China: No country, org., individual has right to interfere in Hong Kong's internal affairs

Beijing has once again denounced any interference in the internal affairs of Hong Kong, emphasizing the “one country, two systems” principle. 

“Hong Kong is China's Special Administrative Region and its affairs are an integral part of China's internal affairs, which allow no interference by any country, organization or individual,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing on Monday. 

Referring to the 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last week, he said a joint statement by dozens of countries at the forum backed Beijing’s stand on Hong Kong, which he said demonstrates that “facts speak so much louder [than words] and justice will never fail to prevail.” 

Last Friday, Belarus, as a representative of 70 countries at the session of UNHRC, delivered a joint statement reiterating support for China's implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle. 

These countries held that China’s implementation of the law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong has helped promote stability in the city, underlining the importance of non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state as a major principle of the UN Charter. 

“China is committed to the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy,” Lijian said, referring to the metropolitan area on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea. 

“The relevant measures [of the Chinese central government] will better protect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents, promote Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and contribute to the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems",” he added. 

The spokesman further emphasized that Beijing is firmly determined to safeguard national sovereignty and security, implement the 'one country, two systems' principle and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. 

'China seeks mutual respect, win-win cooperation with US'

Elsewhere in his remarks, Lijian said China is “committed to developing a relationship with the United States featuring non-confrontation, non-conflict, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.” 

Responding to a question on relations between the two long-time adversaries, the foreign ministry spokesman said Washington needs to lift all unreasonable restrictions on their cooperation. 

“We hope the US side will view China and China-US relations in an objective and rational manner, keep up with the trend of the times, and replace its obsolete zero-sum thinking with rational and pragmatic policy towards China,” Lijian said. 

He, however, added that Beijing will continue to firmly safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, an indication that it will not succumb to the US pressure games. 

Slamming the previous US administration for its “retrogressive moves” on ties between the two countries, the spokesman said it caused “serious damage” to relations between the two countries. 

Former US president Donald Trump had last year signed an executive order to end the preferential economic treatment of the semi-autonomous Chinese city in response to a national security law by Beijing that criminalized sedition and secession. 

It marked a new low in relations between the two sides, which have worsened in recent years over a range of issues, including trade, the South China Sea, arms sales to Taiwan and the coronavirus pandemic 

“The US government has a greater responsibility to take initiatives and measures. We hope that the US side will meet China halfway and make joint efforts," the spokesman said. 

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