China rejects UN human rights chief's concern over security law

China on Thursday rejected a statement by the UN human rights chief over the country's security law and voiced its strong dissatisfaction.

"I have noticed the report. The statement is a groundless accusation about China's normal legislation and an interference in China's domestic affairs, which is unprofessional," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a daily press briefing.

"China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly against the statement," said Hua, referring to a statement made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Tuesday that said China's National Security Law would restrict Chinese citizens' rights and freedom.

The law was approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, on Wednesday.

Hua noted that the law covers all areas of national security and aims to define the basic principles and tasks to safeguard national security, establish rules and systems, solve universal and prominent problems harming national security, and improve legal construction with regard to national security.

She said the law is aimed at security of the people and emphasizes the protection of people's fundamental interests. The law's seventh article formulates the respect for and protection of human rights, as well as protection of citizens' rights and freedom in accordance with laws. The chapters also state that the country should maintain the security, legal rights and interests of citizens and organizations.

"Therefore, the accusation that the law will restrict Chinese citizens' rights and freedom was totally groundless conjecture and ill-founded," Hua added. Endi