Officials have strongly condemned United States politicians’ smears against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law and the threats made to relevant personnel.
The officials pointed out that such actions are “deplorable political manipulation” aimed at intimidating Hong Kong officials who are committed to safeguarding national security.
Recently, both a US congressional committee and a commission wrote to the US government, urging it to impose sanctions on officials, judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel in the HKSAR.
In a statement issued by the HKSAR government on Thursday, a spokesperson emphasized that enacting local legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law and refining laws relevant to safeguarding national security are the constitutional responsibilities of the HKSAR.
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Safeguarding national security is also an inherent right of all sovereign states, and the US itself has at least 21 pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. It is in no position to meddle in the HKSAR’s affairs in this area, he said.
The US officials portrayed the criminal acts of some Hong Kong activists involved in a national security case as the pursuit of democracy and human rights. The spokesperson noted that the case’s verdict clearly confirmed that the acts were aimed at undermining, destroying, or overthrowing the political system and structure of the HKSAR.
In the 318-page judgment, the court clearly outlined the reasons and considerations behind the conviction and confirmed the occurrence of the offense of conspiracy to commit subversion.
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A total of 47 persons were charged in the case and 45 defendants were convicted, which showed the scale and the seriousness of the criminal scheme.
In another statement, the Commissioner’s Office of the Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR said that the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been better protected after the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
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The moves also garnered support and endorsement from the general public, as well as domestic and foreign investors.
US politicians’ blatant interference has violated basic principles of international relationships and trampled upon international laws. The office urged them to immediately stop such political maneuvering.
