Hong Kong Photo: VCG

The spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly disapproved and firmly rejected the US government to take advantage of the extension of the so-called memorandum related to Hong Kong to denigrate the rule of law and human rights in Hong Kong, maliciously attack the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, deliberately interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs and flagrantly trample on the principles of international laws and basic norms governing international relations. 

The spokesperson said that thanks to the full support of the central government and the joint efforts of all sectors in the HKSAR, Hong Kong is moving forward steadily on the right track of "One Country, Two Systems." Since the implementation of the NSL in Hong Kong, the HKSAR has taken on a new political atmosphere of peace, shown vigorous economic vitality and returned to a stable and peaceful social situation. Hong Kong's position as an international financial, shipping and trading center has been further consolidated. It continues to rank at the top on the global indices for rule of law, security and business environment. The confidence in Hong Kong's development prospects from international capitals continues to grow. The facts eloquently proved that the enactment and implementation of the NSL are entirely in line with the reality of Hong Kong and have played a decisive role in realizing Hong Kong's transition from chaos to governance and further toward prosperity. 

The spokesperson pointed out that the US has turned a blind eye to the fact that Hong Kong is stable, united and thriving and runs counter to the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong which expects stability, security and advancement. The real intention of deliberately extending the implementation period of the so-called Hong Kong-related memorandum is to manipulate visa policy to provide "safe haven" for fugitives who oppose China and destabilize Hong Kong, exposing the sinister intention of US' expectation for chaos in Hong Kong. 

The spokesperson noted that the US used the so-called memorandum to smear the NSL and played up the "consequences" of Hong Kong's NSL. The fact is that since the implementation of the NSL, only 230 people have been arrested by the HKSAR police on suspicion of endangering national security, among whom more than 30 completed trial procedures and were found guilty by the court. The US' gimmickry to put Hong Kong in disorder cannot incite the clear-sighted Hong Kong citizens, cannot bewitch the visionaries of the international community, cannot stop the sonorous pace of Hong Kong toward governance and prosperity, and will only make the world see more clearly the shamefulness and ridiculousness of "American double standard."

The spokesperson reiterated that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. The Chinese government is firmly determined to oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs, firmly determined to safeguard China's sovereignty, security, development and interests, and is determined to fully and accurately implement the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" to ensure the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. China strongly urges the US to stop its wishful thinking of using Hong Kong to contain China as soon as possible and immediately stop the clumsy show of meddling in Hong Kong affairs. 

The Government of the HKSAR on Friday expressed strong disapproval of and firm opposition to the latest actions under the so-called memorandum by the US government in relation to the deferred enforced departure for Hong Kong residents in the US. 

An HKSAR government spokesman said, "We firmly oppose the US government's baseless smearing in the so-called memorandum against the Hong Kong NSL. The US government stated its latest actions are in its 'foreign policy interest' without any attempt to disguise its motives, demonstrating sinister intentions and hegemonic bullying. National security is a matter within the purview of the central authorities. It is the responsibility and right of every country to safeguard its national security. The US has many laws on national security, but chooses to continue to wantonly smear the NSL and ignore the fact that the implementation of the NSL has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to resume as normal, and the business environment to be restored. Clearly, this is hypocrisy out of political motivation with double standards, and a despicable maneuver with politics prevailing over the law. 

"All law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the people, institutions or organizations concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The US government's criticism of Hong Kong's law enforcement actions are a malicious fabrication. 

The HKSAR spokesman reiterated that "The HKSAR government urges the US government to immediately stop any acts against the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in the affairs of the HKSAR."

Global Times