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 electoral system.
A spokesperson for the embassy criticized such politicians and groups for confusing right and wrong, and blatantly interfering in China’s internal affairs. They were urged to immediately stop interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong, which are also China’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 China’s Constitution and the HKSAR’s Basic Law, and it conforms with universal practice.
“Its legitimacy brooks no distortion and its authority allows no challenge,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson said the allegations that improving Hong Kong’s electoral system “stifles critical voices”, “erodes democracy” and “undermines ‘one country, two systems’” are absurd.
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 Hong Kong residents.
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 China’s position and measures on Hong Kong-related issues and opposing other countries’ interference in Hong Kong affairs and China’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 China 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 Hong Kong’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 China to improve the SAR’s electoral system.
The office’s spokesperson said the meddling showed these countries’ hegemonic mindset and ulterior motives to contain China’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.
No interference or slander can shake China’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty, national security and development interests to maintain Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity, nor obstruct Hong Kong’s resumption and China’s growth.
gangwen@chinadaily.com.cn