This undated photo shows the Central Government Offices at Tamar, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has strongly objected to an annual report newly released by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, saying that the report is biased, politically motivated and not reflecting the truth.

READ MORE: US report on security law, ‘one country, two systems’ refuted

In a statement issued late Friday, a spokesman for the HKSAR government said safeguarding national security through legislation is in line with international practice.

Contrary to the erroneous allegations that the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR undermines the "one country, two systems" framework, the country has the right to legislate for this matter under “one country, two systems".

“Every country has laws and duty to safeguard its national security and sovereignty. The international community should not adopt a double standard.”

Law enforcement actions taken by police were based on evidence and strictly according to the laws in force, and regardless of the suspects’ political background or stance.

Spokesman, HKSAR govt

The allegation that the offences under the National Security Law are vaguely defined is simply untrue, the spokesman said. 

“The National Security Law clearly stipulates four types of offences endangering national security and the penalties. Law-abiding people, including Hong Kong residents and overseas tourists/investors, will not unwittingly violate the law.”

The spokesman said taking people who have contravened the law to justice is the duty of every government, and where the offence concerns national security, the interests of the country and every citizen are at stake.

ALSO READ: US interference in HK affairs strongly condemned

“This national obligation should be fully respected in the international arena,” he added.

Since the National Security Law’s implementation, street violence has subsided and stability has been restored in Hong Kong, the spokesman said. The legitimate rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people have been upheld and criminals are brought to justice through the city’s independent judiciary. “A stable environment is vitally important to the prosperity of Hong Kong and the business activities of both local and overseas enterprises here,” the spokesman said.

In respect of the Hong Kong police’s enforcement actions, the spokesman said police have a statutory duty to maintain public safety and public order.

ALSO READ: Foreign Ministry calls for US to stop interference in HK

“Law enforcement actions taken by police were based on evidence and strictly according to the laws in force, and regardless of the suspects’ political background or stance,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman also said the freedom of the press in Hong Kong is guaranteed under the Basic Law. “On condition of not affecting police operations, police have all along been assisting in media reporting, so that both sides can perform their respective functions on the basis of mutual understanding and respect,” the spokesman said.