The closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, was held in Beijing on Thursday. — XINHUA/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is closely following the situation in China’s Hong Kong and maintains the position that Hong Kong issues are China’s internal affairs, an official has said.

Deputy spokesperson for Vietnamese foreign ministry Đoàn Khắc Việt made the statement on Thursday in Hà Nội at a press briefing, in response to queries over China’s adoption of the National People’s Congress’ Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security today.

The bill proved extremely controversial as it sparked fresh protests over fears of China’s growing power over the trade hub that was handed back to China from UK control in 1997 based on the" one country, two systems" principle, which allows regions like Macau and Hong Kong to maintain relatively independent systems of governance from the Chinese mainland.

The Vietnamese diplomat said Việt Nam respects and supports "one country, two systems" and always hopes for stability in Hong Kong for its own prosperity and development.

The spokesperson for Chinese foreign ministry Zhao Lijian earlier said that "no other country has the right to interfere" with Hong Kong issues, adding that "If someone insists on harming China's interests, China will take all necessary measures to fight back."

US Secretary Mike Pompeo reported to the US Congress on Wednesday that due to the security law decision, Hong Kong is no longer enjoying a high degree of autonomy from China's mainland, which could likely have wide-reaching ramifications for the territory's special trading status with the US and its position as an international financial hub.

The move likely will further stoke tensions between the two economic powers whose relations are already deteriorating over the trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic. — VNS