This Nov 17, 2016 photo shows the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Central. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has firmly opposed the so-called "investment climate statements" issued by the US state department which smeared the National Security Law for Hong Kong.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the office said the US move had violated international law and basic norms governing international relations, grossly interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs at large.
The National Security Law has put an end to the “Hong Kong independence”, “black violence” and “mutual destruction”, restoring the social order in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.
Facts have shown that the National Security Law has safeguarded China’s national security, Hong Kong’s social stability and tranquility for Hong Kong people. US saying of the National Security Law impacting Hong Kong’s business environment is just a lie.
Spokesperson, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the HKSAR
“Foreign investors, including US investors, feel more secure and confident in operating in Hong Kong,” the spokesperson said.
Over the past year, important economic indicators such as the amount of IPO funds raised in Hong Kong and the total deposits in Hong Kong’s banking system have increased substantially. International financial institutions have hired more staff in Hong Kong, and the International Monetary Fund also issued a report reaffirming Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center.
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“Facts have shown that the National Security Law has safeguarded China’s national security, Hong Kong’s social stability and tranquility for Hong Kong people,” the spokesperson said.
“US saying of the National Security Law impacting Hong Kong’s business environment is just a lie.”
The US side has been talking about safeguarding the rule of law in Hong Kong, but it pressured and coerced the independent performance of duties of law enforcement and judicial authorities in Hong Kong. It also tried to whitewash criminals and put political manipulation above the law.
“This kind of logic is ridiculous,” the spokesperson noted.
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The spokesperson stressed that since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the principles of “one country, two systems,” Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy have been effectively implemented.
“We believe that with the in-depth implementation of the National Security Law and the improvement of Hong Kong’s electoral system, with the advancement of the 14th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s greater integration into the overall development of China, Hong Kong will be safer, freer, more democratic and more harmonious,” the spokesperson said.
“We urge the US side to manage its own affairs, bring in mind its own interests and image, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs in any form.”