The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong opposition to the remarks contained in the so-called Hong Kong Policy Act Report issued by US State Department.

In a statement issued this evening, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the so-called Hong Kong Policy Act and sanctions imposed by the US Government are clearly an interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China, on the pretext of human rights, democracy and autonomy.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly objects to the comments in the report smearing the National Security Law, reiterating that national security is a matter within the purview of the central authorities. Enacting laws on national security with extraterritorial effect is also squarely in line with international practice.

It pointed out that smearing the National Security Law out of political motivation is clear hypocrisy in adopting double standards.

It also emphasised that no one has any privilege to break the law without facing legal consequences. The National Security Law, like any law in the Hong Kong SAR, applies equally to every person in the city and no one is above the law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it is appalled by remarks in the report that seemed to suggest that people with a certain political background should be immune to legal sanctions.

As for the comments on the postponement of the Legislative Council General Election, the statement reiterated that such a move is entirely based on public health grounds.

It also noted that the decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the qualification of LegCo members is a constitutional, lawful and reasonable arrangement. It is necessary and complies with the relevant stipulations of the Basic Law.

The report also expressed concerns on Hong Kong’s judicial independence. The statement made it clear that the constitutional duty of judges, in the exercise of their judicial power, is to apply the law and nothing else. Such duty does not change when judges decide cases arising from or involving political controversies.