their well-being.”

Pointing out that it’s each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and is also an international practice, the HKSAR government strongly opposes what it calls “absurd and false contents” in the EU’s so-called report with regard to the laws and the relevant efforts that safeguard national security in the city.

Offenses endangering national security, as stipulated by the NSL and the SNSO, target acts endangering national security with precision, the spokesman said: “The relevant laws do not affect normal exchanges of local institutions, organizations and individuals with other countries, regions and international organizations including the United Nations and the EU. Law-abiding persons will not unwittingly violate the law.”

The NSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms shall be protected in accordance with the law. Just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others.  

“The so-called report biasedly quoted figures to twist the facts by negating the determination and dedication of the HKSAR to persistently safeguard the lawful exercise of rights and freedoms by citizens, including journalists,” the spokesman said, adding that such acts must be strongly condemned.

He pointed out that the EU and its member states have continuously enacted and amended laws in the name of national security or anti-terrorism, among which harsh provisions are ubiquitous. EU member states have also enacted laws and regulations suppressing people’s rights and freedoms.

Referring to slanders and smears in the so-called report against the subsidiary legislation enacted by the HKSAR in 2025, the government explained that the subsidiary legislation does not grant the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR any new power, and will not affect the lives of ordinary citizens or the normal operation of institutions or organizations, while the offenses thereunder are stipulated with reference to similar offences that already exist and are common in the legislation of Hong Kong.

“Any attempt by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability by slandering the city will only expose their own weakness and faulty arguments and be doomed to fail,” the spokesman added.