The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (April 17) strongly disapproves of and must resolutely refute the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the HKSAR in the United States (US)'s so-called 2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report.
 
     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "The HKSAR Government strongly condemns and rejects the wanton slander about and political attacks in the US's so-called 2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report on the HKSAR where the 'one country, two systems' principle is successfully implemented. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, and as a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the principle of 'one country, two systems', comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People's Government. To serve the political purpose of maintaining the US hegemony, the US once again told fallacies about Hong Kong by replacing the rule of law with political manipulation and confounding right and wrong, and blatantly interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are entirely China's internal affairs. The US's attempt to undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong will only expose its slyness and will never succeed."
 
     The spokesman reiterated, "The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully continue to implement the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and other relevant laws so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment on acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. At the same time, it will safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs."
 
Safeguarding rights and freedoms
 
     The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The HKNSL and SNSO also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration that Hong Kong residents enjoy 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, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, 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. Indeed, Article 19 of the ICCPR specifically requires that journalists must observe and discharge 'special duties and responsibilities' including protection of national security or public order. The so-called report biasedly quoted figures to twist the facts by negating the determination and dedication of the HKSAR to persistently safeguard the lawful exercise of rights and freedom by citizens, including journalists. The HKSAR Government must set the record straight and such act must be strongly condemned.
 
     "Since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. Conversely, the media environment in the US is becoming increasingly severe. According to statistics, in 2025 alone, US law enforcement authorities arrested more than 30 journalists; and there were more than 170 cases of violence against journalists (including forcibly pinning them to the ground, beating them with batons, and even shooting them), 90 per cent of which involved law enforcement officers. It is commonplace for US officials to ban certain media outlets from attending press conferences or even verbally abuse reporters who ask questions; they have even threatened to prosecute media outlets for treason. However, the US and some people with ulterior motives deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong, which is utterly shameless. Freedom of the press and speech are firmly protected in Hong Kong at a constitutional level under the Basic Law, but they are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, has an obligation to abide by all the laws. The media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, as long as this is not in violation of the law. The court further cited precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding press freedom in the reasons for a verdict of a relevant case, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of 'responsible journalism' in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom."

Laws safeguarding national security

     The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the absurd and false contents in the US' so-called report with regard to the laws and the relevant efforts that safeguard national security in the HKSAR. The US Government had vilified the HKSAR's legislative work, as well as law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial and judicial authorities, in claiming that fulfilment of their duties constituted a systemic 'degradation' or even 'impediment' of rights and freedoms. However, the fact is that the US has been ignoring the non-interference principle under international law, wantonly and arbitrarily interfering with other countries' internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating 'colour revolutions', and even creating social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to innocent civilians in many countries.

     "We must point out that every state will enact laws on safeguarding national security. This is an inherent right of every sovereign state, and is also an international practice. The US itself has a large and comprehensive national security legal framework, comprising at least 21 pieces of national security-related legislation. There have also been countless administrative orders issued in the name of so-called 'national security'. The US does not only generalise the concept of 'national security' to intimidate individuals and corporations which engage in legitimate activities, but has also even at every turn suppressed dissidents with various means, and is in no position to point its finger at other countries and regions for making their own legislation for safeguarding national security legitimately. On the contrary, the offences endangering national security stipulated by the HKNSL and SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The US distorts and confounds right and wrong, unscrupulously smears the laws for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and is seriously biased against the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation (the Regulation) made under the SNSO. In fact, national security is within the purview of the Central Authorities. The HKSAR Government must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security and to formulate comprehensive measures for safeguarding national security. The Regulation provides for specific details in respect of the provisions in Chapter V of the HKNSL concerning the mandate of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS), in order to fulfil the HKSAR's constitutional duty to further improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. Article 55 of the HKNSL provides that the OSNS shall, upon approval by the CPG, exercise jurisdiction under any of the three specified special circumstances. Those circumstances target a very small number of endangering national security cases that are of a serious and egregious nature and involve a significant impact. In this respect, the Regulation provides for the implementation details, with reference made to similar offences that already exist and are common in the legislation of Hong Kong. The so-called report entirely disregards the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, ignores that the Regulation clearly stipulates the circumstances for exercise of relevant powers, spreads rumors to create panic and deliberately turns a blind eye to the positive effects brought by the implementation of the relevant laws on economic development and protection of human rights. This indeed demonstrates its hypocrisy with double standards all along which is despicable and must be strongly condemned. The US' "my-way-or-the-highway" hegemonic logic entirely disregarded 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, and must be strongly condemned.
 
