The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly rejected the unfounded and biased content concerning Hong Kong in a so-called annual report issued by the European Commission and the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

It noted that the Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws to prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security. It emphasised that these measures safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and others in the city, ensuring the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

The implementation of these laws has effectively safeguarded national security and restored stability, providing a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s economic and social development. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents are better protected and that citizens’ well-being is steadily improving.

Strongly urging the EU to respect facts, abide by international law, and adhere to the basic norms governing international relations, the Hong Kong SAR Government demanded an immediate halt to what it termed long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs.

It stated that the HKNSL and SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected. Freedoms of speech, the press, publication, association, assembly, procession and demonstration remain protected under the Basic Law and international covenants, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that, as is the case globally, such rights and freedoms are not absolute and may be subject to legal restrictions necessary for protecting national security, public safety, public order or the rights of others.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned the so-called report for selectively quoting figures to twist facts and negate the city’s dedication to safeguarding the lawful exercise of rights and freedoms, including those of journalists.

It highlighted that the media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, provided they do not violate the law, adding that the so-called report’s attempt to use press freedom as an excuse for lawbreaking exposes the EU's biased stance and double standards.

On judicial matters, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that judges remain independent and impartial when adjudicating national cases, free from any interference. It added that any objective observer reading publicly accessible court judgments would reach the same conclusion, and strongly opposed the absurd and false allegations in the report regarding local laws and efforts that safeguard national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the enactment of the HKNSL by the central authorities restored stability and safety with unquestionable necessity and legitimacy. As an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong must fulfil its constitutional responsibility to improve its legal system and enforcement mechanisms.

It noted that while the EU and its member states continuously enact laws for national security or anti-terrorism, they repeatedly distort facts when evaluating Hong Kong's laws, displaying clear hypocrisy.

Regarding malicious smears against the verdict in the national security case involving Lai Chee-ying, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the court conducted 156 days of public hearings, reviewed up to 2,220 pieces of evidence, over 80,000 pages of documents, and more than 1,000 pages of written submissions. It called the EU's continued attacks in the face of these ironclad facts a disgrace.

Turning to political development, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Legislative Council, formed following the 2021 electoral improvements, has fully implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. The council has broken free from past polarisation to return to rationality and pragmatism.

Given that EU member states have different electoral systems and political traditions, the Hong Kong SAR Government urged the EU to view the city's democratic development with a positive and respectful attitude.

Reiterating that external attempts to undermine Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability are doomed to fail, the Hong Kong SAR Government affirmed that it will continue discharging its duty under the rule of law. It pledged to ensure the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”, better integrate a capable government with an efficient market, and proactively attract enterprises and talent to strengthen the city’s competitiveness.