The Chinese mission to the European Union (EU) on Friday said China strongly condemns and is firmly opposed to a move by the European Parliament to adopt a resolution on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
By pushing to pass the resolution, some members of the European Parliament have confounded right and wrong, a spokesperson of the Chinese mission said, adding that such a move grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs.
The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a resolution expressing concerns over the "crackdown on the democratic opposition in Hong Kong," claiming that the Hong Kong National Security Law contravenes the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.
In response to the resolution, the spokesperson said the Chinese government governs Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
"The competent Chinese and HKSAR authorities penalize criminal activities in accordance with law, uphold the rule of law, fairness and justice, and safeguard China's sovereignty and security. This is beyond reproach and should not be discredited," said the spokesperson, adding that no country or organization has any right to meddle in Hong Kong affairs under the pretext of the Joint Declaration.
Instead of undermining the legal system in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong national security law "represents a major step to improve the 'One Country, Two Systems,'" said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson emphasized that laws must be observed and those who commit offences must be held accountable.
"We urge the European Parliament to recognize the fact that Hong Kong has returned to China, abide by international law and the basic norms governing international relations, reject double standards, earnestly respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and immediately stop interfering in any form in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs," said the spokesperson.