     "In fact, the implementation of the HKNSL in the past five years or so has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume to normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. According to the ​Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy. Hong Kong's ranking improved by two places to third globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025. Also, Hong Kong continues to rank among the top three international financial centres and comes first in the world in terms of funds raised through initial public offerings in 2025. Hong Kong remains high in the overall ranking and continues to be ahead of European and American countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of Hong Kong in the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index. These internationally recognised achievements are built upon the freedom and stability brought to Hong Kong society by the HKNSL, other relevant laws of the HKSAR, and the work of safeguarding national security.
 
     "Also, the specific content of the SNSO fully demonstrates that it was formulated strictly in accordance with the rule of law principles: including clear definitions of the elements that constitute an offence, only making necessary and reasonable restrictions on basic human rights and freedoms in accordance with applicable international standards and with reference to relevant practices in other common law jurisdictions, and not affecting the legitimate rights and interests of innocent third parties etc.
 
     "As regards the sedition offence, the courts of the HKSAR have ruled in different cases that the provisions relating to sedition are consistent with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the protection of human rights, and that a proportionate and reasonable balance has been struck between safeguarding national security and protection of the freedom of speech. It should be reiterated that the offence is not meant to silence expression of any opinion that is only a genuine criticism against the Government based on objective facts.
 
     "At the same time, the HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, paying no regard to their political stance, background or occupation. In the past, the US and some Western countries had also carried out law enforcement actions against the dissemination of disinformation, incitement of hatred, and glorification of violence in their own countries. Their disparagement of the HKSAR only exposes their double standards.

     "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that 'laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable'. Article 5 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. All cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the HKNSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.
 
     "As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to a fair trial by the Judiciary exercising independent judicial power. The courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. As to the so-called report's malicious smears against the verdict of the case of Lai Chee-ying involving offences endangering national security (Lai's case), the HKSAR Government must stress that the interpretation of Articles 14 and 47 of the HKNSL by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress does not handle the specific case directly. It did not directly deal with specific judicial proceedings. Rather, it clarified the meaning of the relevant legal provisions and the basis for application of the law. It does not in any way impair the right of Lai Chee-ying to choose legal representatives who were qualified to practise in Hong Kong and his right to fair trial. Also, the legal team of Lai Chee-ying in the case was led by a Senior Counsel who has practised for more than 35 years with extensive experience in respect of defending criminal cases (including national security cases). There was also a barrister who was qualified locally and was also a King's Counsel in New Zealand at the same time. In fact, the court has conducted 156 days of public hearings, considered up to 2 220 pieces of evidence, over 80 000 pages of documents, and a total of over 1 000 pages of written submissions from all parties, etc. There was sufficient time for Lai's side to prepare for his defence. The various procedural challenges raised before and during the trial were all duly and properly handled by the court. They also had full opportunity to challenge the evidence of the prosecution and present the defence case. Lai Chee-ying himself even testified in court for 52 days. The defence provided detailed written submissions in respect of the points of law involved in the case and the analysis of evidence, and made oral submissions on different key issues at the hearings. These are the testaments to the fact that Lai Chee-ying and other defendants were found guilty only after a fair trial. Lai Chee-ying also does not appeal against his conviction or sentence. The court's verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations. It is such a disgrace for the US, when being faced with these ironclad facts, to continue to distort the truth and maliciously attack. The HKSAR Government must again firmly refute these claims to set the record straight.
 
     "In relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the HKSAR Government strongly disapproved and rejected the sowing of discord and malicious attacks on the law enforcement actions by the so-called report. Those who try to use the disaster to stir up chaos in society are malicious, blotting out the efforts of the HKSAR Government and of all sectors of the community in the rescue operations and support work. Those people should be condemned. For those arrested for allegedly uttering seditious speech, the Government must not tolerate any criminal acts purporting to exploit the fire and must handle in accordance with the law.
 
     "Appropriate extraterritorial effect for the offences under the HKNSL and the SNSO 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, including the US. In fact, there are numerous examples of national security laws of the US which tackle criminal acts committed outside the sovereign territory in accordance with the 'personality principle', such as the offences of treason, unlawful disclosure of classified information as well as the Logan Act (which targets activities of collusion with a foreign country or with external forces) and also the 'protection principle' adopted for the terrorism offences.
 
     "As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Police are duty bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong. Those absconders hiding in the US and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. The Police applied for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and will take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings. The action is fully justified, necessary and legitimate. In fact, quite a number of countries including the US would also impose measures to pursue wanted criminals overseas, the US has even conducted cross-border military operations to apprehend foreign leaders, undermining the United Nations Charter's principle of non-intervention. The US is the real perpetrator of 'transnational repression' in its abuse of long-arm jurisdiction and sanctions. It is indeed a demonstration of ugliness and hypocrisy with double standards by the US with ulterior motives that, after the HKSAR Government has announced the relevant measures, attack the HKSAR in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law.
 
