China urges relevant countries to fully respect fact that Hong Kong has already returned to China: FM spokesperson

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged relevant countries to fully respect the fact that Hong Kong has already returned to China and abandon their colonial mentality.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on a Hong Kong-related statement recently issued by countries including the United Kingdom and the United States in the name of "Media Freedom Coalition".

Noting this is a smear against press freedom in Hong Kong, an attack on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's legitimate law enforcement and a move to embolden those who are anti-China and engaged in destabilizing Hong Kong such as Jimmy Lai, Wang said China deplores and firmly rejects this so-called statement from a handful of countries in the name of "Media Freedom Coalition".

The cases of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden have already shown the world that the so-called "freedom of press" is just a tool some countries use to attack and smear others, Wang said.

"These countries care little about the freedom of press when their selfish interests are involved. They made irresponsible remarks on matters concerning Hong Kong in the name of freedom of press only because they are not happy that Hong Kong is prospering, and they still hope to keep their past privileges and influence in Hong Kong but to no avail," Wang said.

Wang said Hong Kong follows the rule of law, and all laws in Hong Kong must be observed and those who break the law must be held accountable.

"Since the national security law entered into effect in Hong Kong, Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive. The rule of law has been upheld and justice served. The lawful rights and freedoms including the freedom of press and freedom of speech of Hong Kong residents have been protected in a safe and stable environment under the rule of law," Wang said.

The spokesperson said that the number of international media outlets and journalists in Hong Kong has increased from before the national security law was introduced. "This is a fact that could not be denied by any unbiased person," he added.

"In recent years, over 100 countries spoke up in multilateral fora, including the third committee of UNGA and Human Rights Council, to voice their support for China in various ways on matters concerning Hong Kong. This fully shows that the world is not blind to the truth," Wang said.

"Any attempt to interfere in Hong Kong affairs in the name of the freedom of press is doomed to fail," he said.