The Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) expresses firm opposition to, and strongly condemns, the European Parliament’s recently adopted report on its recommendation concerning political relations between the European Union and China. This report contains unfounded allegations against the Macao SAR courts’ lawful adjudication of the first national security case and puts forward illegitimate demands. Under international law and the fundamental principles of international relations, the European Parliament has no legitimacy whatsoever to comment on or intervene in this matter.
The MSAR’s defence of national security in accordance with the law is fully justified and beyond reproach. Any individual, regardless of identity, profession, or political affiliation, who commits unlawful acts endangering national security must be held accountable under the law. The trial by Macao SAR courts of cases relating to state security, conducted in strict compliance with legal procedures, is a purely internal affair of the MSAR. The judicial independence of the MSAR is strictly safeguarded by the Macao Basic Law. The Legislative Assembly respects and supports the judiciary in the independent exercise of its judicial functions, and solemnly urges the European Parliament to uphold the rule of law and respect the MSAR’s judicial independence, and to cease all unfounded allegations and interference in Macao’s judicial affairs.
The Legislative Assembly of the MSAR strongly calls on the European Parliament to reflect on its position, correct its course, and immediately cease interfering in China’s internal affairs and the affairs of the MSAR, including any interference in the MSAR’s judicial process.