Senior Superintendent Hung Ngan of the Hong Kong Police Force's National Security Department attends a press conference on the HK$1 million bounty for each of the eight fugitives wanted for violating the National Security Law for Hong Kong on July 3, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday firmly rejected foreign politicians’ interference in, and condemnation of the SAR’s police’s lawful act of putting eight Hong Kong fugitives on the wanted list for endangering national security.

Hong Kong police on Monday announced a HK$1 million ($127,633) reward for the arrest of each of the eight fugitives wanted for endangering national security after the court approved the issuance of arrest warrants against them. They comprise three exiled former lawmakers and five other people who have allegedly advocated separatism and sought foreign sanctions against Hong Kong.

Even after fleeing overseas, the fugitives have continued to spread political rumors and advocate “Hong Kong independence”, actively encouraging foreign interference in the SAR’s affairs, and sanctions against Hong Kong

A group of overseas politicians and organizations, including a spokesperson for the US Department of State, relevant congressional bodies, the US Consulate General in Hong Kong, and the British foreign secretary, have since criticized the arrest warrants and openly slandered the National Security Law for Hong Kong.

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A spokesperson for the commissioner’s office in the HKSAR strongly rebuked the behavior of overseas governments and politicians, pointing out that the eight fugitives have long been engaged in actions that jeopardize national security. The activists have also incited the public to split the country and overthrow the SAR and central governments by violent means, and colluded with external forces to disrupt Hong Kong for personal political gains.

Even after fleeing overseas, the fugitives have continued to spread political rumors and advocate “Hong Kong independence”, actively encouraging foreign interference in the SAR’s affairs, and sanctions against Hong Kong.

Such behaviors openly challenged the authority of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the bottom line of “one country, two systems”, posing a grave threat to national sovereignty, security, and development interests, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hong Kong police have acted in accordance with the law by pursuing these anti-China disruptors, and also in line with international law and common practices. It’s a legitimate move by the SAR to safeguard national security, protect the rule of law, and uphold social justice.

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The spokesperson reiterated that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the supreme principle of “one country, two systems”, and no external interference will be tolerated.