HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of and rejects annual report of European Commission
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (September 23) strongly disapproved of and rejected the unfounded and biased content against various aspects of the HKSAR in the so-called annual report on Hong Kong issued by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stressed, "The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. It is a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under 'one country, two systems' and comes directly under the Central People's Government. The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws so as to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security, safeguard the lawful rights and interests enjoyed by Hong Kong people and other persons in the HKSAR in accordance with the law. Its overarching goal is to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'.
"The implementation of the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws effectively safeguards national security, restoring stability in the social order of Hong Kong, providing a solid foundation for developments in Hong Kong's economy, social life and other aspects. The various rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents and other persons in the HKSAR in accordance with the law are all better protected, steadily improving their well-being. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the EU to respect facts, abide by the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop its long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs."
Safeguarding Rights and Freedoms
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the HKNSL and the SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The relevant laws do not affect normal exchanges of local institutions, organisations and individuals with other countries, regions and international organisations including the United Nations and the EU, etc. Law-abiding persons will not unwittingly violate the law.
"The HKNSL and SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc. The so-called report biasedly quoted figures to twist the facts by negating the determination and dedication of the HKSAR to persistently safeguard the lawful exercise of rights and freedom by citizens, including journalists. The HKSAR Government must set the record straight and such act must be strongly condemned.
"Since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. However, some people with ulterior motives deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. In fact, freedom of the press and speech are firmly protected in Hong Kong at a constitutional level under the Basic Law, but they are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. The media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, as long as this is not in violation of the law. The court further cited precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding press freedom in the reasons for a verdict of a relevant case, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of 'responsible journalism' in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom. Contrarily, 14 of the 27 countries in the EU were involved in the scandal for using the 'Pegasus' spyware to monitor media and citizens. They have absolutely no right to make absurd and fact-twisting comments on the issue of press freedom. The so-called report abuses press freedom as an excuse to break the law, again exposing the EU's biased stance and double standards all along."
Safeguarding Due Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that 'laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable'. The HKSAR Government safeguards independent judicial power and fully supports the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the HKSAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. When adjudicating cases concerning offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. Any reasonable, objective and fair-minded person who has read the publicly accessible judgments of the court on relevant cases would certainly reach the same conclusion.
"The rule of law in Hong Kong is strong and robust, and withstands the test of time. Hong Kong's common law system has been built and maintained over the years by the joint efforts of the Judiciary and legal professions, including judges at all levels of courts, and it will not be changed because of the departure of individual overseas non-permanent judges (NPJs). Departure of a small number of NPJs must be apprehended in conjunction with the background of increasingly intense geopolitical situations, leaving absolutely no room to be taken out of context for vilifying the rule of law situation in Hong Kong.
"The Department of Justice takes charge of criminal prosecutions, free from any interference by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law. All prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
"All cases concerning offence endangering national security will be handled in a fair and timely manner by the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities of the HKSAR as required by Article 42(1) of the HKNSL. The time taken between the institution of prosecution and the completion of trial of each case depends on a multitude of factors. The prosecution and defence will adhere to any direction given by the court to ensure a timely trial."
Laws safeguarding national security
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the absurd and false contents in the EU's so-called report with regard to the laws and the relevant efforts that safeguard national security in the HKSAR.
"It is each and every sovereign state's inherent right, under international law and international relations based on the Charter of the United Nations, to enact laws safeguarding national security, and is also an international practice. The enactment of the HKNSL by the Central Authorities restores stability and safety of the city. Its necessity and legitimacy are unquestionable. The HKSAR, as an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, must fulfil the constitutional responsibility to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.
"In fact, the EU and its member states have continuously enacted and amended laws in the name of national security or anti-terrorism, amongst which harsh provisions are ubiquitous. For instance, the Terrorist Content Online Regulation in the EU provides that hosting service providers must remove or disable access to terrorist content within one hour of receipt of a removal order from the competent authority. The Digital Services Act even requires online platform service providers to exercise content moderation to remove or to disable access to the illegal hate speech, otherwise they may face massive fines of up to 4 to 6 per cent of their total worldwide turnover. The EU member states also enacted laws and regulations suppressing people's rights and freedoms, such as the Intelligence Services Reform Act passed in Germany in August this year was more than 730 pages. It significantly expands the powers of domestic and foreign intelligence organisations, including entering private homes to disable devices or to install malware, legalising state spyware, deploying artificial intelligence to scan vast amount of public and private data, requiring mandatory provision of information, etc. Nevertheless, the EU disregards its own broad and stringent laws and regulations, repeatedly distorts and confounds right and wrong, unscrupulously smears the laws for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR which were strictly enacted according to its actual circumstances, continues to harbor biased comments against relevant laws, which is typical hypocrisy with double standards.
