Foreign Ministry office slams US for disparaging HK's business environment

The Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong has condemned the US State Department's so-called "2025 Investment Climate Statements," calling it a repetition of smear tactics against Hong Kong's national security laws and business environment. It expressed strong condemnation and firm opposition.

A spokesperson stated that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong's prosperity and stability have been better guaranteed, and the foundation for its governance and revitalization has strengthened. Hong Kong currently maintains its top position as the world's freest economy, has returned to the top three in global competitiveness rankings, and ranks fourth globally in talent attractiveness, all significantly higher than the United States. Hong Kong's appeal as an ideal destination for investment continues to grow, and the "one country, two systems" principle is steadily advancing in the right direction.

The spokesperson stated that the US frequently wields tariffs and sanctions, imposes restrictions on international investment and trade, charges high fees for talent visas, and arbitrarily detains foreign employees of enterprises, making it unqualified to criticize Hong Kong's business environment.

The spokesperson emphasized that the US has significant economic interests in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, the US trade surplus with Hong Kong has exceeded $270 billion, the highest among its global trading partners. Currently, nearly 1,400 American companies are investing in Hong Kong. By repeatedly politicizing and instrumentalizing economic and trade issues, and exaggerating so-called risks for foreign businesses in Hong Kong, the US severely disrupts and undermines normal exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the US, making it a disruptor and saboteur of Hong Kong's business environment.

China urges the US to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law, lift sanctions on Hong Kong, and cease all forms of interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal matters.