Q: On August 17, a declaration issued by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that there have recently been a rising number of violent incidents, that it is crucial that restraint be exercised, violence rejected and urgent steps taken to de-escalate the situation, that engagement in a process of broad-based and inclusive dialogue, involving all key stakeholders, is essential, and that fundamental freedoms, including the right of peaceful assembly, and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, are enshrined in the Basic Law and in international agreements and must continue to be upheld. What is your comment?
A: We have noticed the declaration on Hong Kong issued by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on August 17.
The protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong have already evolved into extreme violence. Some radicals ransacked the Legislative Council building, attacked the liaison office of the Central Government and police stations, assaulted the police, committed arson, forced a shutdown of the Hong Kong airport with unauthorized rallies and beat innocent people. Such moves have jeopardized the safety and security, law and order of Hong Kong society, put Hong Kong citizens’ lives, property and normal life in danger, and posed a grave challenge to the red line of “One Country, Two Systems”, and must therefore be seriously condemned and strictly dealt with in accordance with law. In face of such severe violence and offences, no government with a sense of responsibility would sit idly by.
I want to reiterate that Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs, which brook no interference by any foreign government or organization. The EU side, in disregard of China’s objection, has repeatedly meddled in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs. China is gravely concerned and is strongly opposed to such move.
It must be pointed out that the “One Country, Two Systems” is enshrined in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not international law. Since the return of Hong Kong, the policy of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy has been effectively implemented. Hong Kong citizens have enjoyed rights and freedoms as never before. This is a fact that is clear for all to see. The Central Government will continue to unswervingly implement the “One Country, Two Systems” policy and maintain long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong.
We once again urge the EU side to observe international law and the basic norms governing international relations, respect China’s sovereignty in good faith, and immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, so as not to undermine the sound and steady growth of China-EU relations.