In this Jan 1, 2024, photo, the Chinese national and Hong Kong regional flags fly at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. (SHAMIM ASHRAF / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has strongly disapproved of and condemned scaremongering remarks made by the consul general of the United States to Hong Kong, Gregory May.

“It is extremely inappropriate for the US consul general to make unwarranted comments on criminal trials which are ongoing in the HKSAR courts, and even attempt to compare the Lai Chee-ying's case with the efforts of the HKSAR government in promoting the city,” a government spokesman said in a statement issued Friday night, terming it as complete disregard to the spirit of the rule of law.

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Stressing that it is an inherent right of every sovereign state to enact laws on safeguarding national security, the government pointed out that the US has at least 21 pieces besides countless administrative orders issued in the name of so-called 'national security'.

The US Consul General also deliberately ignored the HKSAR's constitutional duty and practical needs for the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, and blatantly smeared the Basic Law Article 23 legislation and the law enforcement actions conducted in accordance with the law.

Spokesman, HKSAR Govt

The US, which has at every turn suppressed dissidents through covert surveillance, illegal wiretapping, and global manhunt, is in no position to point its finger at other countries and regions for making their own legislation for safeguarding national security legitimately, it said. 

The suggestion that certain individuals or organizations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special pass to break the law, said the SAR government.

“The US Consul General also deliberately ignored the HKSAR's constitutional duty and practical needs for the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, and blatantly smeared the Basic Law Article 23 legislation and the law enforcement actions conducted in accordance with the law,” said the spokesman. 

“This is in total contradiction with his professed intention for the US to foster a better relationship with Hong Kong.”

The SAR government repeatedly stressed that the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Basic Law Article 23 legislation are precisely for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. 

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The legislation will not affect regular exchanges between Hong Kong residents and people doing business in the city with foreign countries, added the spokesman. 

“It will also better safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the residents of the HKSAR and other people in the city, including those doing business in Hong Kong.”

The acts and activities endangering national security which the NSL and the Basic Law Article 23 legislation seek to prevent and suppress are distinctly different from normal exchanges and business activities, the spokesman said. 

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“The US should immediately act reasonably and sensibly once again, stop making irresponsible remarks on the Basic Law Article 23 legislation and HKSAR's effort in safeguarding national security, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are internal affairs of China," the spokesman stressed.