Beijing Youth Daily: It has been five years since the promulgation and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. A handful of Western politicians and anti-China organizations smeared and attacked human rights and freedom in Hong Kong. But we also noted that since the beginning of this year, despite the turbulent global market, Hong Kong’s economy has achieved steady progress with unique strength. Some foreign scholars who once had concerns over Hong Kong’s prospects are once again optimistic about Hong Kong’s development. What’s your view? 

Mao Ning: Over the past five years since the promulgation and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s legal framework has been improved, the society enjoys greater stability and solidarity, and the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents enjoy in accordance with the law have been fully protected. Certain Western politicians and anti-China organizations’ groundless and malicious smears against One Country, Two Systems, as well as their attacks on Hong Kong’s rule of law, fully reveal their ill intention of destabilizing Hong Kong.

With high-level security, Hong Kong is able to achieve high-quality development. I would like to share some data. Hong Kong’s GDP has grown for nine consecutive quarters. It has ranked among the top three international financial centers in the world and regained one of the top three seats in the world’s competitiveness ranking. It is the world’s third largest recipient of foreign direct investment. It tops the world in terms of fundraising from IPOs since the beginning of this year. It has ranked the world’s first in air cargo shipping, the fourth in the International Shipping Center Development Index and among the top ten in talent competitiveness. Increasing investment in Hong Kong has been recommended by many foreign chambers of commerce. These data show that Hong Kong’s economy is highly resilient and vibrant, and the city’s international appeal continues to grow.

Today marks the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. We believe that with the steadfast support of the motherland, the safeguard of One Country, Two systems, the dedication of the government of the Hong Kong SAR and the joint efforts of the whole society, Hong Kong enjoys broad prospects and a promising future.

AFP: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today was suspended by the country’s constitutional court as it opened a probe into her conduct in a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. What is China’s comment to this?

Mao Ning: That’s the internal affair of Thailand and I don’t comment on that. As a friendly neighbor, we hope to see sustained stability and development in Thailand.

AFP: The U.S. Justice Department said yesterday that it has taken down a network that allegedly helped North Koreans obtain remote IT work with companies to raise funds for the country’s weapons program. Six Chinese nationals and two Taiwan citizens have been indicted for their involvement. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Mao Ning: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. We will do what is necessary to defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals.

Bloomberg: Can the Foreign Ministry provide some specific examples of the “improper behavior” by former senator Tolentino of the Philippines that led to him being sanctioned by Beijing? Can you give some more details and more specifics as to the reasoning and the rationale behind those sanctions?

Mao Ning: Our website has released the sanction decision and elaborated on it, which you may refer to. Let me stress that there are consequences for hurting China’s interests.