The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations in Geneva on Thursday (Sept. 23) held an online side event of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Hong Kong-related issues.
Chris Tang, HK's Secretary for Security, gave a speech addressing the controversies over the national security law and electoral system amendments in HK. Tang said that after the enactment of the NSL, the city is now well-equipped to prevent acts endangering national security. He also denounced certain Western countries for double standard on national security-related regulations.
Leung Mei-fun, member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee, pointed out that the electoral amendments have plugged the loopholes that have long hindered the city's legislative process. Leung stressed the importance of coexistence of differences in this increasingly diversified world, and that rule of law is the best way to deal with differences.
"Without law, there is no peace, no meaningful freedom and no hope." She also mentioned that HK has established a democratic political system with its own characteristics. "Democracy is like a garment. It only works if it fits," she said, opposing foreign interference in HK affairs.
Adrian Ho, founder of Save HK, said that after the improved electoral system, the government and the HK market can perform in a more efficient and well-structured way.
Dominic Lee from the New People's Party in HK said that last week has seen a "massive success" in the Election Committee pollings in HK. Lee lashed out at some accusations by a US politician against HK's electoral revamp, saying that the improved system features broad representation and balanced participation.
"They are making such accusations to distract people from America's failure with COVID and embarrassment in Afghanistan," he said.
Lee also pointed out that the improved electoral system safeguards the principle of patriots governing HK, which is often demonized by certain Western countries.
"This idea is not unique to HK, but universal to the whole world. This shows the double standard and hypocrisy of those countries," he said.
Other guest speakers including Clarence Ling and Nixie Lam from HK also shared their confidence in the city's future after the changes.
Comment