The government and Legislative Assembly of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) have expressed strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to the European Union's annual report on Macao for 2025.

In a statement on Wednesday, the SAR government said the report misrepresented Macao's political and social development, making unfounded comments on the election of its eighth Legislative Assembly and its human rights situation.

It said Macao had achieved steady economic development and progress in democracy and the rule of law since its return to the motherland, while safeguarding residents' extensive rights and freedoms.

The Legislative Assembly said Thursday that the election had been conducted lawfully, fairly and impartially, with voters participating actively.

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It said the electoral affairs commission had acted within its powers under the Legislative Assembly Election Law in disqualifying some candidates, upholding the principle of "patriots administering Macao."

Residents' rights to vote and stand for election are fully protected by the Macao Basic Law and other relevant laws, it added.

Both the government and the Legislative Assembly of Macao SAR urged the EU to respect international law and the basic norms of international relations, and to stop issuing reports that they said interfered in Macao's affairs and China's internal affairs at large.

They also called on the EU to view Macao's achievements under "one country, two systems" objectively and take constructive steps to promote stable and healthy bilateral relations.