"The so-called report once again slanders and smears the subsidiary legislation enacted by the HKSAR in 2025. The subsidiary legislation provides for specific details in respect of the provisions in Chapter V of the HKNSL concerning the mandate of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS), in order to fulfil the HKSAR's constitutional duty to further improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. The HKNSL strictly stipulates the mandate and powers of the OSNS. The subsidiary legislation does not grant the OSNS any new power, and will not affect the lives of ordinary citizens or the normal operation of institutions or organisations, while the offences thereunder are stipulated with reference to similar offences that already exist and are common in the legislation of Hong Kong. The OSNS fulfils its mandate in strict accordance with the HKNSL and the HKSAR Government provides necessary assistance under the law, which are reasonable and lawful.
"In fact, the implementation of the HKNSL in the past six years or so has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume to normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. Besides maintaining its position as the world's freest economy, Hong Kong has risen to top spot in cross boundary wealth management worldwide and is ranked second in world competitiveness. The city is ranked third among international financial centres and comes first in the world in terms of funds raised through initial public offerings in 2025. Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of European and American countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of Hong Kong in the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index. These achievements are built upon the freedom and stability brought to Hong Kong society by the HKNSL, the SNSO, other relevant laws of the HKSAR, and the work of safeguarding national security.
"Also, the specific content of the SNSO fully demonstrates that it was formulated strictly in accordance with the rule of law principles: including clear definitions of the elements that constitute an offence, only making necessary and reasonable restrictions on basic human rights and freedoms in accordance with applicable international standards and with reference to relevant practices in other common law jurisdictions, and not affecting the legitimate rights and interests of innocent third parties etc.
"As regards the sedition offence, the courts of the HKSAR have ruled in different cases that the provisions relating to sedition are consistent with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the protection of human rights, and that a proportionate and reasonable balance has been struck between safeguarding national security and protection of the freedom of speech. It should be reiterated that the offence is not meant to silence expression of any opinion that is only a genuine criticism against the Government based on objective facts.
"The HKNSL and the SNSO apply equally to every person in Hong Kong; no one is above the law. Article 5 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. 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 HKNSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. The Western countries also took numerous law enforcement actions targeting spread of false information and speeches which incite hatred and glorify violence. Nonetheless, they ignore their own laws but to vilify the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, fully revealing their double standards.
"As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to a fair trial by the Judiciary exercising independent judicial power. The courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. As to the so-called report's malicious smears against the verdict of the case of Lai Chee-ying involving offences endangering national security (Lai's case), the HKSAR Government must stress that the court in that case has conducted 156 days of public hearings, considered up to 2 220 pieces of evidence, over 80 000 pages of documents, and a total of over 1 000 pages of written submissions from all parties, etc. There was also sufficient time for Lai's side, whose legal team was led by a Senior Counsel who has practised for more than 35 years and has extensive experience in respect of defending criminal cases (including national security cases), to prepare for his defence. The various procedural challenges raised before and during the trial were all duly and properly handled by the court. They also had full opportunity to challenge the evidence of the prosecution and present the defence case. Lai Chee-ying himself even testified in court for 52 days. The defence provided detailed written submissions in respect of the points of law involved in the case and the analysis of evidence, and made oral submissions on different key issues at the hearings. These are the testaments to the fact that Lai Chee-ying and other defendants were found guilty only after a fair trial. Lai Chee-ying also does not appeal against his conviction or sentence. The court's verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations. The court also clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. It is such a disgrace for the EU, when being faced with these ironclad facts, to continue to distort the truth and maliciously attack. The HKSAR Government must again firmly refute these claims to set the record straight.
"In respect of the incitement to subversion case of the 'Hong Kong Alliance' mentioned by the so-called report, the verdict handed down by the court is forceful and compelling, as well as well-reasoned and sound. The reasons for verdict clearly emphasised that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. The court would only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution is able to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The court also pointed out that the defendants had all along been hostile towards the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Central Government under its leadership. After the implementation of the HKNSL, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on embracing the resistance line to the very end. Even though the defendants knew that what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, they paid no regard to it. The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state, forming the most important part of the constitutional order of the HKSAR. The Preamble to the Constitution makes it clear that the leadership by the CPC is the core and foundation of the constitutional order of the People's Republic of China. No country's constitution would allow citizens to subvert the constitutional order and the fundamental system of the country established by the constitution.
"We noticed that the so-called report mentioned other cases on offences endangering national security. The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving the concerned cases are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice. Any act to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the HKSAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behavior and exert pressure on the courts of the HKSAR must stop.
