​The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (July 26) strongly disappoved of and opposed untrue and biased remarks by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK) Mr David Lammy and the Home Secretary of the UK Ms Yvette Cooper on HKSAR's lawful act to pursue wanted persons endangering national security absconding from Hong Kong. 

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The 'Hong Kong Parliament' aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting 'self-determination', promulgating the so-called 'Hong Kong Constitution', and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People's Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of having committed the offence of 'Subversion' contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Thus, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and put the persons on wanted list."

     "Extraterritorial effect for the offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security overseas. Those absconders hiding in the UK and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. More so, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

     In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 14 pieces of laws in the UK safeguarding national security, the UK has displayed hypocrisy and exposed its double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while entirely disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and protection of human rights.

     The spokesman said, "Any individuals who endanger national security should not believe that being outside Hong Kong will allow them to evade criminal responsibility and remain beyond the reach of justice. The HKSAR Government will exhaust all means to pursue and combat criminals absconding from Hong Kong and endangering national security, ensuring that violations of the law will be pursued regardless of the distance. The HKSAR Government urged those wanted persons to return to Hong Kong and surrender so as to rectify their mistakes."

     "Regarding the surrender of fugitive offenders, in accordance with the instruction of the Central People's Government (CPG), the HKSAR Government has suspended the agreement between the HKSAR Government and the Government of the UK concerning surrender of fugitive offenders in July 2020. The relevant position remains unchanged. All along, with the authorisation and assistance of the CPG, the HKSAR Government has conducted law enforcement co-operation and mutual legal assistance with other jurisdictions in accordance with the law based on the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity. The HKSAR Government will, as always, handle relevant matters appropriately."

     The spokesman emphasised, "The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the UK Government to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China's internal affairs."

Ends/Saturday, July 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 13:48

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