Madam President,

Just now, the EU representative, under the pretext of human rights, made unwarranted remarks on the national security legislation for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. China categorically rejects the statement.

National security legislation is a sovereignty act of a State, applicable to all countries including the EU members. To establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security in the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR fully complies with the "one country, two systems" principle and the Hong Kong Basic Law. It helps to ensure the steady and enduring growth of the "one country, two systems" and the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. The published draft law clearly stipulates the principles of the rule of law including respecting and protecting human rights. The law will not hamper the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law. Rather, it enables better exercising their legitimate rights and freedoms in a safe environment. We just wonder what the EU is worried about? And, when a certain power repeatedly restricted normal trade and academic exchanges under the pretext of national security, why did the EU keep dreadfully silent?

Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs that allow no external interference. The Chinese government is firm in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. We urge the EU to stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop political manipulation in the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Madam President.