Source: China Embassy
Q: On July 8, 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution, which condemns the so-called “forced closure” of the Apple Daily newspaper and urges the Hong Kong authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all journalists, as well as all peaceful protesters and activists. It urges EU Member States to adopt new measures including targeted sanctions against individuals and entities in Hong Kong and China and calls on EU Member States to coordinate the implementation of a “lifeboat scheme”. It also calls upon the EU institutions and its Member States to decline invitations for government representatives and diplomats to attend the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. What’s your response?
A: The European Parliament’s resolution is confounding black and white. It is a blatant violation of basic norms governing international relations and the spirit of rule of law and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs. We express our strong disapproval of and firm opposition to this.
Since the adoption of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong SAR over the past year or so, law and order have been restored in Hong Kong SAR and people’s life has returned to normal. Hong Kong SAR now enjoys a better business environment and its development is back on track. The legislation is endorsed and supported by all Chinese, including Hong Kong SAR citizens. And over 90 countries speak up at the United Nations Human Rights Council in support of China’s just stance on Hong Kong.
Hong Kong SAR is governed by rule of law where everyone is equal before the law and no one has any privilege above the law. The Hong Kong SAR police’s actions against individuals and companies suspected of endangering national security are justified efforts to combat crime and uphold law and order. They have nothing to do with press freedom.
Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong and Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs. We would like to make clear to relevant institutions that the Chinese government is firmly determined in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. Attempts by external forces to meddle in Hong Kong’s affairs will never succeed. Those who clamor for sanctions will only end up shooting themselves in the foot.
China firmly opposes the politicization of sports. Politically-driven attempts to disrupt, obstruct and sabotage the preparation and holding of the Beijing Winter Olympics are extremely irresponsible. It is only athletes and the international Olympic movement that will bear the cost. Many governments, National Olympic Committees, the International Olympic Committee and the broader global community have all made clear their opposition to this wrong move.
