Hong Kong govt blasts US for interference

HONG KONG: The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) voiced strong opposition to a report released by the US Secretary of State on Oct. 14, 2020 under the socalled “Hong Kong Autonomy Act.”

A spokesman for the HKSAR government said, “The US has been increasingly blatant in its interference in Hong Kong’s affairs in recent months, including passing successive laws, pronouncing an executive order and imposing ‘sanctions’ against our officials under the pretext of human rights, democracy and autonomy.

We strongly reprimand the US authorities for publishing a report that contains totally groundless and irresponsible accusations against the HKSAR.”

The HKSAR government has on numerous occasions stated its firm position against the US interference. “We take great exception to the comments in the report that smear and demonize The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Safeguarding national security through legislation is in line with international practice. National security has always been a matter that falls under the purview of the central authorities,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said, as the highest organ of state power, the National People’s Congress has authorized the

Standing Committee of the NPC to formulate relevant laws on establishing the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security.

The enactment of the national security law in Hong Kong is lawful and constitutional. It is both timely and necessary to uphold the principle of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong.

Contrary to the report’s claims that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and freedoms have been undermined, since the implementation of the law, stability has been restored to society while national security has been safeguarded in Hong Kong, and people in Hong Kong can continue to enjoy their basic rights and freedoms in accordance with the law.

This is a fact that the US authorities should not turn a blind eye to, the spokesman said. The spokesman also dismissed comments in the report that question, without grounds, law enforcement by Hong Kong authorities.

“Hong Kong is governed by the rule of law and law enforcement agencies are duty-bound to take action against unlawful acts. Any person who is arrested has the right to a fair trial by our independent courts, and the burden is on the prosecution to prove that the accused committed a crime beyond reasonable doubt before there can be a conviction.”