China highly appreciates Laos, Vietnam support for national security legislation for Hong Kong

China highly appreciates the firm support from Laos and Vietnam for its adoption and implementation of the law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on related statements by both Lao and Vietnamese foreign ministries recently voicing their support for China's adoption and implementation of the law.

The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the implementation of the law will ensure HKSAR's long-term prosperity and stability. A Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Vietnam respects and supports China's "one country, two systems" principle, the HKSAR Basic Law and the related legal system, hoping other countries can respect that, too.

Zhao said more than 70 countries including Laos and Vietnam expressed their support for China's national security legislation for HKSAR at the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and urged relevant countries to immediately stop using Hong Kong-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs.

"This shows clearly who enjoys the popular support," Zhao said. "A few western countries' attempt to smear China will be to no avail."