Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor speaks during a media session in September. File photo: Xinhua

The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will act according to requirements of the central government in implementing countermeasures against the US that were announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday,  Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at the press conference held on Tuesday.

Lam also said that Hong Kong's economy has entered a grim phase. Unemployment is expected to rise and the HKSAR government will launch its fourth round of relief measures to boost Hong Kong's economy.

Although the HKSAR government is facing a budget deficit for the first time in 15 years, the relief measures will tap its accumulated surplus of about HK$ 1.1 trillion ($140 billion).

Carrie Lam condemned the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act that was passed in the US saying it is totally unnecessary and unwarranted and  HKSAR government strongly opposes the act. The freedoms and human rights of Hong Kong residents are protected by the Basic Law including the freedom of assembly, religion and speech, she said, criticizing the US for interfering in Hong Kong affairs.