Govt Calls On EU To Be 'rational' And Stop Meddling

The government has hit out at the European Union's decision to limit exports of equipment that could be used for surveillance and repression in response to the new national security law, calling it "misguided".

In a statement issued late on Tuesday, a government spokesman called on the EU "to adopt a pragmatic and rational attitude, and refrain from adopting measures that will adversely affect the long-standing mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the EU."

The spokesman said Hong Kong was an inalienable part of China, enjoying a high degree of autonomy under the 'one country, two systems' principle'.

"Matters relating to the HKSAR remain our Country's internal affair. No other state has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, in such internal affairs," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said it was the legitimate right and duty of every state to safeguard national security.

The spokesman also criticised the EU over its plan to launch schemes to support Hong Kong people, granting visas, scholarships and academic exchanges to allow for easier travel to Europe.

"The EU's intention to provide Hong Kong people with more relaxed asylum, migration and residency policy on the pretext of the enactment of the National Security Law is a blatant interference in the affairs of the HKSAR. Such moves are deeply regretted," the spokesman said.