Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung meets the press ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting at the Central Government Offices, Hong Kong, Nov 10, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG/CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday said it strongly opposed the so-called "sanctions" announced by the United States against four central government and HKSAR officials.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the HKSAR government said it is not intimidated by such “despicable behavior”, and will resolutely continue to implement the National Security Law.

HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung earlier said that the so-called sanctions were “unacceptable” and “barbaric interference” in the HKSAR’s internal affairs.

"The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, and a local administrative region which enjoys a high degree of autonomy and comes directly under the (central government),” an HKSAR government spokesperson was quoted as saying in the statement.

"The duty to safeguard national security is an immense responsibility, protecting the life and interests of the 7.5 million Hong Kong people as well as the 1.4 billion mainlanders. The HKSAR government will continue to safeguard national security without fear," the spokesperson added.

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The US announced on Tuesday the sanctions against Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) Edwina Lau Chi-wai, Senior Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah of the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force, and two heads of central government agencies responsible for Hong Kong affairs, on the grounds that the HKSAR implemented the National Security Law.

The spokesperson said the US move will undermine Hong Kong-US relations “at various levels, and is resented by many people locally and around the world."

We've stated our position clearly when the first batch of officials was sanctioned, that is absolutely unacceptable.

Matthew Cheung, Acting Chief Executive, HKSAR

The spokesperson noted that Article 4 of the National Security Law specified that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR while the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and international covenants are also protected.  

"These legal provisions as well as the rule of law and the independent judiciary in the HKSAR are clearly ignored by relevant US officials who have chosen to make unsubstantiated and sweeping comments," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the Hong Kong Police have a statutory duty to maintain public safety and public order.

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“The arrests made by the police were based on evidence and strictly according to the laws in force. If there is evidence showing that anyone has violated the law, he or she must face justice regardless of his or her social status or background,” the spokesperson said.

Speaking to the media before attending the Executive Council meeting earlier on Tuesday, Cheung said that it is incumbent on the HKSAR officials to safeguard national security and it is the obligation of Hong Kong people to do so. He described the US action as absolutely unreasonable and unacceptable.

“We've stated our position clearly when the first batch of officials was sanctioned, that is absolutely unacceptable,” Cheung said, adding that the US' move was "blatant" and "barbaric" interference in the internal affairs of the central government and the HKSAR.

He also said that the sanctions were a clear breach of international practice and international law.

Cheung stepped in for Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor who headed to Macao on Monday to attend a technology and innovation forum scheduled for Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Lau said it is her pride and honor to be the head of the National Security Department of the police force. She stressed that the attempt of the United States to undermine the police force's efforts in safeguarding national security through imposing the so-called sanctions on her will be in vain. She will not fear and will continue to steadfastly safeguard the security of the country, of which the HKSAR is one part.

Li said that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of police personnel in all places and he would continue to work diligently in this regard. He stressed that it is his lifelong duty and honor to serve the police force and protect Hong Kong. The unfair US sanctions will not shake his determination to enforce the law.

The United States announced on Aug 8 to impose so-called sanctions on 11 officials of the Chinese central authorities and the HKSAR government, citing the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong as the reason.

With inputs from Xinhua