Hanscom Smith, the U.S. consul general in Hong Kong and Macau, whose term expires this year, said in his farewell speech that the Chinese government has imposed a national security law in Hong Kong, weakening Hong Kong's autonomy, and vaguely defining "national security" to create an atmosphere of fear and coercion , urging Beijing to re-establish the fundamental rights and freedoms it promised Hong Kong people.
The spokesperson of the SAR government issued a response in the early morning today (12th), pointing out that the comments on the "Hong Kong National Security Law" in the speech are unfair allegations and do not match the facts.
The spokesman pointed out that Article 4 of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) shall respect and protect human rights in safeguarding national security, and protect Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ("Hong Kong SAR"). Covenant) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights applicable to Hong Kong with the relevant provisions of the rights and freedoms, including freedom of assembly, procession and demonstration.
However, some of the rights and freedoms recognized in the Covenant are not absolute and may be restricted for reasons such as safeguarding national security and/or public order.
This principle also applies in all countries or places (including Hong Kong).
The spokesman also pointed out that the four categories of crimes endangering national security stipulated in the "Hong Kong National Security Law" are clearly defined.
These offences are also similar to those under the national security laws of other jurisdictions.
The spokesman said that the "Hong Kong National Security Law" has enabled Hong Kong to change from chaos to governance, ensure the stable and long-term implementation of "one country, two systems", and ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and will continue to guard against any acts that endanger national security.
Any person or organization, regardless of background, will be punished for breaking the law.
U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau: It is not in anyone’s interest to change Hong Kong to another mainland city
