The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     ​A spokesperson for the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stated on September 17 that LegCo firmly opposes and strongly condemns politicians in the United States (US) Congressional-Executive Commission on China for using a so-called "hearing" regarding the "LAI Chee-ying case" to make false and smearing remarks, and threatening to impose "sanctions". The LegCo spokesperson stressed that, to set the record straight, the LegCo fully supports the HKSAR Government in acting in accordance with the law, and resolutely hit back at the maliciously provocative political maneuvering and alarmist talk by some politicians.
      
     The LegCo spokesperson emphasised that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. Safeguarding national security is the cornerstone for the country's stability and prosperity. It is also a universally recognised international practice and obligation. The US itself possesses a sophisticated national security legal framework, yet it is despicable to see these anti-China politicians display blatant hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the legitimate and lawful actions of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security. LegCo urges these politicians to earnestly respect China's sovereignty and immediately stop any form of interference in the affairs of Hong Kong, China.
      
     Regarding these politicians using the "LAI Chee-ying case" to smear and vilify Hong Kong's rule of law and human rights, the LegCo spokesperson profoundly refuted them for disregarding facts and reversing right and wrong. As pointed out by the Government's spokesperson, the "LAI Chee-ying case" has nothing to do with freedom of the press. The defendants have used journalism as a guise over the years to create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred and glorify violence, bringing harm to the our country and Hong Kong.
      
     The LegCo spokesperson supports the courts of the HKSAR in conducting independent trials in accordance with the law and evidence, and setting out in full detail the court's analysis of relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting LAI Chee-ying and other defendants. The LegCo spokesperson strongly condemns anti-China politicians for attempting to intimidate HKSAR officials and judicial officers with so-called "sanctions". This is interfering in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, seriously violating international law and basic norms governing international relations.
      
     The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that since the full implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", Hong Kong's social order has not only returned to the right track, but its business environment has also attained remarkable performance. Hong Kong continues to rank among the top globally in economic freedom and rule of law indices, attracting investors from around the world. Leveraging its distinctive advantage of "enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world", Hong Kong is advancing toward higher-quality prosperity and development.
      
     The LegCo spokesperson reiterated that as an integral member of the governance team of the HKSAR, LegCo will, as always, firmly support the administration of the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law, and to prevent, suppress and punish any acts endangering national security, while safeguarding the rights of citizens in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".

Ends/Friday, September 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 0:20

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