The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it strongly disapproves of and condemns the US’ malicious attack through signing a memorandum which slanders Hong Kong’s rule of law, democracy and human rights situation, and extends and expands the Deferred Enforced Departure eligibility for certain Hong Kong residents in the US.

In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the US, having at least 21 pieces of laws about national security, is in no position to point its finger at Hong Kong’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will not fear any hegemonism and intimidation by external forces and firmly rejects their interference Hong Kong affairs, it stressed.

In addition to emphasising that the enactment and implementation of the National Security Law has plugged the loopholes in the city’s legal system to safeguard national security, enabling Hong Kong society to move on from chaos to order, and people’s livelihood and economic activities to return to normalcy, the Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that the city’s rise in world competitiveness rankings to be among the world’s top economies is the best testament to the fact that high-level security protection would underpin high-quality development.

Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the National Security Law have jointly established a comprehensive and effective system for building a strong line of defence to maintain Hong Kong’s security and stability, ensuring the effective protection of national security, as well as providing solid institutional safeguards to promote good governance.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that it will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

At the same time, it protects the legal interests, rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong in accordance with the law, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

The US government should immediately stop the malicious smears of and interference in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs, the Hong Kong SAR Government demanded.