"The Correctional Services Department ensures that the custodial environment is safe, humane, appropriate and healthy in accordance with the law, including appropriate and timely medical support, etc. The arrangements by the Commissioner of Correctional Services (the Commissioner) under Rule 68B of the Prison Rules to remove a prisoner from association with other prisoners are made in the interests of the personal safety and interests of the prisoner. They can be made upon requests by the prisoner which are to be approved by the Commissioner after due consideration in accordance with the law, or made by the Commissioner after considering all relevant factors according to the legal requirements and procedures. The rights of persons concerned while in custody, including visits, communications, well-being, religious services, arrangements of outdoor activities, etc., will not be deprived because of his personal identity or removal from association with other prisoners.
"Appropriate extraterritorial effect for the offences under the HKNSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.
"As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Police are duty bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong. Those absconders hiding in the Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. The Police applied for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and will take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings. The action is fully justified, necessary and legitimate. There are laws in other jurisdictions which aim to prevent and prohibit people from harboring, financing, or otherwise assisting persons endangering national security, terrorists or criminal suspects. Anyone who violates such laws should all be punished in accordance with the law. Their relationship with the criminal suspect is absolutely not a relevant factor to be taken into account."
Improved electoral system
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "The Legislative Council (LegCo) formed following the improvement of the electoral system in 2021 has fully implemented the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong', which is consistent with the universally prevailing political tenet of keeping political power in the hands of patriots. The LegCo has completely broken free from the past chaos of confrontation, polarisation, disorderly conduct and ineffectiveness in the chamber, returning to the right track of rationality and pragmatism. It deliberated with efficiency and quality, focusing its efforts on developing the economy and improving people's livelihood, ensuring the steady and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. The general election for the eighth term LegCo was successfully held at the end of last year. Voters actively cast their votes, returning a new cohort of LegCo members who are patriotic and love Hong Kong, responsible, capable and committed to serving the community. This has once again exemplified the high-quality and healthy competition under the new electoral system, embodying broad representation and balanced participation. The improved LegCo has proven in practice that this is a democratic electoral system that suits HKSAR's actual circumstances and needs."
The spokesperson continued, "There is no single model of democracy in the world. The 27 member states of the EU each have different electoral systems and political traditions, which fully demonstrates that the forms in which democracy is implemented are inherently diverse. The EU should view, with a positive and respectful attitude, the healthy development of democracy that Hong Kong is advancing in accordance with its actual circumstances."
Enhancing National Education
The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, "Schools are places for students to learn and grow. It is the obligation of schools to provide a safe and orderly school environment and atmosphere, and to maintain a campus free from political interference or illegal activities, for safeguarding students' well-being. National education has been an important part of the curricula for primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens with a view to deepening our students' understanding of the country's national affairs, history and culture, the Constitution and the Basic Law, as well as national security, thereby building up students' cultural confidence to foster a sense of national identity, and cultivating them into a new generation that is able and virtuous with a sense of responsibility, visions and love for the country and the city. Teachers are also important role models for their students, playing a vital role in passing on knowledge and nurturing students' character. The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to ensure the professional conduct of teachers. Implementation of national education, including national security education, is the legitimate duty of education authorities all over the world. Different places attach great importance to implementing national security education and developing their students' sense of national identity, including knowledge of their respective constitution, their own history, culture, geography, etc.
"Academic freedom is an important social value treasured in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of our higher education sector. Since the implementation of the HKNSL, academics or post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong continue to conduct normal exchange activities with their foreign or external counterparts. Meanwhile, post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong have taken a series of measures to incorporate national security education into students' learning in fulfilment of their statutory duty. These institutions enjoy autonomy on curriculum design, and the HKSAR Government encourages the institutions to provide students with diversified learning opportunities on national security education."
Maintaining Long-term Prosperity and Stability
The HKSAR Government spokesman stressed, "Since the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, the HKSAR Government has been fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law to ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Hong Kong has entered a new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity."
"Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Hong Kong continues to participate actively in the World Trade Organization and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation as separate members. With the unparalleled connectivity to the Mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will strengthen our dual role as "super-connector" and "super value-adder". The stable environment benefitted from the implementation of HKNSL has served Hong Kong well to produce strong and ever-growing trade performance with the world, including that the EU continues to be one of Hong Kong's top trading partners. In addition, in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, Hong Kong ranked among the top again. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths to enhance its role as international financial, maritime and trade centres, among others, whilst proactively integrating into the overall development of our nation, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, etc.. The HKSAR Government will also continue to create strong impetus for growth at full steam and proactively compete for enterprises and talents to strengthen the city's competitiveness."
The spokesman reiterated, "Any attempt by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability by slandering the city will only expose their own weakness and faulty arguments and be doomed to fail. The HKSAR Government will continue to discharge its duty, in adherence to the principle of the rule of law, to steadfastly ensure the successful implementation of the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy. It will continue to create strong impetus for growth at full steam, forge a better integration of a capable government and an efficient market, and proactively compete for enterprises and talent to strengthen the city's competitiveness. It will take the city's economic development to new heights, better serving Hong Kong citizens and fostering the city's development."
Source: AI-found images
