In its so-called “Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong” released on Thursday, the British government once again voiced its unwarranted opinions on Hong Kong, meddling in our affairs, distorting and vilifying China’s policies, launching baseless attacks on the special administrative region’s national security law and electoral system, and defaming our human rights and rule of law situation.
As a Hong Kong resident born and raised in the city, I’m deeply concerned by such interference. In fact, the spokesperson of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region also expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, urging the British side to respect international law and norms of international relations, and to immediately cease its politically motivated meddling.
Since Hong Kong’s return to China, the Chinese government has faithfully implemented the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong”, and upheld Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. The successful implementation of “one country, two systems” has been recognized worldwide.
Measures such as the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL) and the improved electoral system have effectively plugged the loopholes in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, ensuring the city’s long-term stability and prosperity. Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, press and association, are better protected in a secure environment.
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The UK report’s criticism of China’s efforts to safeguard national security and accusations against the HKSAR government and Hong Kong courts lack credibility and reflect a political agenda.
It’s universally acknowledged that every country has the responsibility and inherent right to protect its national security. Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of China, has a constitutional obligation to safeguard China’s national security. While the NSL was enacted to safeguard national security, it has, in effect, also ensured Hong Kong people’s enjoyment of rights and freedoms that were compromised during the period of intense violence from June 2019 to early 2020.
Being an integral part of China, Hong Kong’s affairs are China’s domestic affairs. The attempts to defame and belittle Hong Kong are futile. The city will continue to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests in the way it should. And “one country, two systems” will continue to run in the way it was designed
It is through the NSL that the people in Hong Kong have regained the sense of security and the city restored stability that’s paramount for its long-term development and prosperity. The NSL’s positive effect has been indisputable, as evidenced by the experiences of the people living and businesses operating here in Hong Kong.
Besides the enactment of the NSL, the implementation of the new electoral system in the HKSAR has also helped usher in a transformative era for the city, creating a new political landscape. The creation of the Legislative Council Election Committee Constituency has significantly enhanced the representativeness of the LegCo, facilitating it to transcend narrow interests and prioritize common interests of whole society. This development has greatly bolstered the governance efficiency of Hong Kong.
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The improved electoral system, which emphasizes broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition, has helped Hong Kong society shake off the past political wrangling, and refocus on economic development, livelihood improvement and issues related to the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. A general improvement in the city’s governance has been witnessed as a result.
Since the inauguration of the seventh-term LegCo, we’ve witnessed the manifestation of the spirit of “patriots administering Hong Kong” through rational and constructive interactions between the legislative and executive branches. This dynamic has fostered a harmonious blend of checks and balances and mutual cooperation. Meanwhile, a diverse range of voices in the legislature has helped uphold the overall interests of Hong Kong, serving as a testament to the vibrant nature of Hong Kong’s high-quality democracy.
The legal basis of China’s overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR lies in China’s Constitution and the Basic Law, rather than the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The British side’s repeated reference to the Joint Declaration and its claims of “historical responsibilities” are distortions of history and legal reasoning.
Despite the challenges we’ve faced in recent years, Hong Kong remains vibrant and continues to attract global investors, maintaining its status as one of the world’s freest and most competitive economies. Hong Kong’s economic and trade exchanges with the rest of the world are flourishing, and the city is on the path to recover from the pandemic. International investors have confidence in the city’s future development. With the strong support of its motherland, the unwavering determination of Hong Kong people and the improved governance, the city’s prospects are bright, with strong growth momentum.
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Being an integral part of China, Hong Kong’s affairs are China’s domestic affairs. The attempts to defame and belittle Hong Kong are futile. The city will continue to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests in the way it should. And “one country, two systems” will continue to run in the way it was designed. The British government must recognize this reality and adapt to it, rather than clinging to some outdated colonial dreams. It’s time for them to cease meddling in Hong Kong’s affairs and respect China’s sovereignty.
The author is co-convener of China Retold, a Legislative Council member, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.