The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations in Geneva on Thursday (July 1) held an online side event of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Hong Kong related issues.
Roy Tang, Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs gave a speech addressing the controversies over the National Security Law in HK. Lee said that after the enactment of the NSL, order was restored, violence and vandalism ceased, and people's normal life and personal security were safeguarded.
Tang stressed that the NSL gives due regard to the rights and freedoms of HK people, and provides extra protection to HK citizens against the violent acts conducted by the rioters.
Horace Cheung, vice-chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of HK, said that the implementation of the NSL has enabled the city to perform its constitutional duties in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Henry Ho, Founder and Chairman of One Country Two Systems Youth Forum, stressed that all the judges of national security cases exercise their judicial powers independently and without any "pressure" from the central authorities. He also lashed out at the "indecent journalism" that Apple Daily conducted, saying that the closure of the local media outlet had nothing to do with government interference. The HK police earlier arrested the executives and chief editors of Apple Daily for endangering national security in accordance with relevant legislation, which demonstrates rule of law in the city, Ho said.
Dominic Lee, former district councilor in HK, pointed out that all major jurisdictions in the world have laws to protect national security. He slams the "gross double standard" of various Western countries on HK-related issues.
"The U.S. should look into their own problems before pointing fingers at China's internal affairs," he said.
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