HK blasts six-monthly British report

In accordance with Article 23, the HKSAR is authorized to legislate its own national security laws

HONG KONG, China (Global Times) — Hong Kong’s government on Friday expressed their opposition to a six-monthly report on the city issued by the UK, saying the report was both inaccurate and biased, and suggesting that foreign governments, legislatures, and politicians should refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The HKSAR government reiterated its firm commitment to the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle in accordance with Basic Law. The region firmly opposes and expresses its deep regret over the report’s inaccurate and biased remarks regarding the newly formed national security law and degree of autonomy enjoyed by its citizens in the HKSAR, the Hong Kong government said in a statement published on Friday.

UK released its six-monthly report covering incidents in Hong Kong from July to December last year on Thursday, and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged China to reconsider its plan to impose its national security law, and to “step back from the brink” and respect the city’s autonomy in the report.

The national security law will neither undermine “one country, two systems” nor change the executive, legislative, and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, enjoyed by the HKSAR, the Hong Kong government said.

Instead, the national security law will create favorable conditions for strengthening the foundation of the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. In fact, it is absolutely incorrect and totally groundless for the report to allege that the enactment of the national security law for the HKSAR lies in “direct conflict” with Article 23 of the Basic Law. In accordance with Article 23, the HKSAR is authorized to legislate its own national security laws; however, it also does not prohibit the central government from legislating at a state level for national security reasons, the HKSAR government said.