In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 4) made the following response to the comments contained in the United States Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2016 relating to the HKSAR: 

     "Since the return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has been exercising a high degree of autonomy and 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' in strict accordance with the Basic Law. This demonstrates the full and successful implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle, which has been widely recognised by the international community.

     "Under Article 158 of the Basic Law, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) has the power to interpret the Basic Law. The NPCSC's power of interpretation of the Basic Law is part of the constitutional order of the HKSAR, and is recognised by Hong Kong Courts. 

     "There are ongoing judiciary proceedings regarding 'confirmation form' and 'invalid nominations' in relation to the 2016 Legislative Council election, as well as 'oath-taking' by certain Legislative Council Members. Foreign governments should respect the rule of law and the independent judicial system in Hong Kong. They should not interfere in the internal affairs of the HKSAR."

Ends/Saturday, March 4, 2017
Issued at HKT 7:03

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