A spokesperson of the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region noted in a statement yesterday that the 4th session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) passed the “Decision on Improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Electoral System” nearly unanimously (only one NPC deputy abstained) and thereby constitutionally formalised the improvement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s (HKSAR) electoral system in accordance with the law.
“The institutional arrangements are firmly supported by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macau,” the statement said.
The spokesperson stated that the NPC, as the highest organ of state power, makes decisions in accordance with the nation’s Constitution, Hong Kong Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law.
“It has a solid political foundation and a legal basis, conforms to the basic international political ethics, and conforms to the actual conditions and needs of Hong Kong. It is of great and far-reaching significance to uphold and improve the system of ‘One Country, Two Systems” and ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong,” the spokesperson said.
According to the statement, the spokesperson pointed out that Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs. Over the past few days, nearly 100 countries have reiterated their support for China’s implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the UN Human Rights Council, emphasising that non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries is an important principle of the UN Charter and a basic norm of international relations, and China’s sovereignty should be respected, the spokesperson underlined.
This shows, according to the spokesperson, that the Chinese government’s position and measures on Hong Kong-related issues have been widely understood and supported by the international community.
The spokesperson also said that the relevant decisions adopted by the National People’s Congress reflect the firm will of all Chinese people, including compatriots in Hong Kong and Macau, to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Patriotic Macau
The spokesperson underlined that Macau adheres to the core values of patriotism and acts in strict accordance with the national Constitution and the local Basic Law. All sectors of society actively support the idea of “patriots governing Macau”, the statement quoted the spokesperson as saying.
“We firmly believe that Macau will continue to implement the “One Country, Two Systems” policy in a comprehensive and accurate manner, resolutely safeguard national interests and the security and stability of the SAR, be highly vigilant and resolutely oppose external forces’ intervention and penetration,” the statement concluded.
The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) represents the ministry in the MSAR and assists the local government in its external relations.
