Madame President,

The world today is faced with many global challenges. The international community should uphold multilateralism and address the challenges jointly. All parties should implement fully the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, address differences in the field of human rights through constructive dialogue and cooperation, and abandon politicization and double standards.

Just now, the representative of the United Kingdom, abusing Item 8, made wrong remarks on Hong Kong-related issues and interfered in China’s internal affairs, which China firmly rejects. Legislation on national security falls within the legislative power of a State, and is a sovereign right of the State that allows no external interference. The national security legislation for Hong Kong SAR aims to plug in the loopholes that compromises national security in Hong Kong and to safeguard sovereignty and security. Such a move is justified, legitimate and imperative. The Sino-UK Joint Declaration does not give the UK any right to interfere in the internal affairs of China.

Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs. We urge the UK to immediately stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs and interfering in China’s internal affairs, and to stop political maneuvering at the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Madame President.