Question: On 11 December, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson gave a statement following the Hong Kong District Council election, urging the Hong Kong government to respect the civil rights and freedoms of Hong Kong citizens. What is your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: The UK's relevant remarks deliberately distorted the facts and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs. We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this.

The District Councils (DC) are district organisations which are not organs of political power. DCs are established in accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and to be consulted on district administration, or to be responsible for providing services. This is the first District Council election since the HKSAR reformed the DC system. In this election, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" has been fully implemented, with active participation from all walks of life, and the election has been conducted in an orderly and fair manner. It will inject strong impetus into enhancing district governance and services for the people, and the social foundation for Hong Kong to achieve further prosperity.

It must be pointed out that during the British colonial rule, Hong Kong residents did not have the right to vote or the right of assembly for a long time. The UK side is in no position to make irresponsible remarks on the District Council election in Hong Kong. The central government of China is the one that defends and promotes democracy in Hong Kong. The implementation of the National Security Law and the improved electoral system has effectively helped Hong Kong enter a new stage in which it has restored order and is set to thrive. Today, the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law are better protected.

We urge the UK to abandon its hypocrisy, respect the facts, and stop interfering in Hong Kong-related affairs which are China's internal affairs.