Foreign Minister Qin Gang said no country has the authority for "lecturing or finger-pointing" on the human rights issues of other countries.

Qin made the remarks via video link to the latest session of the United Nations Human Rights Council that began in Geneva on Monday.

"The acts by some to politicise, weaponise and instrumentalise human rights issues should be opposed," he said. "The Human Rights Council should be a stage for constructive dialogue and cooperation, rather than an arena for political manipulation and bloc confrontation."

On Hong Kong, the foreign minister said China will "unswervingly, comprehensively and accurately" implement One Country, Two Systems; resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests; and maintain the SAR's prosperity and stability, according to Xinhua News Agency.

"Hong Kong is now at a new stage where it has restored order and is set to thrive," Qin said.

Meanwhile, the SAR government condemned remarks made by British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at the council on Hong Kong.

The administration rebuked the smearing of the national security law, pointing out that under the law, people's human rights are respected as the country's security is being protected. The statement also said the media can still monitor the work of the government.

It called on the UK to stop interfering in the SAR's affairs.

Cleverly said independent media outlets have been closed down and the right to freedom of speech and assembly has been eroded under the national security law. (RTHK/Agencies)
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Last updated: 2023-02-28 HKT 14:07