On January 27, the Hill Times published a signed article by the head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, making unwarranted accusations on Hong Kong related issues, claiming that “one country, two systems failed to hold up”, and instigating the international community to “prevent democracy erosion” and “protecting Taiwan”. The article is baseless and fact-distorting, which has seriously misled the public. The Chinese side expresses firm opposition to this.

Since its return to the motherland, the policy of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy has been faithfully implemented, and the Hong Kong residents have enjoyed democratic rights and freedom like never before. Since the amendment bill disturbance in 2019, the "Hong Kong independence" and radical separatist forces have become increasingly rampant with escalating violent terrorist activities. Foreign interfering forces and "Taiwan independence" forces have blatantly ramped up intervention in Hong Kong affairs, which severely undermines Hong Kong's public security, seriously challenges the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle and poses real threats to national security. The Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong has plugged the legal loopholes in Hong Kong. It ensures the steady and sustained implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" on the basis of rule of law and durable security and stability of Hong Kong. The legislation protects the safety, rights and freedoms of the vast majority of the Hong Kong residents enjoyed in accordance with law. A survey showed that over 80 percent of Hong Kong residents believe their daily life remains unaffected after the law was enacted. A survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong shows that most of its members surveyed will still choose Hong Kong as their regional headquarters in the next three years, and nearly sixty percent of the companies surveyed have or are planning to have business operations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These prove once again that the Law is a stabilizing force for Hong Kong's long-term stability, security and prosperity.

The "Taiwan independence" forces in Canada manipulate Hong Kong-related issues for their own selfish ends, and stigmatize “one country two systems”, which once again expose their ugly faces of attempting to link up with external forces and continuously making provocations in pursuit of "Taiwan independence". Those who play fire will only get themselves burned. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and reunification of our country are a surging popular trend. It is where the greater national interest lies, and it is what the people desire. The Chinese government is firm in its determination to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests and to implement the principle of "one country, two systems". Any attempt to undermine the principle of "one country, two systems" or the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong will be firmly opposed by all Chinese people including our Hong Kong compatriots. Those who seek external interference to sabotage cross-Strait relations will end up suffering shameful failure.

We urge Canadian media to uphold the correct position on issues concerning China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and other major core interests, abide by the one-China principle, and not to provide a platform for the activities of "Taiwan independence" forces so as not to send wrong signal.