Photo: Screenshot of the Chinese Mission to the European Union

 
The Spokesperson of the Mission of the People's Republic of China to the European Union (EU) expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the remarks made by the European External Action Service (EEAS) concerning the criminal procedure and law enforcement operation in Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) in accordance with the "Safeguarding National Security Law".

On Saturday, the spokesperson of the EEAS condemned the arrest of EU citizen and former Macao lawmaker Au Kam San under national security law charges in what constitutes the first application of the National Security Law of Macao SAR since its adoption, according to a press release made by EEAS.

The spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU responded that law must be observed and lawbreakers must be held accountable. This is a fundamental principle of a society under the rule of law. The Macao SAR government's law-based punishment of acts including colluding with external hostile forces and endangering national security is justified and reasonable, and consistent with international law and common international practices. There is nothing to be reproached, the spokesperson stressed.

The spokesperson stated that Macao affairs are purely China's internal matters and brook no interference from external forces. The EU has no right to make irresponsible remarks. "We urge the EU to abide by international law and the basic norms of international relations, respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Macao SAR, and immediately cease interfering in Macao affairs and China's internal matters."

Earlier on Sunday, the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) issued a statement, which strongly deplores and firmly opposes the remarks made by the EEAS. As the case is under investigation, the police and judicial authorities of the Macao SAR will handle the case strictly according to the law and the right of litigation of the suspect of the case involved will be effectively protected by law, the statement said.

The Macao SAR Government will continue to uphold its duty to safeguard national security in accordance with the law and to ensure the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle to maintain long-term stability and prosperity, it said.

Global Times