Opinion | Hongkongers’ freedoms are fully protected and the UK has no right to interfere in China’s internal affairs
- To suggest that the national security law or electoral changes breached the Sino-British Joint Declaration is plainly wrong
- The courts remain impartial and committed to the rule of law, and political pressure on judges will not be tolerated
The promulgation of the national security law in Hong Kong is in line with the international practice of safeguarding national security and China’s exercise of its sovereign rights.
National security is within the purview of the central authorities, and the National People’s Congress has the power and duty to ensure Hong Kong’s lack of national security legislation was remedied, especially after a 2019 that saw riots, vandalism, vigilantism and petrol bombs. Since the promulgation, law and order has been restored, and Hong Kong is back on track to stability and prosperity.
The design of the electoral system is also within the purview of the central authorities. Any informed observer who pays heed to China’s constitution and the Basic Law should be well aware that the selection of the chief executive and election of the Legislative Council must take into account Hong Kong’s actual situation and be in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress.
This is exactly what the NPC and its Standing Committee did last year – Basic Law annexes I and II were amended to bring about broader representation and balanced participation. When it comes to democratic systems, there is no one panacea for all; in Hong Kong, Legco debates have since become focused, informed and rational.
