The document urges preserving Hong Kong's high-degree autonomy as set down in the Hong Kong basic law and China's international commitments, the Foreign Ministry told the STA on Wednesday.

The declaration supports Hong Kong's stability and prosperity while the one country, two systems principle is respected.

The EU maintains that in line with the assurances China gave in the past, rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents should be fully protected.

The declaration comes after the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress adopted the National Security Law in Hong Kong and promulgated it on 30 June.

The EU highlights the fact that the law had been was adopted without any meaningful prior consultation of Hong Kong's Legislative Council and civil society.

Its seriously undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong would have a detrimental effect on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

The EU thus urges China to avoid any act which undermines Hong Kong's autonomy in the legal field, including in terms of human rights.

The Foreign Ministry meanwhile did not respond to the STA's query for a comment on first arrests being made in Hong Kong after the controversial law was adopted.