China opposes UK interfering in Hong Kong affairs under the Sino-British Joint Declaration

Shenzhen TV: It’s reported that in a statement released on February 28, the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government’s legislative proposals on Article 23 of the Basic Law do not uphold the obligations of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which will have a negative impact on the people of Hong Kong in the exercise of their rights and freedoms and a risk that the work of international organizations in Hong Kong could be labeled as “foreign interference”. The UK strongly urged the HKSAR government to re-consider their proposals and will monitor development of this legislation closely. What’s the ministry’s comment?  Mao Ning: The UK’s statement is a gross interference in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, which lays bare again its deeply entrenched colonial mindset and mentality as a “lecturer”. China firmly opposes it.  The UK’s “concerns” have no ground. First, the Sino-British Joint Declaration by no means put the UK in a position or gave it any right to interfere in Hong Kong affairs. Second, one of the principles that guide the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law is to respect and protect human rights, and protect in accordance with the law the rights and freedoms which the residents of Hong Kong enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of relevant international covenants as applied to Hong Kong. Third, there is a clear line drawn between acts that constitute an offence that endangers national security, and normal commercial exchanges and activities in the fields of economy, culture and science and technology. The normal activities of foreign institutions and personnel in the HKSAR will continue to be protected in accordance with law. It’s worth pointing out that the UK’s National Security Act that came into force last year contains many provisions with vague definitions and grants law enforcement agencies sweeping power, which can be easily abused.  We urge the UK to find the right mindset, face squarely the fact that Hong Kong has already returned to China, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, reflect on its action, and end double standards.   __________________ ShanghaiEye focuses on producing top-quality contents. Nobody knows SHANGHAI better than us. Please subscribe to us ☻☻☻ __________________ For more stories, please click ■ What’s up today in Shanghai, the most updated news of the city ■ Amazing Shanghai, exploring the unknown corners of the city, learning the people, food and stories behind them ■ What Chinese people’s lives are like during the post COVID-19 period ■ Views of foreign scholars on China and its affairs ■ Foreign faces in Shanghai, people living in this city sharing their true feelings ■ Mini-docs showing why China is the country it is today __________________ ☎Leave us messages if you have any suggestions or questions! Thank you!