Question: Earlier today, the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a statement, claiming that China's decision to "impose radical changes" to Hong Kong's electoral system is "part of a pattern designed to harass and stifle all voices critical of China's policies" and "constitutes a further clear breach of the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration". On March 12th, the G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the EU issued a joint statement, expressing "concerns" at China's decision to improve Hong Kong's electoral system, and claiming that the decision by China's National People's Congress (NPC) "erodes democratic elements of the electoral system in Hong Kong" and "undermines Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle". What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy Spokesperson: The relevant politicians from the above-mentioned countries and groups, including the UK, have confused right and wrong, slung groundless slanders at China, and blatantly interfered in China's internal affairs. The Chinese side expresses its strong condemnation and firm opposition. I want to emphasize the following:

First, the authority of the NPC decision to improve the electoral system of Hong Kong brooks no challenge. This decision was made by China's highest organ of state power. It is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, conforms to universal practice, and constitutes a necessary step to uphold and improve the mechanisms of "One Country, Two Systems". It has a solid political foundation and legal base. Its legitimacy brooks no distortion and its authority allows no challenge.

Second, the allegations that improving Hong Kong's electoral system "stifles critical voices", "erodes democracy" and "undermines 'One Country, Two Systems'" are absurd. Since resuming exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, China has fully and faithfully implemented "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and we will continue to do so. Improving the electoral system in the Hong Kong SAR and implementing the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" will promote the sound development of the democratic system in Hong Kong, better safeguard the rights, interests and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens, and ensure the steady and sustained practice of "One Country, Two Systems".

Third, the so-called "China breaches the Sino-British Joint Declaration" is a non issue. The Chinese Government governs Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, not the Joint Declaration. The core content of the Joint Declaration is to ensure China resumes exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. Its historical mission was completed at the handover. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision" over Hong Kong after the handover, and it has no so-called "obligations" to Hong Kong citizens. No foreign country or organisation has the right to take the Joint Declaration as an excuse to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs.

Fourth, China strongly opposes any external interference. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. How to design and improve its electoral system is purely China's internal affair and brooks no external interference. A few days ago, 71 countries delivered a joint statement and over 20 countries made respective remarks at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council in support of China's position and measures on Hong Kong-related issues and opposing other countries' interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. These just voices from the international community fully represents justice and fairness. The attempts of politicians from the relevant countries and groups, including the UK, to distort facts and impose unwarranted accusations on China will in no way change the judgement of the just force in the international community. China has the will, determination and capability to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests. We urge the relevant countries and groups, including the UK, to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs.