Lawmakers raise their hands as they vote to pass on second reading the proposed Safeguarding National Security Ordinance at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on March 19, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Chinese Embassy in the United States strongly criticized on Wednesday the US government’s slandering and smear against the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance of Hong Kong, saying that these attacks “will go nowhere”.

An embassy spokesperson said in a statement that the ordinance serves as a landmark in advancing “one country, two systems” and will not affect the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s capitalist system. The principal deputy spokesperson from the US State Department had criticized the ordinance, which was passed by the Legislative Council of the HKSAR on Tuesday.

The embassy spokesperson said the ordinance is in line with legislative practice of countries across the world in safeguarding national security and is consistent with Hong Kong's common law system

“The passage of the ordinance will not affect Hong Kong's original capitalist system and lifestyle,” the embassy spokesperson said, adding that the advantages of “one country, two systems” will be enhanced.

“It will not in any way affect the residents' normal lives and their lawful rights and freedoms, nor will it affect normal business activities and international exchanges and cooperation.”

The spokesperson said the ordinance is in line with legislative practice of countries across the world in safeguarding national security and is consistent with Hong Kong's common law system.

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“Statistics show that the US has at least 21 laws to safeguard its national security. The sheer number, as well as the frequency of making amendments and updates, are rarely seen in other parts of the world,” the spokesperson said.

“That, however, doesn't stop the US from slandering China's legitimate, well-justified legislation efforts. Isn't this unfair?”

The spokesperson said the ordinance was meant for a tiny minority of individuals involved in offenses that seriously jeopardize national security and aims to protect the great majority of law-abiding Hong Kong residents.

“Foreign institutions, enterprises and personnel's normal activities will be fully protected,” the spokesperson said, adding that the legislation is legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach.

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The spokesperson said the ordinance will promote the city’s security and development and will strike a balance between national security, rights and freedoms and economic development in Hong Kong.

In 2019, rioters clamoring for "mutual destruction" and "Hong Kong independence" impeded local economic growth and resulted in social unrest.

“When people's livelihoods are not even secure, there is no foundation to boost Hong Kong's economy and expand its openness to the world. The ordinance is conducive to stronger economic and social development of the HKSAR,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that the law’s provisions of relevant crimes are clear, with the boundaries between crimes and non-crimes distinct, the penalties reasonable, and the regulatory measures appropriate.

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“We urge the US side to respect China's sovereignty, adhere to the principles guiding the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are China's internal affairs,” the spokesperson said.

“In the end, the attacks and smears against the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will go nowhere.”