HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government condemned the so-called US travel advisory, calling it confusing for the public and malicious.

In a press release issued late Thursday, a spokesman for the HKSAR government said, "As a highly international city, Hong Kong has frequent exchanges and close liaison with other countries, regions and relevant international organisations. Such normal exchange activities are protected by the Basic Law and the laws of Hong Kong. What the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and other relevant laws regulate is the use of Hong Kong by foreign countries or external elements to carry out acts and activities endangering national security, which is obviously different from normal exchange activities."

He said Hong Kong remained an attractive tourist destination and that during Jan-Oct 2024, some 36.7 million arrivals were recorded, representing a year-on-year increase of about 37 percent.

"The laws related to national security provide clear definition to the offences. No one, including tourists, will unwittingly breach the law. The US has manipulated its foreign travel advisory into a political instrument...," the spokesman said, calling the move appalling and irresponsible.

The spokesman cited a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong earlier this year that found nearly 80 percent of its members had confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law. 

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"Close to 70 percent of the respondents indicated that their operations had not been affected by the NSL. The US has substantial economic interest in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, it registered a trade surplus of about US$270 billion with Hong Kong. Over 1,200 US companies operate in Hong Kong, " the spokesperson said. 

Echoing the HKSAR government, a spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition on Thursday.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong is one of the safest and most livable cities in the world. The formulation and implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance comply with the spirit of the rule of law and international norms, fully respecting and safeguarding human rights, thus providing a more stable and secure environment for Hong Kong.

The spokesperson urged the United States to immediately revoke the false travel advisory, correct its erroneous ratings, and remove obstacles to exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong.

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As a free and open international city, Hong Kong continues to welcome people from all countries to experience the unique charm of the "Pearl of the Orient", the spokesperson said.

With Xinhua inputs