Question: On March 27, the UK government published its 56th Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong, continuing to use the Sino-British Joint Declaration as an excuse to make unwarranted comments on Hong Kong affairs. What is the your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: China firmly opposes the UK’s fabrication of this so-called report that smears China’s Hong Kong policy, and meddles in China’s internal affairs.

The essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It does not grant the UK any responsibility over Hong Kong after its return. Following Hong Kong’s return, the constitutional and legal basis for the Chinese government’s governance of Hong Kong lies in the Chinese Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The UK has neither the right nor is it in any position to meddle in Hong Kong affairs.

The practice of One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong has achieved globally recognised success. Thanks to the enactment and implementation of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, along with improvements to the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive.The security, democracy, and people’s freedoms and rights in Hong Kong are now under better protection, and Hong Kong enjoys more promising development prospects.

Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law, where adherence to the law and accountability for violations are fundamental principles. No one can engage in illegal or criminal activities under the banners of "democracy" or "freedom" and expect to escape legal consequences. The law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Hong Kong SAR combat crime, uphold the authority of the law, and safeguard national security according to law. This is justified, reasonable and lawful. Such actions must not be smeared or undermined.

The UK should respect the basic fact that Hong Kong has long returned to China, abandon its outdated colonial mindset, genuinely respect China’s sovereignty and rule of law in Hong Kong, and stop any words or actions that interfere in China’s internal affairs.