The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong condemnation over the vandalism committed on the premises of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (ETO) in London.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that on August 29, London time, offenders, under the cover of darkness, sprayed indecent and offensive language on the entrance of the London ETO, and defiled the Hong Kong SAR regional emblem.

Apart from pointing out that the London ETO has notified local police accordingly, it stressed that the vandals must face legal consequences as soon as possible.

It also emphasised that such vandalism is an outright challenge to the Hong Kong SAR Government and reflected the nefarious intentions of destabilising foreign forces to cause chaos and disruption in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it must strongly condemn such acts and will pursue legal liability of the individuals involved.

As such, it called on the British police to handle the matter seriously, and apprehend the culprits with proactive and appropriate actions.

British police are urged to act in accordance with its obligation to safeguard the London ETO’s property and its staff’s personal safety, thereby ensuring that the office can operate without illegal or undue interference.

The Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development has contacted the British Consul-General in Hong Kong to express his deep concern about the incident, and requested the British police to take action to protect the legal rights and interests of the London ETO.

The Consul-General undertook to reflect the matter to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and London police, and follow up as appropriate, the statement added.