Hong Kong tells EU not to interfere in China affairs
The Hong Kong government on Friday urged the European Union (EU) to stop interfering in the internal affairs of China, after the bloc issued a statement calling for the repeal of the national security law. The EU's statement came a day after the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) said it was deeply concerned about an overly broad interpretation of and arbitrary application of the law. The EU also expressed concerns about what it described as the increasing infringement on civil and political rights in the territory. In response, a government spokesman said it was appalling to see the EU apply double standards and make baseless allegations. Chief Executive John Lee, meanwhile, also said that members of the UNHRC had come to a misguided conclusion on the national security law, saying it has helped restore stability and peace after the social unrest of 2019. He said the rights and freedoms of Hongkongers are protected under the Basic Law and there are also other safeguards. "We have a respectable legal system in which we have very reputable and famous judges who sit on the Court of Final Appeal. These indicate the strong elements upon our safeguarding human rights and freedoms and at the same time ensuring our national security is well protected," Lee said.