The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government reiterated that foreign governments should not interfere in any form in the city’s internal affairs.

The SAR Government issued the statement in response to media enquiries concerning the Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong (January to June 2019) issued by the United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

The statement pointed out that since the return to the Motherland, the Hong Kong SAR has been exercising “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

The “one country, two systems” principle has been fully and successfully implemented. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to implement the “one country, two systems” principle resolutely in accordance with the Basic Law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to human rights and freedoms and is determined to safeguard them.

In respect of the Fugitive Offenders & Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019, the Chief Executive announced on June 15 that the bill was suspended and later made it clear that all the legislative work had come to a complete halt.

She further announced on September 4 that the Hong Kong SAR Government would formally withdraw the bill and the Secretary for Security withdrew the bill at the Legislative Council meeting on October 23.

The Government noted that the report mentioned that protesters must end the violence.

It explained that the Police have been exercising restraint and carrying out enforcement actions in strict accordance with the law with a view to protect the life and property of the general public, bring offenders to justice and restore public order as soon as possible.

At the same time, the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) is conducting a fact-finding study on the handling of large-scale public order events since June, including corresponding actions by the Police, to ascertain the facts and will prepare a report.

The IPCC has established a panel of international experts to assist in the relevant work. The content of the report will be made public.

In addition, the Hong Kong SAR Government has launched a diversified dialogue platform and will invite community leaders, experts and academics to conduct an in-depth and independent examination of the social conflicts in Hong Kong and the deep-seated problems that must be addressed.