Question:?On March 30th, the UK Government, alleging that the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR undermines human rights in Hong Kong, announced that it supports the withdrawal of serving UK judges from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. What is your comment on this?

Embassy Spokesperson: The UK side took advantage of the so-called withdrawal of serving UK judges from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal to make irresponsible remarks on the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR. The Chinese side is gravely concerned about such political manipulation and strongly opposes this interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs.

Since the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR came into force, Hong Kong has seen stability restored, rule of law and justice upheld, judicial independence effectively guaranteed in accordance with law, and the lawful rights and freedoms of the vast majority of Hong Kong residents safeguarded. The Chinese side remains unwavering in its resolve to fully and accurately implement the "One Country, Two Systems"?policy and safeguard sustained prosperity and stability in the Hong Kong SAR.

China has long resumed exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The affairs of Hong Kong are purely China's internal affairs. The Chinese Government governs the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with China's Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, not the Sino-British Joint Declaration. We strongly urge the UK side to respect China's sovereignty and stop all forms of trouble-making in Hong Kong and interference in China's internal affairs.