Q: On November 19, 2024, the spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) issued a statement on the sentencing of 45 separatist activists in Hong Kong over the case of conspiracy to subvert state power. What is China’s comment?

A: It is a basic principle of a law-based society that laws must be observed and lawbreakers be held accountable. No one should be allowed to use “democracy” as a pretext to engage in unlawful criminal activities and attempt to escape justice. The Central Government of China firmly supports the HKSAR in safeguarding national security and punishing activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs that brook no external interference. We firmly oppose the EU’s interference in the judicial independence of other countries under the pretext of upholding “democracy and the rule of law”, and oppose the EU’s criticism of other countries’ efforts to safeguard national security while the EU itself prioritizes security. We urge the EU side to abide by international law and basic norms of international relations, respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.