Q: On May 20, 2022, the EU issued its 2021 annual reports on Hong Kong and Macao, claiming that the EU sees a continued deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong and increasing challenges to political rights and fundamental freedoms in Macao. What’s your response?

A: We have noted the two reports from the EU side, which confuse right and wrong and constitute gross interference in China's internal affairs by making irresponsible accusations on Hong Kong and Macao’s political and economic development  and slandering China for undermining "one country, two systems". We strongly disapprove and firm oppose this.

Hong Kong has seen a historic transition from chaos to order with the implementation of the National Security Law and the successful practice of the new electoral system. Social stability has been restored, economic development back on track, sound governance enhanced, rule of law and justice upheld, and the lawful democratic rights and freedoms enjoyed by its citizens better protected. These are facts. However, the EU side chooses to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. What’s the motive behind? Is Hong Kong deemed free by the EU when violence and vandalism activities are rampant, and democratic when “Hong Kong independent forces” seek “mutual destruction” ? It all boils down to the fact that some people in the EU do not want to see a stable Hong Kong.

Since Macao’s return to the motherland 20-plus years ago, the practice of "one country, two systems" has made notable progress. Macao is in the best period of development in history, with booming economic and social development and citizens enjoying unprecedented lawful rights and freedoms. These are undeniable facts for all those without prejudice.

Hong Kong and Macao are China’s special administrative regions. Their affairs are entirely China's internal affairs and allow for no interference from external forces. To smear Hong Kong, Macao and the Central Government and seek to undermine the prosperity and stability of the two SARs by publishing the two reports, the EU side has miscalculated the situation. Such attempts are also doomed to fail. The Chinese government is determined in fully and faithfully implementing "one country, two systems" and safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. We urge the EU side to discard the colonial mentality and lecturing others, abide by international law and basic norms of international relations, and immediately stop interfering in any form in Hong Kong and Macao affairs, which are China's internal affairs