Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also emphasised that foreign countries have no right to criticize the decision to remove deputies.
China’s criticism of the disqualification of four opposition members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council is unfounded. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin commented on several countries’ statements on this issue during a briefing on Thursday.
“Several countries have spoken out on this issue. They stated their attitude to the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCR, Chinese Parliament). I would like to note that, firstly, there is no basis for such statements, secondly, there is no evidence, and thirdly, there is no audience.
He also pointed out that foreign countries have no right to criticize the decision to remove deputies.
“The issue of validity of the mandates of the members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council is an internal matter of China and is not within the competence of other countries,” said the diplomat.
“The decision of the Standing Committee of the Hong Kong National People’s Congress is an important and necessary step to improve the principle of “one country – two systems”, the implementation of the provisions of the Basic Law (Constitution of Hong Kong), as well as the law on ensuring national security in Hong Kong,” said the representative of the Foreign Ministry of China.
Earlier, the UK and Canada expressed their condemnation and concern over the suspension of four opposition members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. In addition, Robert O’Brien, Assistant to the US President for National Security, issued a written statement in which he pointed out that such actions are in flagrant violation of China’s international obligations under the Sino-British declaration on the transfer of Hong Kong to China, and the US may impose sanctions against the perpetrators of such violations.