The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday urged the U.S. to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form.

The spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR made the remarks in response to the 2023 Hong Kong Policy Act Report issued by the U.S. government and the statement made by U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken.

The spokesperson pointed out that they discredited the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems," the national security law and Hong Kong's new electoral system, and slandered the rule of law, democracy, freedom and human rights in Hong Kong. They also interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and violated principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations.

The Chinese government has always fully, faithfully and resolutely implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy," said the spokesperson.

Noting that under the national security law and the new electoral system, Hong Kong's public order is restored, the rule of law safeguarded, justice upheld, and lawful rights of Hong Kong residents better protected in a safer environment, the spokesperson said facts have proved that the national security law is a law that safeguards Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the security of the country and also enjoys wide public support.

What has happened also shows that the new electoral system is a good system that is in line with the policy of "One Country, Two Systems" and Hong Kong's situation, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson stressed that no one has the privilege to be above the law, and no rights and freedoms should damage the public interest. The rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong are constitutionally guaranteed by the basic law, and the police and judiciary of the SAR both act in strict accordance with law.

Hong Kong's ranking in the 2022 Legal Index remains high, ahead of some Western countries that often point a finger at the rule of law and human rights in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said, adding that it is a serious contempt for and trampling on the legal spirit for the U.S. to sugarcoat anti-China forces in Hong Kong and undermine Hong Kong's judicial system under the pretext of "protecting Hong Kong's rule of law."

The spokesperson stressed that Hong Kong is part of China. The Chinese government is fully determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, are resolute in opposing power politics and foreign interference.

(Cover: The Victoria Harbor in the HKSAR, China. /CFP)