Former HK governor's remarks draw criticism

Rights, obligations of UK on Hong Kong fulfilled

Responding to Patten's repeated remarks on the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the official said as Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the rights and obligations of the British side under the Joint Declaration were completely fulfilled.

On July 1, 1997, China resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong and the Chinese government started administering it in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law.

The British side has no sovereignty over Hong Kong, nor has it had administrative power or supervisory power since its return. It has no "responsibility" for Hong Kong at all.

If there is any other responsibility for the British side, it is to strictly abide by the basic principles of international law concerning respect for the sovereignty of other countries and non-interference in their internal affairs, and do more to contribute to Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and tranquility rather than the contrary, the statement added.

With the title of the "last British governor of Hong Kong", Patten on the one hand wantonly slandered the HKSAR government and tarnished China's image, and on the other hand urged the British government to pressure the HKSAR government to withdraw its "amendments" to the fugitive law and threatened the Chinese government would face serious consequences if it failed to comply with its commitments.

This is a typical "double standard", the official said, adding Patten's acts have been condemned and rejected by all the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.