China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong slammed the UK for its half-yearly report on Hong Kong — a special administrative region under China.
China’s Retort
Beijing said the report of “repeats the same old tune, and distorts and smears the central government’s policy on Hong Kong.” It further accused it of confusing “right and wrong to slander Hong Kong’s democracy, freedom, human rights and rule of law.”
It urged the UK to “abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations and immediately stop the political farce of interfering in Hong Kong affairs.”
The spokesperson further said that Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” practice has achieved “universally recognised success.”
Protected by the National Security Law (NSL) and the new electoral system, the spokesperson added that Hong Kong has “entered a stage of governance and revitalisation,” wherein “the society is stable and united, the pace of development is steady, the business environment is better, and residents’ rights are better protected in a safer environment.”
“The British side ignores the good situation of Hong Kong society and tries to deceive people with a report, support anti-China chaos in Hong Kong, and interfere in the trial of cases related to Hong Kong’s National Security Law,” he claimed.
The spokesperson also slammed the UK for upholding the Sino-British Joint Declaration to discuss Hong Kong affairs, which “distorts history and legal principles.” “It is pure nonsense!” he exclaimed.
The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of “supervision” over Hong Kong after its return to the motherland. By repeatedly citing the Sino-British Joint Declaration as an excuse to make irresponsible remarks on China’s policy on #HongKong, the UK essentially tries to… https://t.co/l0lMeVPfwK
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) September 20, 2023
UK’s Report
The backlash from China came after the UK published its six-monthly report on the Chinese-controlled hub, which stated that Beijing authorities have extended the NSL’s application “beyond genuine national security concerns.”
It accused China of choosing to “curtail and control many of the rights and freedoms… under the guise of national security.”
“The UK will always defend universal human rights, including freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and we will stand up for those who are targeted,” the report added.
It also stressed that “Nothing could be more vital for Hong Kong’s international reputation — and its way of life — than retaining its promised high degree of autonomy and protecting all rights and freedoms.”
China-UK Relations
China’s relations with the UK have remained fraught in recent years. In July 2020, the UK introduced a new visa route for Hong Kongers, after protests broke out against the “draconian” NSL. Former British PM Boris Johnson said the scheme “stood up for freedom and autonomy —values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear.”
Under the offer, five million Hong Kongers, including their dependents, have the right to remain in the UK for five years, during which time they can work or study. Following this period, they can apply for “settled status” and, after an additional year, become eligible to apply for citizenship.
China had warned the UK not to meddle in its domestic issues and announced that it will not recognise Hong Kongers’ British National Overseas (BNO) passports as valid travel documents or proof of identity.