On March 20, Global Affairs Canada issued a statement, which took aim at the legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, falsely accusing the Safeguarding National Security Bill of “deviating further from internationally accepted standards,” “broad definitions,” “enforcement overreach,” “failing to safeguard the human rights and freedoms.” The above statement of the Canadian side is complete nonsense, and China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to it.

The Safeguarding National Security Bill is in line with the trend of legislating for the maintenance of national security in countries worldwide, and is consistent with the common law of Hong Kong. It fully draws on the relevant legislation experience of other countries, especially those using common law. The Bill adheres to prevailing international practices and rules. The legislative process was rigorous and procedural. The definition of criminal elements is clear, with a clear delineation between crime and non-crime. According to the Bill, law enforcement bodies, in exercising authority, must adhere to statutory conditions, strict procedures and judicial oversight. There is no such thing as “broad definitions” and “enforcement overreach” as falsely claimed by the Canadian side.

The Safeguarding National Security Bill targets only a very small number of offenders who endanger national security while fully protecting the human rights and freedoms of the majority. The Bill regards respecting and protecting human rights as its fundamental principle and ensures the rights of the residents of Hong Kong under the Basic Law. It also ensures that relevant provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which are applicable to Hong Kong, remain in force. This spirit is evident in every part of the Bill. With the implementation of the Bill, acts and activities committed by a very small number of people that jeopardize national security will be prevented, stopped and punished in accordance with the law. The general public of Hong Kong and international investors will benefit from it.

The Canadian side has several laws relating to national security, including the Criminal Code, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, and the National Security Act, 2017. However, on the contrary, it is casting aspersions on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR) Government’s legitimate legislation, which aims to fulfill its own legal obligations, ensure the lasting stability and security of Hong Kong and the sound implementation of One Country, Two Systems in the long run. Instead of reflecting on its own poor human rights record, the Canadian side attacks and smears the efforts made by HKSAR Government to safeguard the fundamental well-being of all Hong Kong residents. This is blatant political manipulation and hypocritical double standards. 

I would like to emphasize again that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, which do not tolerate any intervention by any external forces. The reprehensible tactics of Canada and other Western countries, which discredit the Safeguarding National Security Bill and smear One Country, Two Systems, cannot stop the historic trend of Hong Kong's thriving. We urge Canada to respect China’s sovereignty, observe the principles guiding international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are China’s internal affairs.