China rebukes US over Hong Kong's electoral system bill

BEIJING -- China on Friday deplored US accusations against the Improving Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021 passed by Hong Kong's legislature, urging the US to stop meddling in China's internal affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks when asked to comment on a recent statement by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which accused China of continuing to undermine the democratic institutions of Hong Kong and denying the rights of Hong Kong residents.

China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the United States' blatant slander against the local legislation to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhao said at a daily press briefing.

Noting China is a country under the rule of law, Zhao said the completion of the legislation by the HKSAR is an important step to implement the relevant decision by the National People's Congress (NPC) and guidance by the NPC Standing Committee on amending the law.

The legislation will plug the previous loopholes in the HKSAR's electoral system, further build up the new order of "patriots administering Hong Kong", and promote the sound development of Hong Kong's democratic political system on a healthy and orderly track, he said, adding this will provide a more solid guarantee for Hong Kong's good governance and help safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

In total disregard of basic facts, Zhao said the United States leveled groundless accusations against the China's central government and the government of the HKSAR.

"The United States does not care for Hong Kong's democracy and the rights of its residents. It's true purpose is to interfere in Hong Kong's politics and China's internal affairs," said the spokesperson.

Zhao urged the United States to respect basic norms governing international relations and immediately cease meddling in China's internal affairs, including Hong Kong affairs.