It is unhelpful to speculate on the content of the national security legislation or spread rumours and fear about a law to safeguard national security, which is within the purview of the state, the Government said.

It made the statement tonight in response to a May 26 statement by the US Chamber of Commerce on the national security law, and a similar statement by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on May 22.

The statement noted that a draft decision to introduce national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is under deliberation at the National People’s Congress during its ongoing annual session.

“It is therefore unhelpful at this stage to speculate on the content of the legislation or spread rumours and fear about a law to safeguard national security, which as in any other country, is within the purview of the state.”

As stipulated in the draft decision, the proposed law only targets acts of secession, subverting state power, organising and carrying out terrorist activities, as well as activities interfering with the Hong Kong SAR’s internal affairs by foreign or external forces.

“The vast majority of law-abiding Hong Kong residents, including overseas investors, have nothing to fear.”

The Government reiterated that nothing in the proposed national security law will jeopardise the “one country, two systems” principle or erode the institutions that underpin Hong Kong’s success as an international city, including the rule of law and an independent judiciary, among others.

“All of the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people and international investors will remain unchanged.”

The Government emphasised that the national security law will ensure that Hong Kong does not become a base for subversion and instability, but rather a safe, stable and welcoming city for people from all over the world.

“Any unilateral change of US policy towards Hong Kong would create a negative impact on relations between the two sides as well as harm the US’ own interests,” it added.