In response to media enquiries, a spokesman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said today (March 18) the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the countermeasures were to reciprocate the United States (US) Government's unwarranted restrictions on the Chinese media agencies and personnel in the US. It stated that China's fundamental state policy of opening-up will not change. Foreign media organisations and journalists who cover stories in accordance with laws and regulations are always welcome in China, and will get continued facilitation and assistance.
Hong Kong enjoys press freedom. The HKSAR Government has been facilitating media organisations and journalists from other countries to cover news in Hong Kong. This policy is in compliance with the Basic Law and the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.
Hong Kong has always adopted a pragmatic and open policy on the employment of professionals in Hong Kong, allowing those possessing special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available locally to work in Hong Kong, including journalistic work.
In handling each immigration case, the Immigration Department will consider the circumstances of the case and act in accordance with the laws and immigration policies.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a statement entitled "China Takes Countermeasures Against Restrictive Measures on Chinese Media Agencies in the US" setting out its position on the acts of the US side and the countermeasures adopted to reciprocate.
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