Q: On 21 October, EEAS Spokesperson issued a statement claiming that the disqualification or resignation of some Hong Kong District Councilors members weakens Hong Kong’s democratic governance structure and the National Security Law has had a “chilling effect” on the exercise of rights and freedoms, and calling on China to respect Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy. What is your comment?
A: It is a common international practice for public office holders to take an oath of allegiance to the state system. No country, including those in Europe, would allow public office holders, including members of parliament, to break their oaths and betray the state. Hong Kong district councilors are required to swear to uphold the Hong Kong Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the HKSAR, which is in line with the legal requirements of the Hong Kong Basic Law. The HKSAR Government’s decision to disqualify certain district councilors over invalid oaths and their failure to meet relevant legal requirements is entirely justified and in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant provisions for candidacy and taking up of public offices.
With the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and the improvement of the HKSAR’s electoral system, Hong Kong society has restored stability, its economy has returned to the right track, and the lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people have been better protected. This has received wide support from Hong Kong residents.
Hong Kong is China’s special administrative region. Hong Kong affairs are entirely China’s internal affairs. The European side should earnestly abide by international law and norms governing international relations, respect the principle of rule of law, abandon double standards and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs and China’s internal affairs in any way.