HKSAR Government strongly opposes UK Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong and US Hong Kong Policy Act Report
In response to the unfounded remarks on Hong Kong in the United Kingdom Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong: July to December 2021 and the United States' 2022 Hong Kong Policy Act Report released respectively on March 31 (UK and US Time), a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government spokesman said today (April 1):
"We strongly oppose the unfounded and ridiculous allegations against the HKSAR Government made by foreign countries through various reports. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under 'one country, two systems' and comes directly under the Central People's Government (CPG). The system to be adopted in the HKSAR, as well as how to implement the PRC's basic policies regarding Hong Kong, is purely within the ambit of the sovereignty of the PRC and a matter of our country's internal affairs. The HKSAR Government urges foreign countries to stop interfering into the internal affairs of China through Hong Kong affairs."
Legislative Council General Election
"We strongly oppose the misleading accusations against the 2021 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE). The LCGE is an important election held after the improvements to the electoral system of the HKSAR which fully implements the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". The election was conducted in accordance with the law, and was open, fair, honest and efficient. The seventh-term Legislative Council was formed smoothly through elections. With over 1.3 million voters cast their ballots to elect 90 members from 153 candidates of different backgrounds and political views, it manifests the broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition of the new electoral system."
National Security Law
"We take great exceptions to the unfounded allegations against the National Security Law (NSL). Following the implementation of the NSL, chaos stopped and stability has been restored in Hong Kong. The NSL ensures the resolute, full and faithful implementation of the policy of 'one country, two systems' under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy, and the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law are well-protected. The NSL clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, enjoyed by residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applicable to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law. The four categories of offences endangering national security stipulated under the NSL are clearly defined. Law-abiding people will not unwittingly violate the law."
"The HKSAR Government reiterates that all law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies under the NSL, or indeed any local legislation, are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation."
"Article 63 of the Basic Law stipulates that prosecutions in the HKSAR are made by the Department of Justice, free from any interference. Prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective assessment of all admissible evidence, applicable laws and the Prosecution Code, without political considerations. Prosecutions would only commence if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction. No one should interfere with independent prosecutorial decisions which are carried out strictly in accordance with the law."
Judicial Independence
"The HKSAR is proud of its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, which underpin the city's success as an international business and financial centre. Judicial independence in Hong Kong after the implementation of the NSL remains robust as ever. The independence of the judiciary is constitutionally guaranteed under the Basic Law. That the courts of the HKSAR can exercise independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication free from any interference, has been enshrined under the Basic Law as set out in Articles 2, 19 and 85. Article 92 of the Basic Law also clearly stipulates that judges and other members of the judiciary of the HKSAR shall be chosen on the basis of their judicial and professional qualities."
"Article 82 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) may as required invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit on the CFA. While Hong Kong welcomes eminent judges from other common law jurisdictions to serve as non-permanent judges, their departure will not in any way affect our commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence."
Press Freedom
"Since the city's reunification with the motherland, the HKSAR Government has been firmly committed to safeguarding the freedoms of the press and speech, both of which are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights."
"The HKSAR Government must also point out that the media landscape in Hong Kong is as vibrant as ever. A total of 211 media organisations, be they based locally, in the Mainland or overseas, are registered with the HKSAR Government News and Media Information System of the Information Services Department at present, showing an increase after the implementation of the NSL. As always, the media can exercise their right to monitor the HKSAR Government's work, and their freedom of commenting on or even criticising government policies remains uninhibited as long as this is not in violation of the law."