This morning, after the unanimous adoption of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the National People's Congress Standing Committee of China, President Xi Jingping signed a presidential order to promulgate the law, which goes into effect as of the date of promulgation. To establish and improve a legal framework and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong in line with the Constitution and the Basic Law, with a view to plugging in the existing loopholes in national security legislation for Hong Kong and safeguarding national sovereignty and security, is not only necessary, but also the fundamental solution to achieving long-term smooth implementation of "one country, two systems". Only targeting extremely limited criminal offences that endanger national security, the legislation will not affect the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong SAR, nor will it affect the legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents.

Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a statement at the 44th session of the Human Rights Council on the national security legislation for Hong Kong, emphasizing the necessity and legitimacy of establishing and improving the national legislation and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong SAR, stressing that the "One Country" principle is non-negotiable and could not be compromised as without "One Country", "Two Systems" will stand on shaky ground. For those foreign governments or politicians raising objections to the legislation, one could only lament the "double standards" they are adopting. All those countries which have pointed their fingers at China have their own national security legislation in place. Why China alone should be inhibited from enacting national security legislation to protect every corner of its territory and all of its nationals?

This afternoon, the Republic of Cuba delivered a joint statement on behalf of 53 countries at the Human Rights Council, welcoming the adoption of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by China's legislative body. The group of countries highlighted that non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states is an essential principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and a basic norm governing international relations. The legislative power on national security issues rests with State. This is not a human rights issue and therefore not subject to discussion at the Human Rights Council. They emphasized that Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China, and Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. They urge relevant sides to stop interfering in China's internal affairs by using Hong Kong related issues.

China highly appreciates the voice of justice that Cuba and the other countries so loudly aired. This proves again that justice is in the heart of the people and that the majority of the international community understand full well and respect China's just and legitimate efforts to safeguard national security.

Regrettably, the UK and a few other countries, out of their political motives, made unwarranted accusations based on prejudice and disinformation against China's legitimate legislation on national security, and distorted maliciously "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law. Under the pretext of human rights, they interfered in China's internal affairs, infringed upon the legislative sovereignty of China and breached the Charter of the United Nations. China staunchly opposes and rejects the accusations.

The Chinese government stands firm in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, implementing the "one country, two systems" guideline and in opposing any external intervention in Hong Kong affairs. Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries under the pretext of human rights is doomed to failure.