China has expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to several countries’ recent malicious slander of the decision from the National People’s Congress to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, HKSAR.
It also as gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, the condemnation of its affairs in Hong Kong.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a news conference when asked to comment on a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven and the European Union High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.
NPC’s decision to improve the HKSAR’s electoral system is a major measure to uphold and improve the system and institutions of “one country, two systems” and maintain long-term stability in Hong Kong, said Zhao.
“It is entirely constitutional, lawful, and justified, and will provide a more solid institutional guarantee for the full implementation of the ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ principle.
“It will also better safeguard the overall and fundamental interests of Hong Kong’s society, and promote the steady development of Hong Kong’s democratic system.
“(The decision to improve the HKSAR’s electoral system) will promote the steady practice of ‘one country, two systems’,” he said, adding that this was a shared aspiration of all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.
The spokesperson stressed that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, that the electoral system of the HKSAR is China’s local electoral system, and that its design, development, and improvement fall entirely under China’s internal affairs.
“China urges relevant parties to face up to the reality that Hong Kong was returned to China 24 years ago.
“Relevant parties should abide by international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs,” said Zhao.
“China is determined to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and uphold long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong,” he added.
