The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government does not implement, nor does it have the legal authority to take action on unilateral sanctions imposed by other jurisdictions.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made the statement in response to remarks by US Department of State officials in the media, noting that certain countries may impose unilateral sanctions against certain places based on their own considerations.

The statement said the Hong Kong SAR Government has been implementing and enforcing sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, but added that it does not implement unilateral sanctions imposed by other jurisdictions.

Nor does it have the legal authority to take action on such sanctions, it further stated.

As an international financial and trading centre and closely connected with the world market with the strong support from the motherland, Hong Kong has a distinctive status and advantages that are internationally recognised, the Hong Kong SAR Government said.

These strengths include the rule of law and implementation of the common law system, internationally-aligned regulatory regimes, a robust financial system, a transparent business environment, free flow of capital, a free trade and investment regime, a simple and competitive tax system as well as an efficient and clean government, it added.