Officials from the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government have castigated the United States for denigrating Hong Kong’s rule of law by extending and expanding a program that allows certain Hong Kong residents to remain beyond their visa expiry date.
US President John Biden on Wednesday signed a memorandum to extend the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program for Hong Kong residents for an additional two years, along with expanded eligibility, on the pretext of protecting Hong Kong people’s freedom and rights.
The Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR on Thursday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the move, rejecting the unfounded criticisms of Hong Kong’s situation mentioned in the memorandum.
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The Office said the enactment and implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL) respect and defend human rights, and brought a more stable and secure environment to the HKSAR.
The Office pointed out that the SAR government enforces the law in accordance with regulations, and criticized the US for manipulating visa policies to provide a safe haven for anti-China and anti-Hong Kong activists.
The Office urged the US to respect the spirit of the rule of law and immediately stop interfering with the administration of justice in the SAR and China’s internal affairs.
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A spokesman for the HKSAR government said that officials will not fear intimidation by external forces and firmly reject their interference in the affairs of the city.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the SAR government’s responsibility to safeguard national security, pledging to continue the full and accurate implementation of the NSL.
The government will lawfully and effectively prevent and punish acts and activities endangering national security, while ensuring that the legitimate rights, freedoms, and interests of Hong Kong residents and others in the city are protected.