     "As to a case about the offence of 'dealing with funds or financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder', the court clearly pointed out that the conviction and sentence of the defendant was because he was ruled after a fair trial to have dealt with funds belonging to a relevant absconder in contravention of the SNSO. This is totally unrelated to whether the defendant was a relative of the relevant absconder; and the defendant in the case has also withdrawn the appeal.
 
     "The HKSAR has made reference to practices and implementation experiences, as well as relevant court cases, in the course of handling cases concerning offence endangering national security and the application of the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Chief Executive, in conjunction with the National Security Committee, made the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to enhance measures that the law enforcement authorities of the HKSAR may take and further clarify relevant legal procedures and technical arrangements, so as to strengthen the enforcement power of law enforcement authorities, prevent and investigate cases concerning offences endangering national security more effectively, and prevent and mitigate risks to national security in a timely manner."

Safeguarding due administration of justice and rule of law
 
     The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, "The HKSAR Government safeguards independent judicial power and fully supports the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the HKSAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. When adjudicating cases concerning offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. Any reasonable, objective and fair-minded person who has read the publicly accessible judgments of the court on relevant cases would certainly reach the same conclusion.
 
     "The Department of Justice takes charge of criminal prosecutions, free from any interference by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law. All prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

     "The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."

Improved electoral system

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "The Legislative Council (LegCo) formed following the improvement of the electoral system in 2021 has fully implemented the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong', which is consistent with the universally prevailing political tenet of keeping political power in the hands of patriots. The LegCo has completely broken free from the past chaos of confrontation, polarisation, disorderly conduct and ineffectiveness in the chamber, returning to the right track of rationality and pragmatism. It deliberated with efficiency and quality, focusing its efforts on developing the economy and improving people's livelihood, ensuring the steady and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. The general election for the eighth term LegCo was successfully held at the end of last year. Voters actively cast their votes, returning a new cohort of LegCo members who are patriotic and love Hong Kong, responsible, capable and committed to serving the community. This has once again exemplified the high-quality and healthy competition under the new electoral system, embodying broad representation and balanced participation. The improved LegCo has proven in practice that this is a democratic electoral system that suits HKSAR's actual circumstances and needs."
 
     The spokesperson continued, "In contrast, within the US, the intensifying vicious infighting between the two parties has led to congressional dysfunction, while the federal government has repeatedly faced shutdowns over budget stalemates, severely undermining public services and people's livelihoods. The US itself is deeply mired in governance difficulties within its own democratic system, yet it had failed to reflect on itself and instead continue to lecture others, hurling accusations against the HKSAR's efforts to pursue good governance and turning a blind eye to the tangible achievements of the improved electoral system. One need not look far to find such overbearing conduct and flagrant double standards."
 
Enforcement of sanctions
 
     The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government has been enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) fully and vigorously to fulfil our international obligations. We do not implement unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries that constitute a flagrant violation of the international order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The HKSAR Government has long been maintaining an effective mechanism for implementing the resolutions of the UNSC. That includes denying entry of vessels designated by the UNSC as well as suspicious vessels, keeping a close watch on and inspecting suspicious Hong Kong-based companies to prevent them from participating in activities evading UNSC sanctions, and participating in the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty through the Central People's Government. The effectiveness of our work has been well respected and recognised by our trading partners."

Enhancing national education

     The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, "Schools are places for students to learn and grow. It is the obligation of schools to provide a safe and orderly school environment and atmosphere, and to maintain a campus free from political interference or illegal activities, for safeguarding students' well-being. National education has been an important part of the curricula for primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens with a view to deepening our students' understanding of the country's national affairs, history and culture, the Constitution and the Basic Law, as well as national security, thereby building up students' cultural confidence to foster a sense of national identity, and cultivating them into a new generation that is able and virtuous with a sense of responsibility, vision and love for the country and the city. Teachers are also important role models for their students, playing a vital role in passing on knowledge and nurturing students' character. The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to ensure the professional conduct of teachers. Implementation of national education, including national security education, is the legitimate duty of education authorities all over the world. Different places attach great importance to implementing national security education and developing their students' sense of national identity, including knowledge of their respective constitution, their own history, culture, geography, etc.
 
     "Academic freedom is an important social value treasured in Hong Kong and the cornerstone of our higher education sector. Since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, academics or post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong continue to conduct normal exchange activities with their foreign or external counterparts. Meanwhile, post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong have taken a series of measures to incorporate national security education into students' learning in fulfilment of their statutory duty. These institutions enjoy autonomy on curriculum design, and the HKSAR Government encourages the institutions to provide students with diversified learning opportunities on national security education."

Ends/Friday, April 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:42

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