The following is a letter from Mr. Miao Deyu, Spokesman of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, responding to The Times' leading article on Hong Kong on 2 September 2014.

Your leading article on Hong Kong’s political reform (September 2) is misleading. Since the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, the central government has upheld the principle of “one country, two systems” and strictly followed the Basic Law in handling Hong Kong-related matters. Hong Kong has therefore enjoyed a high degree of autonomy.

The colonial rule of Britain’s unelected governors gave Hong Kong no democracy. By contrast, the Chinese government initiated the process to elect a chief executive through universal suffrage, which was later inscribed in the Basic Law.

The decision by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee a few days ago marks an important milestone for Hong Kong’s democratic progress. For the first time in Hong Kong’s history, a chief executive can be elected through one person, one vote. It will not only advance Hong Kong’s democracy and political process but will fuel Hong Kong’s continued prosperity.

Miao Deyu

Spokesman of the Chinese Embassy in the UK