This photo dated Nov 12, 2020 shows a corner inside the Legislative Council building, Hong Kong. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region firmly opposed a so-called memorandum issued by the US government in relation to "an extension and expansion of the deferral of removal of certain Hong Kong residents who are present in the United States".
In response to a memorandum issued by the White House on Thursday to the US secretary of state and the US secretary of homeland security with the subject, "Extending and Expanding Eligibility for Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Residents, the HKSAR government expressed its strong disapproval. It urged the US government to "immediately stop any acts against the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in the affairs of the HKSAR".
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The HKSAR govt urged the US government to "immediately stop any acts against the basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in the affairs of the HKSAR"
A spokesman said, "We firmly oppose the US government's baseless smearing in the so-called memorandum against the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). The US government clearly stated that its latest actions are in its 'foreign policy interest' without any attempt to disguise its motives, demonstrating sinister intentions and hegemonic bullying. National security is a matter within the purview of the Central Authorities. It is the responsibility and right of every country to safeguard its national security. The US has many laws on national security, but chooses to continue to wantonly smear the NSL and ignore the fact that the implementation of the NSL has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to resume as normal, and the business environment to be restored. Clearly, this is hypocrisy out of political motivation with double standards, and a despicable manoeuvre with politics prevailing over the law.
"All law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the people, institutions or organisations concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The US Government's criticisms of Hong Kong's law enforcement actions are malicious fabrication.
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Noting that the "NSL upholds the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, clearly stipulating that the HKSAR shall protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong in accordance with the law," it pointed out that, "nonetheless, such rights and freedoms are not absolute".
The HKSAR govt described the US government's remarks about the rights and freedoms in Hong Kong as "totally unfounded."