Question: On December 19, an official from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Department claimed that human rights in Hong Kong were being eroded against the legally binding agreement signed between China and the UK 40 years ago. What is the Embassy's comment on this?

Embassy Spokesperson: We firmly oppose the erroneous remarks made by relevant UK official.

Facts have proven that, since the return of Hong Kong, the central government of China has fully, faithfully and firmly implemented the principles of One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy. At present, the rule of law is better upheld in the region, Hong Kong society is more stable and united, and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law are better protected.

The essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is to ensure China resumes the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. With Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, all the provisions related to the British side stipulated in the Sino-British Joint Declaration have been fully implemented. The legal basis for the Chinese government’s governance of Hong Kong is China’s Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Hong Kong has long been returned to China. The UK has no right or qualification to point its finger on Hong Kong affairs. We urge the UK to abandon its colonial mentality, stop undermining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs.