HK opposes EU sanctions

The sanctions were based on restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and press.

The Hong Kong government "strongly opposed" the resolutions suggested by the European Parliament, calling it "baseless allegations and smearing the rule of law, freedom, and democratic development in Hong Kong."

This statement came after the European Parliament passed a motion condemning ongoing human rights abuses by authorities in Hong Kong under a crackdown on dissent linked to a national security law imposed by China.

According to a government spokesman, the improvement to the electoral system fully implements the principle of 'patriots administering to Hong Kong.'

"The elected legislators come from different backgrounds and across the political spectrum. Such diversity showcases the broad representation and political inclusiveness of the improved electoral system. They have been returned by the Election Committee constituency, functional constituencies, and geographical constituencies through direct elections. By balancing the overall interests of Hong Kong, the interests of different sectors and districts, the election ensures balanced participation. Furthermore, open, fair, and healthy competition amongst candidates reflected the fairness and competitiveness of the new electoral system."

"Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are both protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law also stipulates that such rights and freedoms shall be protected in accordance with the law in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, exercising freedom of speech and freedom of the press must comply with the restriction of the law for reasons including protection of national security," the spokesman added.