The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today again strongly condemned the US lawmakers requesting a review of a number of Hong Kong SAR Government officials, judges and prosecutors in a list of "sanctions" in an attempt to intimidate the Hong Kong SAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security as well as the unfounded and biased remarks which deliberately misled the public and smeared the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL).

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it is the constitutional duty of the Hong Kong SAR to safeguard national security. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states.

It pointed out that many common law jurisdictions, including western countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as Singapore, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. Turning a blind eye to the fact and making exaggerated remarks, the US politicians have demonstrated typical political hegemony and hypocrisy with double standards.

The statement elaborated that the implementation of the NSL in the past four years has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume as normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously.

It noted that in the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report, Hong Kong ranks as the world's freest economy among 165 economies. In the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, Hong Kong's ranking improved by two places to fifth globally.

However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts and even clamour for “sanctions” against the Hong Kong SAR personnel who dutifully safeguard national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned their political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.

The statement also pointed out that the Hong Kong SAR despises any “sanctions” and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urged the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs.

Additionally, it said the Hong Kong SAR’s judicial system has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong SAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the Hong Kong SAR’s rule of law.

It highlighted that making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated the Hong Kong SAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the “one country, two systems” principle.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL, 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, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems,” it added.