Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met Head of Office of the European Union (EU) to Hong Kong Harvey Rouse this afternoon at the Central Government Offices, solemnly reiterating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly disapproves of and rejects the annual report of the European Commission.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance so as to safeguard national security according to the law, protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, and ensure the steady and long-term implementation of “one country, two systems”.

The Hong Kong SAR Government asked for this meeting. Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also attended the meeting.

Mr Chan stressed that it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice.

The EU exposed its double standards as it pointed fingers at Hong Kong's legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while totally disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the city to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the national security legislation on economic development and the protection of human rights.

Mr Chan reiterated that establishing the mechanism for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR will not undermine the independent judicial power. Hong Kong SAR's judicial system continues to be protected by the Basic Law. When adjudicating cases concerning offence endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference.

At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

Mr Chan strongly urged the EU to respect facts, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop its long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs.