Carrie Lam shrugs off 'self-serving ' US sanctions

The US President Donald Trump's administration used so-called sanctions against some Chinese officials to serve own interests,  Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has told state media.

The U.S. imposed sanctions against heads of Chinese government agencies responsible for Hong Kong affairs and officials including Lam.

When asked what the U.S. is trying to convey through sanctions, Lam said "By now I think it's quite clear that all this is part of a ploy of the U.S. administration for their self-serving interest."

"Hong Kong is ready point for them to do such a thing because we are such an open society and we have a small portion of people who tend to be more radical and critical of the government of the mainland," she added.

She voiced strong opposition against such U.S. acts, saying it should be condemned not only by people of Hong Kong but also the international community.

Because of the sanctions, she said she may face some inconvenience when using some financial services.

However, Lam called the sanctions meaningless. From her perspective, the most important thing is that she and other officials feel honored at this historical moment being trusted by the central government to enforce a piece of national law to safeguard national security.

She said the more attacks they meet means the more effective the legislation is, adding that she and her colleagues are determined to continue their work and won't be intimidated.

Referrign to the postponement of the Legislative Councilelection, Lam said she knew she could face speculation about the decision since the participation is always high and Hong Kong society is now going through highly politicized and very polarized situation.

However she stressed "nothing is more important than people's life."

As more than 4,500 patients have been reported since coronavirus outbreak, Lam said she cannot take risk people's lives and safety.

She believes it is a right and responsible decision to postpone the Legco poll so as to ensure a safe and fair election.