On December 24, the Canadian side made groundless accusations and willful smear against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for its legal and legitimate actions, which is gross interference in China's internal affairs and the rule of law of the Hong Kong SAR. China firmly opposes this.

Hong Kong is a law-based society where no one is entitled to extrajudicial privileges and all offenders will be brought to justice. The law enforcement measures taken by the Hong Kong police against the anti-China rioters who have fled serve the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and are necessary for Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.

The enactment and implementation of Hong Kong's National Security Law is fully in line with the spirit of the rule of law and prevailing international practices, and fully respects and protects the lawful rights and freedoms enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong, including the freedoms of the press and speech. The law effectively safeguards national security and the rule of law and justice of the Hong Kong society, and has brought a more stable and secure environment for Hong Kong.

It should be noted that when the Canadian side made unwarranted comments on the Hong Kong SAR Government’s legitimate actions of safeguarding national security in accordance with the law, it chose not to mention the fact that Canada has its own judicial processes to safeguard its national security. Such practice is nothing but blatant political manipulation and hypocritical double standards.

I would like to reiterate once again that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and will not allow any external interference. We urge the Canadian side to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law, and to stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and in China's internal affairs in any form. China’s determination to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests is unwavering, as is its determination to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.