The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (January 27) expressed strong disapproval of and firm opposition to the latest actions under the so-called memorandum by the United States (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 National Security Law (NSL). The US Government clearly stated that 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 manoeuvre 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 organisations concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The US Government's criticisms of Hong Kong's law enforcement actions are malicious fabrication.

     "The NSL upholds the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, clearly stipulating that the HKSAR shall protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc. The US Government's remarks about the rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are totally unfounded."

     The HKSAR spokesman reiterated, "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."

Ends/Friday, January 27, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:22

NNNN