Chinese Mission to the EU Responds to European Criticism Regarding the Au Kam-san Case
The Chinese Mission to the European Union has issued a formal response following recent statements from European officials concerning the sentencing of Au Kam-san in Macau. The case, which marks the first conviction under Macau’s national security legislation, has drawn significant international attention and criticism from European entities, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Beijing.
Au Kam-san, a former Macau legislator, was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison after being found guilty of charges including subversion. The verdict represents a landmark moment for the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) as it enforces its national security laws. While the judicial process was conducted within the framework of Macau’s legal system, the European side expressed concerns regarding the proceedings, leading to diplomatic friction.
In response to these criticisms, the spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the EU stated that the Chinese government has lodged solemn representations with the European side. Beijing maintains that the European commentary constitutes an unwarranted interference in China’s internal affairs. The Chinese government emphasized that the case is purely a matter of the Macau SAR’s internal judicial administration and that external forces have no right to intervene or pass judgment on the legal processes of the region.
The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macau SAR echoed these sentiments, asserting that the rule of law in Macau is robust and that the sentencing was carried out in strict accordance with the law. Officials reiterated that the trial was a sovereign matter, dismissing international concerns as politically motivated attempts to undermine the stability of the region.
As the fallout from the sentencing continues, the diplomatic exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the European Union regarding human rights, legal autonomy, and the interpretation of national security laws. Beijing remains firm in its stance that the international community should respect the judicial sovereignty of the Macau SAR and refrain from making irresponsible remarks about its domestic legal affairs. The case serves as a significant test for the application of national security statutes in Macau and continues to be a focal point in broader geopolitical discussions.
Sources: Beijing Daily, Phoenix New Media, Voice of America, China.com, The Paper
Aggregated summary. Original: 京报网