China accuses U.S. human rights report of 'glorifying violence' in Hong Kong

China accuses U.S. human rights report of 'glorifying violence' in Hong Kong

China expressed strong disapproval and firm opposition to the "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" released by the U.S. State Department, pointing out that although the U.S. ranks lower than Hong Kong in terms of both freedom and the rule of law, it has nevertheless proclaimed itself as a judge of global human rights, said the spokesperson of the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in a statement Thursday.

"The reports have distorted the truth by glorifying extremist vandalism and violence that would be unacceptable to any law-governed society, and heaping abuse upon the HKSAR Government and police who have worked strenuously to stop violence and end the chaos in accordance with the law," said the statement.

It accused the U.S. of trampling international law and basic norms governing international relations while disregarding the extensive rights and freedoms enjoyed by the Hong Kong citizens, and the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" since the city's return to China.

The statement described the report as an "insult" to human rights and freedom and "a flagrant interference" in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs as a whole, which only shows "U.S. hegemonic mindset and its notorious double standards."

It reiterated that Hong Kong is part of China and is governed by the rule of law. No one is above the law, and there is no place for "Hong Kong independence" within the framework of "One Country, Two Systems."

"We urge the U.S. to stop condoning and endorsing the violent extremists, stop undermining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability under the pretext of protecting human rights, and stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs, which are purely China's internal affairs," said the statement.