HK government slams US sanctions on officials including justice minister and police chief

Hong Kong government on Tuesday strongly condemned the United States for imposing sanctions on six Hong Kong and mainland officials, calling it a blatant act of intimidation against those safeguarding national security.

"The attempt once again clearly exposed the US's barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions,” a government spokesperson said in a statement.

"Hong Kong despises such so-called sanctions and is not intimidated by such despicable behavior. SAR officials will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."

The administration also defended its legal actions against overseas-based activists wanted under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, stressing that arrest warrants were issued based on evidence of national security offenses -- not political speech.

The spokesperson also criticized the US for its history of "interfering in other nations’ affairs, instigating color revolutions, and causing global instability," contrasting it with Hong Kong’s legal measures to prevent foreign subversion.

This came as the US government announced sanctions on another six officials, citing their roles in “undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy”, and announced to freeze their US-based assets and prohibit Americans from engaging in transactions with them.

Those targeted include Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, Assistant Commissioner of Police of National Security Dick Wong Chung-chun and Margaret Chiu Wing-lan, Secretary-General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR Sonny Au Chi-kwong and Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong Dong Jingwei.

The SAR government's condemnation was echoed by China’s Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong and the Chinese Embassy in Washington, which accused the US of gross interference in China’s internal affairs and violating international law.

The Chinese Embassy in the US slammed Washington’s Hong Kong Policy Report, calling it a rehash of "groundless accusations" against Hong Kong’s rule of law and human rights conditions.    

The embassy also denounced the sanctions as a "severe violation of international law and basic norms of international relations."

The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong accused the US of smearing the "one country, two systems" principle and undermining Hong Kong’s legal system, democracy, and freedoms.

"The so-called sanctions reveal the US’ malicious intent to destabilize Hong Kong and contain China’s development," the office said, warning that Beijing would take "resolute countermeasures."

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok on Tuesday said the sanctions were based on untenable reasons and “have no impact” on him.

Lam defended the city’s national security law as in compliance with international law and fundamental principles of international relations, while the sanctions imposed by the US government are “an outright act of hegemonic bullying.”

“Our best response is to remain calm and resolute, working more united, diligently, and firmly to safeguard national security and interests, as well as the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong,” Lam said.

Vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies Tam Yiu-chung stated that the sanctions once again demonstrate the US government's bullying gesture, essentially acknowledging their role as the "master" of anti-China forces.

Tam, who was sanctioned before, admitted he faced some inconveniences after the sanctions. However, he said that individual inconveniences are insignificant in the face of national interests and reiterated that all actions taken to safeguard national security were correct.

Lawmaker and solicitor Maggie Chan Man-ki also criticized the sanctions as “double standards” and voiced back national security.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the sanctions, as its vice chairman Brave Chan Yung, Holden Chow Ho-ding and other members protested outside the US Consulate General in Hong Kong.

DAB highlighted that the city has entered a new phase of stability and prosperity under national security law, with a solid legal foundation and a favorable business environment.

Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong also condemned the US actions for disregarding Hong Kong's judicial independence and urged respect for the SAR government's responsibilities in maintaining national security.

(Ayra Wang)