We have noticed that the UNT published an article on Hong Kong (14/8), which we totally disagree.
Here is our response:
In the last few days, one or two Swedish politicians made wanton comments and some Swedish media released seriously fact-distorting reports regarding the situation in Hong Kong. By neglecting and distorting the truth, these biased statements are propping up violence, trampling on the rule of law, and grossly interfering in China’s internal affairs, which we deplore and resolutely oppose.
Recently, violent crimes in Hong Kong have escalated to the point that rioters took extreme measures to paralyze the airport, vandalize and set fire to public property, besiege police stations, and illegally detain and arbitrarily assault passengers and journalists. These acts have nothing to do with “freedom of speech or assembly”. They actually constitute severe violent crimes with signs of terrorism, serious violations of basic human rights, and a serious challenge to the Basic Law of Hong Kong and the “one country, two systems” principle.
The Central Government of China firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR Government in its lawful administration, and firmly supports the Hong Kong Police Force to enforce the law rigorously, severely punish illegal violent activities in accordance with the law, and restore order to the Hong Kong society as soon as possible.
We would like to emphasize once again that Hong Kong is part of China, and its affairs are entirely China’s internal affairs. We will never allow any foreign interference in the Hong Kong affairs. Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong is doomed to fail. It is hoped that relevant sides in Sweden will look at themselves in the mirror, adhere to justice and conscience, immediately stop making random accusations and spreading fake news on Hong Kong affairs, and refrain from sending any wrong signals to the violent law-breakers in Hong Kong.
Best regards,
The Embassy of China in Sweden
Svar från UNT:s ledarredaktion:
Our view is that the events in Hong Kong has everything to do with freedom of speech, as well as freedom of press, democracy and human rights. The citizens of Hong Kong were, at the time of the transition 1997, guaranteed their rights until 2047. The development lately, with arrests of opposition (including two Swedish citizens) and repression against free speech, suggests that basic freedom in Hong Kong is being denied. The people of Hong Kong has every right to speak up and protest. We urge the Swedish government to do the same, in the editorial 14/8 (https://www.unt.se/ledare/markera-mot-kina-5382034.aspx) as well as in other statements.