Q: On 29 July, the Spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) issued a statement, claiming that the relevant conviction by the District Court in Hong Kong involving Stand News is another sign of the dwindling space for press freedom and calling on the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in press freedom and to stop prosecuting journalists. What is China’s comment?

A: The Chinese side has taken note of the relevant statement. Hong Kong is a law-based society where laws must be observed and law-breaking actions held accountable. Freedom of press and speech are not excuses for crimes, still less a green light for anti-China and destabilizing activities in Hong Kong. The judicial authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region handle cases impartially and in accordance with the law, which is legitimate and lawful, and should not be slandered.

Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs that allow for no external interference. The EU side claims to uphold the rule of law, but instead criticizes the judicial cases of other countries. This is a serious violation of the spirit of rule of law and a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to this. We urge the EU side to adhere to international law and  basic norms in international relations, respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.