HKSAR Government Strongly Rejects European Commission’s Annual Report on Hong Kong

Hong Kong, September 23, 2026 — The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today strongly disapproved of and rejected the European Commission’s annual report on Hong Kong, describing its content as unfounded and biased.

A government spokesman stressed that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China and a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the “one country, two systems” principle. The HKSAR remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to fully and faithfully implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws.

The spokesman said the implementation of these laws has effectively restored social stability, providing a solid foundation for economic and social development while better protecting the rights and freedoms of residents and others in Hong Kong. The government urged the European Union to respect the facts, abide by international law and the basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China’s internal matters.

On rights and freedoms, the government stated that human rights in Hong Kong are robustly guaranteed by the Constitution and the Basic Law. Offences under the national security laws are precisely targeted and clearly defined. Law-abiding persons will not fall foul of the law. Freedoms of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration are protected, though they are not absolute and may be restricted in accordance with the law when necessary to protect national security, public safety, public order or the rights of others.

The spokesman rejected claims about restrictions on press freedom, noting that Hong Kong’s media landscape remains vibrant. Media organisations continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies as long as they do not violate the law. The government also accused the EU of double standards, pointing to scandals involving the use of spyware in some of its member states.

Regarding the rule of law, the government reaffirmed that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. Courts exercise judicial power independently and free from interference. Cases are decided strictly according to evidence and applicable law, regardless of the profession, political beliefs or background of those involved. The departure of a small number of overseas non-permanent judges must be understood in the context of geopolitical tensions and does not change Hong Kong’s strong common law system.

The spokesman strongly opposed the report’s criticism of national security legislation, stating that enacting such laws is the inherent right of every sovereign state. The government pointed out that the EU and its member states have themselves enacted stringent security and counter-terrorism measures, and accused the EU of applying double standards.

The HKSAR Government maintained that the national security laws have enabled the rapid recovery of normal life and economic activities, supporting Hong Kong’s strong performance in areas such as economic freedom, competitiveness, financial services and the rule of law rankings.