The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Thursday that the adoption of the National People's Congress (NPC)'s decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR represents the collective will of all the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, to implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
The decision lays out the basic principles for and core elements of the improvement of the electoral system of the HKSAR in light of Hong Kong's realities and practical needs, the spokesperson of the office said.
It provides a solid institutional guarantee for promoting the development of a democratic system suiting Hong Kong's realities and ensuring the power of administering Hong Kong will be held in the hands of patriots, the spokesperson said.
The decision will help uphold the constitutional order of the HKSAR as established by the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, bridge differences and build consensus in Hong Kong, channel resources into boosting economy and people's livelihood, and protect the fundamental well-being of Hong Kong residents and the legitimate interests of international stakeholders, the spokesperson said.
Hong Kong is part of China and the improvement of its electoral system is China's internal affairs, the spokesperson noted.
The spokesperson urged the international community to follow the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and sincerely respect and support the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong.
No external force shall meddle in China's internal affairs including Hong Kong's affairs in whatever form, the spokesperson added.
