Thread by @MahuiChina

1. @thetimes yesterday published a piece by former UK Foreign Secretary.

It misrepresented facts and China’s policies, not short of conjecture, delusion, spreading fear.

I share the following observations

2. China is not abandoning “#onecountrytwosystems”by introducing #nationalsecuritylegislation.

China will unswervingly, fully and faithfully implement the principles of "#OneCountryTwoSystems," "the people of Hong Kong governing HK," and a high degree of autonomy.

3. Safeguarding national security is a core element of "#OneCountryTwoSystems".

It is also the precondition for this policy to succeed

The Decision is designed to consolidate the foundation of “#onecountrytwosystems” and keep it on the right track.
npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/c23…

4. We describe years 1840-1949 as a century of humiliation since China was reduced to a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society. It goes without saying the corrupt and backward Qing court was first to blame. Many foreign countries including the British were also responsible:

5. The two Opium Wars, the Aggression by eight powers allied army and looting of Beijing, invasion of Tibet, Japanese aggression.

I see arrogance on the part of the author instead of sincerity.

Deflecting attention and blame others for its own problem is not China’s habit.

6. Chairman Mao is a great leader and fondly remembered by the Chinese people.
His mistakes will never eclipse his huge achievement that helped lead the Chinese people to stand up.

Despite twists and turns, China managed to make huge progress from 1949 to 1976 on his passing.

7. Maintaining political, social stability, and national unity is in China's interests and those of the world.

China has every right to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity; fight separatism, terrorism & extremism on its territory.

8. The international community including the UK govt recognize there is only one China and the govt of PRC is the sole legitimate govt of China. Xizang, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Taiwan are part of China. UK politicians should respect that and stop lecturing, fingerpointing.

9. China’s position on solving the Taiwan question has been consistent &“crystal clear". China opposes “Two Chinas”, “One China, one Taiwan”, “Taiwan Independence. We hope to achieve national reunification through.“#Onecountrytwosystems” and peaceful reunification.

10. China keeps all options open - for good reasons. The Taiwan question is China’s domestic affairs and is up to the Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to solve and brooks no foreign interference.

11. I am baffled by the false binary of democracy vis-à-vis others. Who defines “democracy”; who is a “democracy”, who is not? @GeorgeMonbiot thinks Britain’s claims to being a functioning democracy are only skin deep. @guardian

12. One foreign politician tweeted, “Transparent, vibrant, and innovative democracies like Taiwan always respond faster and more effectively to pandemics than authoritarian regimes.” Was he talking about his own country and how my British friends react to that tweet?

13. I deem it necessary to work together to tackle global challenges including the pandemic, climate change, etc . I doubt the so-called D10 is capable of doing the job this alone. Pragmatism should prevail over ideology and the world needs more doers/workers than ideologues.

14. What was happening in the past few months has gone far beyond peaceful protest or democracy, undermining stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and the very foundation of “one country, two systems". Uk had riots. It is a shame some applied double standard and hypocrisy.

15. Rioters vandalized LegCo building, trashed metro stations, banks & stores, beat up tourists & residents. They advocated “HK independence” waving US/ British HK flags. These make it imperative to introduce #nationalsecuritylegislation. 3 million HKers have given their support.

16. In summary, the Chinese govt and people will meet any challenges. Foreign govts and politicians are advised to be prudent in words and actions. Their intervention didn’t always produce good outcomes. Hands off！