Chinese Mission Spokesperson Liu Yuyin Comments on the Erroneous Remarks by the High Commissioner for Human Rights
2021-06-24 05:26

On 24 June 2021, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, based on disinformation and under the pretext of freedom of the press, made irresponsible remarks on appropriate actions taken by the Chinese law enforcement. China categorically rejects the remarks.

China is a country under the rule of law. The Constitution of China and Chinese laws fully protect citizens in exercising their rights and freedoms, including the freedom of expression and of the press. Any right must be exercised within the framework of law. This is not only an inherent requirement of the rule of law, but also a clear stipulation in international human rights treaties.

Since the Hong Kong National Security Law came into force, Hong Kong has embarked on a transition from chaos to peace. The legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens are better protected. Jimmy Lai and the like, in collusion with external forces, have conducted acts and activities endangering national security, sabotaging the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and compromising the interests of Hong Kong citizens, to the detriment of lasting security and stability in Hong Kong. The trials of Lai and his likes by Hong Kong court in accordance with the law shall not be meddled by any external forces.

In the wake of sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government, putting the people and life first, has made major strategic achievements in response to the pandemic. Pandemic prevention and control measures in China are both open and transparent. The public and the media are encouraged to supervise the work of the government. In the mean time, those who fabricate and spread rumors to disturb public order shall be held accountable in accordance with law. Foreign media agencies and journalists are welcome to report in China in accordance with laws and regulations, and their normal work will be duly facilitated. Journalists shall abide by Chinese laws when they work in China. The so-called “foreign journalists being expelled” is totally groundless allegation. The truth is, a reciprocal response was made to certain countries’ unjustifiable and politically-driven interference in the normal work of Chinese media overseas.

We urge the High Commissioner for Human Rights to, in strict accordance with her mandate authorized by the relevant UNGA resolutions, conduct her work in an impartial and objective manner, respect basic facts and the sovereignty of States and refrain from making erroneous remarks on China, so as not to be exploited by anti-China forces.