The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it deplored the European Parliament’s so-called resolution against Hong Kong.

In a statement today, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly opposed the parliament for making baseless allegations and smearing the rule of law, freedom and democratic development in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also noted that it despised suggestions by foreign politicians of so-called sanctions on its officials, adding that it will continue to strive to safeguard national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government urged foreign politicians to immediately stop breaching international laws based on their biased political interests to intervene in Hong Kong matters, which are purely the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China.

It pointed out that the improvement to the electoral system fully implements the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, ensuring that Legislative Council members love the country and Hong Kong, and act in the interests of the country's development and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.

It added that the elected lawmakers come from different backgrounds and from across the political spectrum, showcasing the broad representation and political inclusiveness of the improved electoral system.

Furthermore, open, fair, and healthy competition among candidates reflected the fairness and competitiveness of the new electoral system.

The statement also said that freedom of speech and freedom of the press are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Article 4 of the National Security Law also stipulates that such rights and freedoms shall be protected in accordance with the law in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR. According to the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights, exercising freedom of speech and freedom of the press must comply with the restriction of the law for reasons including protection of national security.

Moreover, Basic Law Article 63 also expressly guarantees that all prosecutions are controlled by the Department of Justice, free from any interference.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also expressed deep regret and rebuked Western politicians' attempts to twist facts and issue slandering remarks on the enforcement actions taken in accordance with the law, adding that such acts violate international laws and constitute gross interference in the affairs of Hong Kong.