The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     A spokesperson for the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (October 9) expressed resolute opposition and severe condemnation to the Recommendation on EU-China political relations (the Recommendation) by the European Parliament, which made untrue and biased allegations in the section concerning Hong Kong. The spokesperson also urges the European Parliament to immediately stop slandering Hong Kong's development, smearing its rule of law, human rights and other conditions, as well as cease interfering in any form in Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China’s internal affairs.

     The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. Enacting laws to safeguard national security and continuously refining relevant enforcement mechanisms is a universally recognized international practice and an inherent duty. Facts have shown that the enactment and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws have effectively safeguarded national security and restored stability to Hong Kong society. It has laid a solid foundation for Hong Kong's economic, livelihood and overall development. The rule of law and judicial independence of Hong Kong and the basic freedoms enjoyed by its residents have received more comprehensive protection. Furthermore, Hong Kong's business environment has continually achieved commendable results. Notably, Hong Kong was once again ranked as the world's freest economy recently, ranked second globally in world competitiveness, third worldwide as an international financial centre. Hong Kong's rule of law ranking remains high. These objective facts serve as the most powerful rebuttal to the European Parliament's so-called recommendation. 

     In fact, the European Union (EU) and its member states have also enacted or amended laws and regulations that restrict citizens’ rights and freedoms in the name of national security or anti-terrorism. They have likewise faced accusations over deteriorating human rights conditions. The European Parliament should not adopt double standards to smear the legislation enacted by the HKSAR to safeguard national security. LegCo strongly urges the European Parliament to cease issuing so-called recommendation on Hong Kong affairs that distort facts and spread alarmist narratives.

     Regarding the case of Lai Chee-ying and the case involving 45 individuals convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion mentioned in the Recommendation, the LegCo spokesperson pointed out that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, where laws must be observed and offenders must be held accountable. Hong Kong courts handle all offenses endangering national security strictly in accordance with the law, conducting trials fairly and impartially, and releasing comprehensive judgments that meticulously articulate the reasoning behind verdicts and sentences. The courts' convictions are well-grounded, measured and free from any interference. The European Parliament's recommendation, however, makes unreasonable demands for the release of several convicted individuals, placing politics above court judgments and repeatedly exerting political pressure on Hong Kong's judicial independence. This is a trampling on rule of law.

     As pointed out by the spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU, China-EU relations is at an important stage of development. Maintaining the sound and steady development of China-EU relations serves the common interests of both sides. The LegCo spokesperson stressed that rather than expending excessive time concocting recommendation full of biases regarding China and Hong Kong, the European Parliament should devote more effort to learn about China's actual circumstances, obtain a better understanding of the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong society following the implementation of the HKNSL, and recognize the benefits brought by China-EU economic and trade co-operation to the people of both sides. 

     The LegCo spokesperson urges the European Parliament to earnestly abide by principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, fully respect China's sovereignty, stop interfering in China's internal affairs (including HKSAR affairs), stop inciting confrontation and take concrete actions to safeguard the overall interests of China-EU relations. This is the common wishes shared by the people of both China and the EU.

Ends/Friday, October 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:43

NNNN