HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Thursday strongly opposed the so-called resolution of the US House of Representatives which smeared the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the city's Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO).

The HKSAR government said in a statement that it strongly disapproved of the so-called resolution which also slandered HKSAR law enforcement actions and requested so-called "sanctions" on personnel responsible for the SNSO.

"The proposed imposition of the so-called 'sanctions' by the House of Representatives of the US Congress intended to intimidate officials who resolutely safeguard national security,” an HKSAR government spokesman was quoted as saying in the statement.

An HKSAR government spokesman said the so-called resolution’s content regarding the laws on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR was “completely absurd and untrue”

He said the House attempted to use the name of freedom “to disguise its despicable political motives and grossly interfered in Hong Kong affairs which are internal affairs of China, violating the international law and the basic norms governing international relations”.  

“The HKSAR will not be intimidated by such a despicable behavior and will continue to resolutely safeguard national security in accordance with the law," the spokesman said.

ALSO READ: Smear campaigns can not overshadow the truth about city’s ordinance

He said the so-called resolution’s content regarding the laws on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR was “completely absurd and untrue”.

“Since the implementation of the NSL in June 2020, the US has ignored the large-scale and incessant riots that occurred in 2019 and devastated society, livelihood and economy of Hong Kong,” the spokesman said.

“Instead, it piled up false stories and fabricated narratives through various so-called reports to maliciously slander laws relevant to safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and blatantly attack the HKSAR in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law,” he added.

He said the US has also deliberately neglected the fact that the NSL has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community to return to normal.

ALSO READ: New security ordinance will ensure HK remains on path of stability and prosperity

“Its bullying act and hypocrisy with double standards are utterly ugly and despicable,” the spokesman said.

He pointed out that the US has at least 21 pieces of laws safeguarding national security.

“It is therefore in no position to point its finger at the HKSAR for legitimately legislating to safeguard national security,” he added.

He also said that the extraterritorial effect for offenses endangering national security under the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law and international practice

The spokesman said the legal framework in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is in line with international human rights standards, adding that the NSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected.    

He also said that the extraterritorial effect for offenses endangering national security under the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law and international practice.  

READ MORE: Human rights protections underpin Safeguarding National Security Ordinance

“It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world,” he said.

The spokesman added that the national security laws of various nations also have extraterritorial effect under the 'personality principle' and the 'protective principle'.

“Only intruders trying to plunder and loot will not want the HKSAR to safeguard our country in accordance with the law,” he said.

"The HKSAR government strongly urges the House of Representatives of the US Congress to stop its attempts to interfere Hong Kong in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law by deploying such political tactics."