Officials from the central government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday condemned two US lawmakers for defaming Hong Kong's financial strengths and the successful practice of “one country, two systems”, saying such slander cannot hinder the city’s development and is destined to backfire.
In a letter sent to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday, two members of the US House of Representatives, Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, alleged that Hong Kong has become a center for money laundering and sanction evasion, and become a global leader in illicit practices.
The pair requested the US government step up scrutiny on the US’ financial relationships with Hong Kong banks and put forward measures to address the “risks”.
The Commissioner's Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR vehemently opposed and strongly rejected such baseless accusations in a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, asserting that denigration and smearing are futile acts and incapable of impeding Hong Kong’s progress.
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A spokesperson from the office reaffirmed China’s stance on rejecting unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” that lack a basis in international law as well as authorizations from the United Nations Security Council.
Certain US politicians’ persistence in propagating the narrative of Hong Kong evading sanctions is a clearly driven by political motives, which also exposes the US’ intentions to prioritize its domestic laws over international laws, the spokesperson said.
Regardless of how the US presents its unilateral sanctions, it cannot conceal that the essence of these so-called sanctions tramples international justice and violates the international rule of law.
The office reiterated that Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center remains robust, with its legal system recognized worldwide.
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The successful conclusion of the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit and the global annual meeting of the International Financial Forum in Hong Kong demonstrating international acknowledgment of the city’s status as an international financial hub, its business environment, and its developmental prospects, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson emphasized China’s firm commitment to upholding the “one country, two systems” principle as well as its resolve of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and interest.
The spokesperson urged involved politicians to recognize the reality of Hong Kong’s return to motherland, cease smearing and pressuring on Hong Kong’s development, and stop meddling with the internal affairs of the nation and Hong Kong.
The SAR government called the baseless accusations a malicious misinformation campaign aiming at satisfying the political interests of certain politicians.
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A government spokesperson said the SAR has always comprehensively and strictly implemented sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, but not enforced unilateral sanctions that contravene the international order based on international law and the fundamental norms of international relations.
The SAR government also places high importance on maintaining the integrity and stability of the financial system, and banks in Hong Kong and other financial institutions strictly comply with international standards and best practices to combat criminal activities, the spokesperson said.
Hong Kong continues to enjoy a high degree of autonomy under “one country, two systems”, and its fundamental rights and freedoms are continuing to be protected by the Basic Law, the spokesperson noted.
The spokesperson said the international business community continues to have confidence in Hong Kong, adding that some US politicians will ultimately undermine the mutually beneficial relations between Hong Kong and the US if their defamation continues.
