The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly deplored and opposed a statement issued by the US Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on the National Security Law.

In its response, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the statement incorrectly and inappropriately commented that this law would affect Hong Kong residents' freedom of speech.

Noting that safeguarding national security through legislation is in line with international practice, the Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the National Security Law only targets four types of acts and activities which endanger national security. The majority of Hong Kong residents who are law-abiding, including overseas investors, are not affected.

As for the US, it has at least 20 laws safeguarding national security and sovereignty. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the US' inappropriate comments smack of political manipulation and double standards and are a gross interference in China's internal affairs as well as a grave violation of basic norms governing international relations.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the National Security Law was enacted to ensure the resolute, full and faithful implementation of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.

Hong Kong's capitalist system, high degree of autonomy and legal system will not be affected, while the executive, legislative, independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, will also remain unchanged.

Additionally, the law does not affect the legitimate rights of Hong Kong residents to exercise freedom of speech, including criticising government policies or policies and decisions made by officials, as well as freedom of information, academic freedom, policy studies, personal data privacy and general business activities.

Given that Hong Kong has frequent exchanges and close liaison with other countries, regions and international organisations, the Hong Kong SAR Government assured such normal exchanges are protected by the Basic Law and the laws of Hong Kong and they are different from those regulated by the National Security Law.