The PUNCH editorial entitled, The world should stand with Hong Kong (July 19), is a grave concern to me because the article has no factual basis.
Since its return to the motherland from the United Kingdom in 1997, Hong Kong has given full play to its unique advantage as a global hub backed by the mainland. Its status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre has been consolidated. It has been known as one of the most free, open, prosperous and vibrant places in the world. HK ranked second in year 2020’s Index of Economic Freedom released by an American institution, the Heritage Foundation. Meanwhile, the HK citizens have enjoyed an extensive civil rights and political freedom which has never been seen under the colonial ruling of the UK.
Under the rule of the UK, there was no freedom, democracy whatever in Hong Kong. All governors were appointed by the British government; citizens had no right to election, demonstration, or even independent judicial power. But now, Hong Kong has its own Chief Executive, elected by the Election Committee of its people. And the people have enormous enthusiasm for political participation. Everyone without bias would realise how much democracy and freedom the Hong Kong people have now comparing with 23 years ago, before the handover.
Since the unrest took place in Hong Kong in June 2019, “Hong Kong independence” and radical separatist activities have become increasingly rampant, and violent and terrorist activities have escalated, seriously challenging the red line of the “one country, two systems” principle, severely undermining the safety, property and legitimate rights and interests of its citizens, and posing a serious threat to China’s national security. Some external forces flagrantly interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs, support violent criminals, threaten the HK government, and so bear unshirkable responsibility for the serious violence in the HK. Hard facts show that the national security legislation for Hong Kong is reasonable, lawful, necessary and urgently needed.
Only some outside forces have been very high-profile in making their opposition heard. What makes them so agitated and anxious? They are simply worried that they will not be able to use Hong Kong in as reckless and unchecked ways as before to engage in activities that jeopardise China’s national security. This proves once again that the national security legislation for Hong Kong is imperative and cannot be delayed.
The law only targets four categories of criminal activities that seriously undermine national security, e.g., secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities and collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security. It punishes a very small number of criminals and protects the vast majority. The rights and interests of Hong Kong citizens, including free speech, freedom of association, judicial independence and press freedom and constraint civil society, will not be affected. 3,000,000 Hong Kong people expressed their support for the legislation decision in signature campaigns (the registered voters numbered 4.5 million). The decision has also seen support from some well-known foreign companies in recent days.
The core of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The basic policies on HK stipulated in the Joint Declaration are policy statements made by the Chinese side, which have been fully reflected in the HK Basic Law formulated by China’s National People’s Congress (NPC). China’s policy statements are not commitments to the UK, and nothing “breaches international obligations”. After the return of Hong Kong, all the provisions concerning the British side in the Joint Declaration have been fulfilled.
Every sovereign state has the inherent right to legislate in the interest of its national security. Establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in HK at the state level by the NPC in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law is a necessary step to plug loopholes and uphold national sovereignty and security and a fundamental solution to ensure the steady and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems”.
Most members of the international community fully understand and respect China’s legitimate and lawful act to safeguard national security. Their just voice shows again that people have no problem telling right from wrong. On behalf of 53 countries, Cuba made a joint statement at 44th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on June 30th, expressing their support for the passage of the Law. They believe that the move is beneficial for the steady and long-term success of the “one country, two systems” principle and HK’s lasting prosperity and stability, and guarantees its residents’ better exercise of rights and freedoms in a safe environment.
The national security legislation is by no means a human rights issue, still less should it be politicized. A small number of external elements, with ulterior motives, have been meddling in this under the pretext of human rights. But nothing can cover up their arrogance, prejudice and real intention to flagrantly interfere in China’s internal affairs. Some people advertise themselves as respecting the rule of law, but what they have done showed no regard for the just voices of the international community calling for adherence to the principles of international law and basic norms of the international relations.
- SUN Saixiong
Press Officer, Embassy of China in Nigeria
END
Be the first to comment