The central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Friday strongly condemned the “untruthful remarks, slanders and smears” in the United Kingdom’s latest six-month report on Hong Kong, and urged the UK government to stop interfering in HKSAR matters.

In a statement issued on Friday, an SAR government spokesperson denounced the 40-page report for its “misleading and irresponsible remarks”, which “distort facts” and “reverse right and wrong”.

The spokesperson said that Hong Kong SAR matters are China’s internal affairs, and that the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over the city following its return to the motherland. He also urged the UK to discern facts from fallacies and respect international law and basic norms governing international relations.

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The statement said that human rights are robustly protected in Hong Kong, and it dismissed the report’s criticisms of Hong Kong’s laws to safeguard national security as “absurd” and “hypocritical”, adding that the UK itself has at least 14 instances of such legislation.

It defended the implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law (NSL), saying that the enhanced legal framework ensures a stable business environment in the city and has earned it top international rankings in economic freedom and competitiveness.

Regarding criticisms concerning the conviction of the 78-year-old media mogul Lai Chee-ying, the government said the trial was fair and that Lai has not issued an appeal.

The spokesman said that law enforcement actions are strictly based on evidence and in accordance with the law, regardless of the political stance, background, or occupation of the individuals or entities involved.

“All cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the NSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights,” he said, rejecting any suggestion that certain individuals or organizations should be immune from legal consequences for illegal acts.

The spokesperson also defended the 2021 electoral reforms, stating the Legislative Council now implements a “patriots administering Hong Kong” principle with greater efficiency. The eighth-term LegCo election saw active voter turnout, reflecting a democratic system suited to Hong Kong’s circumstances.

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On education, the spokesperson said schools must remain free from political interference. National education — including on security topics — is taught in schools worldwide, while academic freedom in Hong Kong’s higher education sector remains fully protected, the spokesperson said.

The Office of the Commissioner of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR also issued a statement slamming the report as smearing the development of the HKSAR and making unwarranted remarks on Hong Kong affairs.

It said that the HKSAR’s judicial and law enforcement agencies independently handle national security cases in accordance with the law — a necessary step to uphold the rule of law — beyond external interference.

The spokesperson urged the UK to abandon its colonial mindset and respect China’s sovereignty, and immediately stop meddling in the SAR affairs.

The Legislative Council Secretariat said the report slanders Hong Kong’s society, rule of law, and human rights situation, while its descriptions of LegCo elections and legislative work are out of context.

“Since the improvement of the electoral system in 2021 and the implementation of the ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ principle, LegCo elections have been conducted in a fair, just, and open manner, embodying broad representation and balanced social participation,” the secretariat spokesperson said in a statement.

The current LegCo has moved past the previous chaos, operating rationally, efficiently, and pragmatically, and under the executive-led system, the legislature cooperates constructively with the executive.

The secretariat urged the UK government to face facts, respect China’s sovereignty, and immediately stop interfering in SAR affairs.

Contact the writer at gangwen@chinadailhk.com