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Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a November 19, 2020 press conference that was aired by China Daily that foreign powers that try to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, which he said are internal Chinese affairs, should immediately cease doing so. He said that this is a flagrant violation of international law, that Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China, and that the countries concerned should come to terms with the reality that "Hong Kong has returned to China." Lijian said that the Chinese people and their compatriots in Hong Kong will never allow advocates or supporters of Hong Kong independence to govern Hong Kong. He criticized these people for refusing to recognize China's sovereignty over Hong Kong, and he added: "It is only natural that those [who] love Hong Kong should govern it."
Zhao Lijian: "You are referring to the Five Eyes Alliance? The Chinese never make trouble, nor do they fear it. Even if they have five eyes or ten, if [others] try to undermine China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, they should be careful that their eyes aren't poked out and blinded.
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"We express our strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to the flagrant violation of international law and the basic norms of international relations by the countries concerned. [We also oppose] their gossiping and finger-pointing over Hong Kong affairs which are internal Chinese affairs.
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"We have repeatedly stated China's solemn position on this issue, and I can say a few more words here today.
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"The decision of the Stand Committee of the National People's Congress on the eligibility for membership in the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), in accordance with the relevant positions of the Constitution, the Hong Kong Basic Law, and the National Security Law of Hong Kong is an inevitable requirement for adhering to and improving the system of 'one country, two systems.' It is also a necessary move to safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong and the constitutional order of the HKSAR. This is legal, responsible, and cannot be challenged.
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"There is an English proverb that says: 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating.' In China, there is a similar saying: 'You can only know if your shoes fit by wearing them yourself.' Since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, there has been no more so-called 'beautiful scenery.' Can't this explain the problem already? Public officials must uphold their country's constitutional laws and serve their motherland loyally. This is a basic political ethic in every country in the world, right? The HKSAR is an inseparable part of China. The entire Chinese people, including our compatriots in Hong Kong, will never allow those who advocate or support 'Hong Kong independence,' who refuse to recognize that the state owns and is sovereign over Hong Kong, who seek foreign countries or forces to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs, or who endanger national security, to govern Hong Kong. It is only natural that those who love the country and love Hong Kong should govern it. Those who oppose China and disrupt Hong Kong should be out.
"Since the handover of Hong Kong to China, the Chinese government has governed Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents have been fully protected in accordance with the law. This is an undeniable fact. The countries concerned should face up to the reality that Hong Kong has returned to China. They should abandon double standards, earnestly respect China's sovereignty, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs in all ways. Any attempt to exert pressure on China and undermine its sovereignty, security, and development interests will not succeed."
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