Hong Kong opposes new US memo hitting security law

The government said the US’ move is “baseless and purely politically oriented.”

The government called out the US anew after it issued a memorandum that “smeared” the National Security Law (NSL).

The Biden administration had issued a memorandum deferring the removal of certain Hong Kong residents in the US, as it sees the “significant erosion of those rights and freedoms” in the city.

“We strongly object to the baseless and purely politically-oriented comments in the Memorandum smearing the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong National Security Law),” a government spokesman said.

This also followed a US advisory that claimed the NSL undermines the legal and regulatory environment in Hong Kong.

Read also: HK hits back at US 'unfounded' national security law claims

“The US has prolific laws on national security but chooses to smear the Hong Kong National Security Law out of political motivation. This is clear hypocrisy and demonstrates double standards,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman noted residents wanted for prosecution and have fled the city are considered “fugitive offenders.” The government also asserted that their actions are based on evidence and the law, instead of just political stance, background, or occupation.

"Endangering national security is a very serious crime. The damage is serious. It is only right for action to be taken to prevent, interdict, and suppress the act,” the spokesman also said.

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