US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Photo: VCG

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday issued a statement to condemn the Hong Kong Legislative Council's passing of the Improved Electoral System (Consolidated Amendments) Bill 2021. He said the bill "undermines the democratic institutions of Hong Kong" and called on "these authorities to release and drop charges against all individuals charged under the National Security Law and other laws." He also said the US "stands united with our allies and partners in speaking out for human rights."

Blinken's statement is full of nonsense, absurd demands, threats and pressure, which is a typical trick by the US. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that "China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to flagrant US smearing."

It is of great significance for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to fully complete this local legislation. It is a major improvement of Hong Kong's democratic politics, plugging loopholes in the original electoral system of the HKSAR. It will further establish a new order of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and provide a more solid guarantee for Hong Kong's governance. There is no problem in the legislative procedure, as it reflects the democratic legislative process in Hong Kong. How could this "undermine the democratic institutions of Hong Kong"?

This legislation has instead destroyed the political opportunities for those who have messed up Hong Kong, and protects Hong Kong's democratic politics from being kidnapped by these people again. It also stops external forces from destroying Hong Kong's system.

Washington likes to intervene in every major action taken by Hong Kong to stop violence and chaos. This is not unusual. It shows that the US is completely unwilling to see Hong Kong restore order and stability. However, Washington's statements are becoming more and more like a political routine without any meaning or power, as if the statements are simply a gesture for others to watch.

The US' current stance on Hong Kong has become embarrassing: It intends to disturb Hong Kong but it has no leverage. The US' accomplices in Hong Kong have been completely defeated and there is hardly any room for the US to impose sanctions. It has been more than half a year since the US revoked Hong Kong's preferential treatment as a separate customs territory from the Chinese mainland, but Hong Kong's economy has not really been affected. New sanctions may not produce any effect, and will cause great damage to the US' own interests. The US has played almost all of its cards and now it can only offer some symbolic performances like Blinken's statement.

With the implementation of the national security law and the improvement of the electoral system, Hong Kong's overall situation is now set. Facts have proven that Hong Kong rioters are a mob. There will be no environment for them to act rampantly anymore. They must also pay for their illegal acts. The Hong Kong judicial system will punish them thoroughly. No one can shelter them, and the US will be no exception.

When the US is unsatisfied, it will complain. If it condemns us, then we will refute the accusations. If it imposes sanctions, then we will impose counter-sanctions. But no matter how the US interferes, Hong Kong will do whatever it should. We will never be affected by Washington's attitude.

The Chinese central government has brought order out of chaos in Hong Kong. It supports Hong Kong in promoting democracy in line with its actual conditions. Hong Kong's national security law and improving the electoral system are both fundamental strategies. We must be determined to dig out the poisonous sore. It will be painful, but it will solve the problem in the long run. Once society is stabilized and order is restored, Hong Kong will launch further projects to improve people's livelihoods and local economic development. This is where Hong Kong's fundamental interests lie. We firmly believe that Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow.