China's planned changes to Hong Kong's electoral system are China's internal affairs and aim to plug loopholes, Song Ru'an, deputy commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Tuesday.

The changes will protect the international role of the global financial hub and safeguard its prosperity and stability, Song told reporters, adding that the changes would also fully implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

Song added that the design, development and improvement of the electoral system fall entirely under China's internal affairs. Fixing the flaws of the current electoral system of the HKSAR will provide a guarantee for Hong Kong residents to better realize their democratic rights and freedoms, Song said.

(Cover: Song Ru'an, deputy commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in HKSAR, addresses a press conference, March 9, 2021. /Website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR)