Question: What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy on the 49th?"Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong"?issued by the UK Government on December 14th?

Embassy Spokesperson: The UK side, regardless the opposition from the Chinese side, insisted on publishing the so-called "Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong"?which distorted facts, confused right and wrong, interfered in China's internal affairs and severely violated the basic norms governing international relations. The Chinese side expresses its grave concern and strong opposition, and has lodged solemn representation to the UK side. I want to emphasize the following:

First, the core content of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is China resuming?exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The Joint Declaration?does not give the UK any responsibility?over Hong Kong?after the handover, nor does the UK have sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision"?over Hong Kong.?The Chinese Government governs Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?in accordance with the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Joint Declaration. No foreign country has the right to use?the Joint Declaration as an excuse to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.

Second, since resuming exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, China has fully and accurately implemented "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong"?and a high degree of autonomy. Today, Hong Kong residents enjoy far more rights and freedoms than they did under the British colonial rule. The fact that chaos gave way to order in Hong Kong fully proves that the decision to adopt and enforce the Law on Safeguarding National Security, improve the electoral system and implement the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong"?in the Hong Kong SAR will only strengthen the rule of law in Hong Kong, provide better safeguards for the rights and freedoms of the majority of Hong Kong residents, expand public participation in political affairs in a balanced and orderly manner, and promote the healthy development of the democratic system in Hong Kong. At the same time, we must point out that in a law-based society, everyone is equal before the law and anyone who violates law shall be brought to justice. The UK should not prop up offenders.

Third, China has long resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong. Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. The Chinese Government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard its?sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and accurately implement "One Country, Two Systems", and oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs. The Chinese side always provides necessary facilitation and support to consular offices of other countries in Hong Kong in performing their duty in accordance with law. At the same time, consular offices of other countries must observe Chinese laws, including the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, and the rules of international law, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; they must refrain from engaging in any activity that interferes in China's internal affairs or violates the law.

Fourth, the UK should realise that attempts to create trouble in Hong Kong or use Hong Kong to contain China will not succeed, and that the long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong serve the interests of all parties, including the UK. We once again urge the UK side to recognize the reality and major trend, respect China's sovereignty and unity, and stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs, so as to avoid further disturbances?in?China-UK relations.