Question: What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK on the 48th Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong issued by the UK Government on June 10th?

Embassy Spokesperson: The UK side, in disregard of China's opposition, insisted on publishing the so-called "Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong", making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs. The Chinese side is gravely concerned and strongly opposes such blatant interference in China's internal affairs and severe violation of the basic norms governing international relations. We have lodged solemn representation to the UK side. I want to emphasize the following:

First, the so-called "China breaches the Sino-British Joint Declaration" is a non-issue. The core content of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is to ensure China resumes exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It does not give the UK any responsibility over Hong Kong after the handover. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision" over Hong Kong. The Chinese Government governs Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. No foreign country has the right to take the Joint Declaration as an excuse to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs.

Second, the allegation that the Chinese Government "suppresses the rights and freedoms" of Hong Kong residents confuses right and wrong. Since resuming exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, China has fully and accurately implemented "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and Hong Kong residents have been enjoying unprecedented rights and freedoms. The Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR was enacted to plug the relevant legal loophole. It targets the very few criminals who jeopardize national security and provides effective safeguards for the legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. Improving the electoral system in the Hong Kong SAR and implementing the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" will promote the sound development of the democratic system in the Hong Kong SAR and better safeguard the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents. The relevant measures have won extensive recognition and vigorous support from Hong Kong residents, as they not only help to consolidate and improve "One Country, Two Systems", and contribute to the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, but also serve the common interests of the international community, especially that of the residents and businesses in Hong Kong from all countries, including the UK.

Third, Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and brook no external interference. Hong Kong is part of China. The Chinese Government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard the national sovereignty, security and development interests of China, fully and accurately implement "One Country, Two Systems", and oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs. We once again urge the UK side to recognize the reality and major trend, respect China's sovereignty and unity, and stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs, so as to avoid further disruptions to China-UK relations.