The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly opposes and condemns the US Department of State for attempting to demonise actions taken in accordance with the law by the Hong Kong Police Force’s National Security Department.

It stressed that endangering national security is a very serious offence, and that no country will watch with folded arms when acts that endanger national security are committed.

In a statement, a Hong Kong SAR Government spokesperson said Hong Kong law enforcement agencies have been taking action based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law, and that these actions have nothing to do with the political views, backgrounds or occupations of the people and entities concerned

It added that attempts to exonerate people who have absconded from Hong Kong could not change the fact that these individuals are alleged to have committed offences under the National Security Law (NSL) that seriously endanger national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the listing as wanted persons individuals who are alleged to have committed offences under the NSL but who have absconded overseas, as well as further investigations and law enforcement actions against them, are entirely reasonable, rational, legal and necessary.

The statement also noted that Hong Kong residents enjoy rights and freedoms under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other relevant laws.

It said the NSL clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the city, adding that any law enforcement actions to safeguard national security will not affect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law.

The statement urged the US to discern fact from fallacy, stop its wanton slandering and smearing of the NSL, and refrain immediately from interfering with the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China and in Hong Kong matters.

It added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to implement the NSL fearlessly, resolutely, fully and faithfully, thereby preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities that endanger national security, so as to allow Hong Kong to advance steadily from stability to prosperity.