Hong Kong hits back at ‘political attacks’ in UK’s six-monthly report

The SAR government condemned the “wanton slander and political attacks” in the six-monthly report on Hong Kong published by the UK on Monday, saying that the “one country, two systems” principle is successfully implemented. 

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in the foreword that the enactment of the Beijing version of the national security law was a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. He also said that all political opposition has been eliminated and civil society has since been marginalized. 

He noted that Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants and bounties for 13 individuals living overseas in July and December simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression and many of them now live in the UK. 

“The National Security Law has no authority in the UK. We do not have an active extradition agreement with Hong Kong or China. I want to assure our valued Hong Kong community in the United Kingdom: you are safe here,” he said. 

The SAR government responded with a statement issued late Monday night saying the core essence of the Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. 

“It did not authorize the UK to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs after its return to the motherland. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong after its return to the motherland,” it said. 

The government also stressed that the national security law has extraterritorial effect and police have the responsibility to pursue those suspected of committing offenses under the NSL outside Hong Kong. 

It continued that the extraterritorial effect for the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions, including the UK. 

The Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Commissioner in Hong Kong also issued a statement to condemn the UK for smearing the “one country, two systems” principle and slandering the NSL, the homegrown Article 23 and the perfected electoral system. 

The Office reiterated that the historical mission of the Joint Declaration has been completed and urged the UK to respect the basic principles of international relations and abandon its arrogance as a colonizer.