Shenzhen TV: On October 21, the US State Department issued a statement to express the concerns over the "continued erosion" of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. The disqualification of some district councilors by Hong Kong authorities prevent people in Hong Kong from participating meaningfully in their own governance, the statement said. On the same day, the British Foreign Secretary said she was deeply concerned about the disqualification. Do you have any response?

Wang Wenbin: The Hong Kong SAR government disqualified relevant district councilors in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant stipulations of the SAR. The decision is legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach. Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong and its affairs are purely China's internal affairs. No foreign country has the right to make irresponsible remarks on China's internal affairs including Hong Kong affairs.

In fact, neither the US nor the UK has ever really cared about democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. During a century and a half of British colonial rule in Hong Kong, all 28 governors were appointed by the UK. There was no election or democracy in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong people never really enjoyed freedom. Since Hong Kong's return, its people have enjoyed unprecedented democratic rights and extensive freedoms. But the US and the UK scrambled to assume the role of "saviors". Instead of caring about the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, what they are really up to is disrupting Hong Kong's rule of law, destabilizing the SAR and stirring up trouble there.

Facts speak louder than words. Since the earnest implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong", the violent and chaotic situation in Hong Kong has been completely reversed, the lawful rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people have been better protected, and Hong Kong's unique strengths and development potential have been fully demonstrated.

China urges relevant countries and institutions to earnestly respect China's sovereignty and stop interfering in China's internal affairs including Hong Kong affairs.

(Source: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Regular Press Conference on Oct.22, 2021)