The taking of the oath stipulated by Article 104 of the Basic Law is a legal pledge made by the public officers specified in the Article and is legally binding, it said.

The oath taker must sincerely believe in and strictly abide by the relevant oath prescribed by law. An oath taker who makes a false oath, or, who, after taking the oath, engages in conduct in breach of the oath, shall bear legal responsibility in accordance with law, it added.

A spokesperson with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Monday issued a statement hailing the adoption of the interpretation as "absolutely necessary" and timely.

"The interpretation demonstrates the central government's firm determination and will against 'Hong Kong independence,'" the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson went on to say that the interpretation "underscores the authority of the Basic Law and the rule of law in Hong Kong."

Hong Kong is a local administrative region directly under the central government, the spokesperson confirmed, and the LegCo is a SAR legislative organ set up in accordance with the Hong Kong Basic Law.

"The interpretation of the Basic Law given by the NPC Standing Committee is the same as the law itself," the spokesperson added, stressing that relevant provisions in the Basic Law and its interpretation "must be implemented to the letter."

INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL POWER CANNOT GO BEYOND BASIC LAW

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