Secretary for Security strongly objects to misleading remarks on Hong Kong National Security Law upon anniversary of the Law

     The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, today (July 17) made the following statement in response to the latest actions by the US Government against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and its grossly misleading and incorrect remarks regarding the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Law).

     Endangering national security is a very serious crime. The damage is serious. It is only right for action to be taken to prevent, interdict and suppress the act. That notwithstanding, the Hong Kong National Security Law upholds the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, clearly stipulating that the HKSAR shall protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong in accordance with the law.

     Freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication are among the rights and freedoms explicitly mentioned in Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law as being protected in accordance with Hong Kong laws.

     Any law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law, for the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

     Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law on June 30, 2020, the US Government has exploited every incident and excuse to make slandering remarks about the Hong Kong National Security Law and attack the authorities of the People's Republic of China and the HKSAR in their dutiful, faithful and lawful implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The accusations are unfounded and have simply twisted facts without credible substantiation. The US Government's latest claim that the imposition of the so-called "sanctions" and issue of a "business advisory" were in response to the enactment and enforcement of the Hong Kong National Security Law is a lame excuse that could hardly stand up to challenge.

     The Hong Kong National Security Law has reverted the chaotic situation in Hong Kong seen in the 10 months or so from June 2019, whereby violent acts are substantially reduced, external forces are observed to have diminished, and advocacy of "Hong Kong independence" continues to subside. It provides the much needed security and stability for our economy and people's livelihood to revive and for businesses to prosper. The HKSAR Government will continue to discharge its duty to safeguard national security in Hong Kong in accordance with the law.