Chinese Mission Spokesperson Liu Yuyin Comments on the Erroneous Remarks by the High Commissioner for Human Rights
2021-06-21 23:57

On June 21, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in disregard of facts, made erroneous remarks on Hong Kong and Xinjiang related issues at the Human Rights Council, which interfered in China's internal affairs. China is firmly opposed to the remarks.

The enactment and implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a sovereign rights of China. The Law has provided a strong institutional and legal guarantee to enduring peace, stability and prosperity in Hong Kong as well as the steady and sustained implementation of "One Country, Two Systems". Since the National Security Law came into force, Hong Kong has embarked on a transition from chaos to peace. Hong Kong citizens no longer live under the threat of turmoil and violence, and can better exercise their legitimate rights and freedoms in a safe environment, including the freedom of expression, the freedom of press and the freedom to publish. No freedom goes without a margin, nor can it go beyond the bottom line of national security, as clearly stipulated in relevant international covenants. Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law. Everyone is equal before the law and no one can rise above the law. Those who violate the law will inevitably be held accountable.

At present, Xinjiang enjoys social stability and economic prosperity. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang lead a safe and enjoyable life and their human rights are fully protected. Certain countries and forces, out of political motives, spread shameless lies about Xinjiang in an attempt to tarnish China's image, interfere in China's internal affairs and retard China's development. Their attempt will not go anywhere. We welcome the High Commissioner to visit China including Xinjiang. We have made our position very clear on several occasions that this visit should be a friendly one aimed at promoting exchanges and cooperation, rather than making the so-called "investigation" under the presumption of guilt.

I would like to stress again that Hong Kong and Xinjiang are inalienable parts of the China's territory. The Hong Kong and Xinjiang related issues are China's internal affairs which brook no interference by any external forces. China stands firmly in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests and opposing any external interference. We urge the High Commissioner to respect the right of Chinese people to pursue a better life, stop making erroneous remarks which interfere in China's sovereignty and judicial independence, and conduct constructive dialogue and exchanges with China so as to create a sound climate for cooperation between the two sides.