Government responds to comments by foreign politicians
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"Every country has a right, and indeed a duty, to protect national security and sovereignty. To suggest that our sovereign, China, does not have the right to legislate to protect national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) smacks of double standards and hypocrisy.
"Even the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulate that international covenants on rights and freedoms cannot undermine national security.
"Much of the criticism and commentary from politicians and pundits is no more than alarmist speculation and innuendo that completely ignore the constitutional reality that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. As such, it cannot and must never become a base for subversive activities or organisations seeking to destabilise our country.
"The proposed law will only target acts of secession, subversion, terrorist activities as well as activities interfering with HKSAR's internal affairs by foreign or external forces. The vast majority of law-abiding Hong Kong residents, including overseas investors, have nothing to fear.
"In recent days, violent protesters have returned to the streets of Hong Kong to wreak havoc yet again. These protests have had a massive impact on our economy and social stability and cannot be allowed to continue. No country would or could turn a blind eye to a resurgence of the violence and anarchy that has plagued our society for almost a year.
"Sadly, and perhaps tellingly, those who claim to be acting in Hong Kong's best interests turn a blind eye to the explosives, petrol bombs, firearms, weapons, attacks on bystanders, wanton vandalism, online trolling and disinformation campaigns used by radical protesters and their hidden handlers to stoke fear and chaos and destabilise society. By doing so, their truly deceitful intentions are exposed.
"The decision by the National People's Congress, the highest organ of State power, to enact the national security law will establish and improve the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security. It will be a boon as it will make Hong Kong a safe city.
"The legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the law and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, will not be affected. Hong Kong will remain a free, cosmopolitan, open and welcoming city under the rule of law. Our high degree of autonomy and the cardinal principle of Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong as enshrined in the Basic Law will remain intact. The long-term stability and prosperity of this vibrant international metropolis under the unique and well-tried "One Country, Two Systems" will be further assured.
Ends/Sunday, May 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 23:27
Issued at HKT 23:27
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