The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong opposition to the remarks in the report on Hong Kong issued by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy.

It said in a statement: “We strongly oppose the various unfounded criticisms and misleading comments against the Hong Kong SAR Government in the report.”

Reiterating that the city enjoys a high degree of autonomy under “one country, two systems” and comes directly under the Central People’s Government, it again urged the EU to respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations and stop interfering in the internal affairs of China through Hong Kong matters.

In response to the misleading accusations against the 2021 Legislative Council General Election, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that the poll was conducted in accordance with the law and was open, fair and honest.

Having over 1.3 million voters cast their ballots to elect 90 members of different backgrounds and political views, the election manifests the broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition of the new electoral system, it noted.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also takes great exception to the unfounded allegations against the National Security Law.

“The National Security Law ensures the resolute, full and faithful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy and also clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

“All law enforcement actions taken by the law enforcement agencies under the National Security Law, or indeed any local legislation, are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

“Prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective assessment of all admissible evidence, applicable laws and the Prosecution Code, without political considerations. Prosecutions would only commence if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction.”

It further emphasised that judicial independence in Hong Kong after implementing the National Security Law remains as robust as ever. With the independence of the judiciary constitutionally guaranteed under the Basic Law, local courts can exercise independent judicial power.

Meanwhile, the city has been firmly committed to safeguarding the freedoms of the press and speech, both of which are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

“A total of 210 media organisations, be they based locally, in the Mainland or overseas, are registered with the Hong Kong SAR Government News & Media Information System of the Information Services Department at present, showing an increase after the implementation of the National Security Law.

“As always, the media can exercise their right to monitor the Hong Kong SAR Government’s work, and their freedom of commenting on or even criticising government policies remains uninhibited as long as this is not in violation of the law.”