Q: On June 13, the EU released its 26th annual report on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and 24th annual report on the Macao Special Administrative Region. The report on Hong Kong claims “continuous deterioration of fundamental freedoms” in the region, while the report on Macao asserts that there is “continuously increasing focus on national security, which risks eroding the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle”. What is China’s comment?
A: We have noticed the relevant reports. By publishing the reports year after year, the EU seeks to finger point at the affairs of the two special administrative regions based on ideological prejudice and grossly interfere in China’s internal affairs. We strongly deplore and oppose this.
Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong’s economy has flourished, and the city has made social progress on all fronts. It has continued to thrive as a vibrant global metropolis. The implementation of the National Security Law has strengthened Hong Kong’s rule of law and business environment. It provides better protection for the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong citizens, as well as for the legitimate business activities of foreign institutions, organizations, and personnel including from the EU in Hong Kong and their need for international exchanges.
The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. The “One Country, Two Systems” principle, implemented with Macao’s characteristics, has borne significant fruits over the past quarter-century. Macao’s economy has thrived. Its society has maintained long-term stability. Its residents’ living standards have steadily improved, and their extensive rights and freedoms are fully protected by law. Macao is now entering a golden age of development.
The affairs of Hong Kong and Macao are purely China’s internal affairs that allow no interference by any external forces. We urge the EU side to respect facts, objectively and fairly assess the huge economic and social progress achieved by Hong Kong and Macao under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, stop lecturing others in a condescending manner, uphold international law and basic norms governing international relations with concrete actions, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong and Macao affairs, which are China’s internal affairs.