In a fiery response 🗣️, China has strongly condemned the latest U.S. remarks on Hong Kong's national security laws. On Friday, the Chinese embassy in the United States stated that they \"strongly deplore and firmly oppose\" the \"Hong Kong Policy Act Report\" released by the U.S. Department of State, alongside the statement from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
A spokesperson for the embassy accused the U.S. of repeatedly smearing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s Safeguarding National Security Ordinance 🔐, and threatening unwarranted unilateral sanctions 😠 against the HKSAR, even targeting officials performing their duties.
\"This is sheer political manipulation and hypocritical double standards,\" the spokesperson declared. \"The U.S. should immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and other internal affairs of China.\"
The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance took effect on March 23 📅, marking a significant step in completing legislation as stipulated by Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law. It's designed to plug national security loopholes and ensure stability 🔒.
The embassy emphasized that the ordinance respects and protects human rights 🙌, clearly defines criminal activities, and distinguishes between crime and non-crime. It provides effective protection for the normal business activities of foreign institutions, organizations, and personnel in Hong Kong, supporting their need for international exchanges 🌐.
\"It does not undermine the high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong,\" the spokesperson added, \"nor does it change the capitalist system and way of life in Hong Kong.\"
China further criticized the U.S. for its double standards on national security issues. \"The U.S. itself has an airtight national security system 🛡️, with extensive laws and extraterritorial reach, yet it keeps pointing fingers at the HKSAR's Safeguarding National Security Ordinance,\" said the spokesperson.
The embassy called on the U.S. to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in the HKSAR, urging an immediate halt to meddling in its affairs ✋.
As tensions rise 📈, this exchange highlights the ongoing friction between the two nations over Hong Kong's autonomy and legislative changes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
