The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed firm opposition to interference in Macao affairs and China's internal affairs by any external forces. 

In a written reply to a question on a court decision regarding the disqualification of three candidates in an election in Macao, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized comments by the United States and the European Union on the ruling. 

The Macao Court of Final Appeal on Saturday made a decision to dismiss the appeals filed by three candidate teams and to uphold the decision of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election to exclude their candidate lists from the upcoming election. Spokespersons for the U.S. State Department and the European External Action Service voiced their opposition to the disqualification of the candidates. 

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Macao SAR govt supports court's dismissal of disqualified candidates' appeal

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing deplores and rejects the "wanton comments" on the affairs of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). 

"Supporting the Basic Law of the Macao SAR of the People's Republic of China and pledging allegiance to the SAR are the legal requirements for members of the Legislative Assembly," said the spokesperson. 

The ruling has "implemented the fundamental principle of 'patriots administering Macao,' safeguarded the constitutional order enshrined in the Constitution and the Basic Law," and "demonstrated the judicial justice and authority of the Macao SAR," the spokesperson said, underscoring Beijing's support for the decision. 

"I want to stress that Macao is China's SAR," the spokesperson said. "The Chinese side will continue to resolutely ensure the steady and sustained implementation of the successful practice of 'One Country, Two Systems' with Macao characteristics. In the meantime, we will firmly oppose interference in Macao affairs and China's internal affairs by any external forces." 

(Cover: A flag-raising ceremony marking the 21st anniversary of Macao's return to China is held at the Golden Lotus Square in Macao, south China, December 20, 2020. /Xinhua)