Last month marked the close of the public consultation on the legislative proposal for Article 23 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law. According to the official record, 98.64 percent of written submissions were in favor of the proposed legislation. This figure has not even taken into account the netizens and members of the public who support the legislation but have not submitted formal written statements.

While Hong Kong residents welcome the clear consultation results indicating that there is a consensus to complete the legislation as soon as possible, it seems that Gregory May, the US Consul General in Hong Kong and Macao, has chosen to disregard public opinion. His actions stand as another stark example of foreign interference and an attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

May’s recent interview with Bloomberg is not the first time he has spoken out of turn on Hong Kong affairs. He alleged that Hong Kong’s internet freedoms are being increasingly curtailed by such actions as taking down online content and blocking specific websites, which undermine the city’s status as an international financial center.

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However, the irony cannot be overlooked that Bloomberg, the organization interviewing May, operates without any problems in Hong Kong. With its main focus on financial news and data analysis, Bloomberg not only has an office in a premium office building in Central but also publishes a Chinese-language financial magazine available for sale across the city. The fact that Bloomberg’s operations, including publishing May’s interview with such absurd content about Hong Kong, are unaffected, stands as a testament that Hong Kong does not pose any barrier to sharing international financial information.

No matter what, Hong Kong, with strong public support, will enact the proposed Article 23 legislation to safeguard national security and the city’s prosperous future; foreign diplomats should respect the city’s legal processes and the voices of its residents

Even though the United States itself has dozens of laws to prevent foreign interference and safeguard national security, May seems to hold double standards for Hong Kong. His irresponsible remarks in the media interfere with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s affairs and its efforts to fulfill its constitutional duty to safeguard national security. Moreover, his comments on Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s case, which is ongoing, represent a severe departure from the basic professional ethics and behavior expected of consular officials, providing yet another example of US interference in Hong Kong’s affairs.

May’s negative comments on Hong Kong’s national security legislation are totally unfounded. The fact is, the HKSAR government has repeatedly emphasized that the proposed Article 23 legislation respects and protects all lawful rights and freedoms. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has also noted that the proposed Article 23 legislation is aimed at punishing a very small number of criminals who pose a severe threat to national security, assuring that the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the relevant international conventions applicable to Hong Kong will be respected and maintained by the proposed law. Additionally, the legal protection extends to all foreign citizens, investments and enterprises in Hong Kong.

In reality, the HKSAR government has organized nearly 30 consultation sessions to actively address concerns raised by participants on individual issues regarding the proposed Article 23 legislation. 

These consultation sessions attracted roughly 3,000 individuals, including representatives from local and international business communities, legal professionals, financiers, educators, journalists, representatives of national organizations and community groups, members of political parties and other related groups, as well as officials from foreign consulates in Hong Kong. 

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The overwhelming majority who were present in those consultation sessions also expressed their support for the proposed legislation.

Such clear and overwhelming public opinion should not be overlooked or misinterpreted. For the sake of decency and diplomatic niceties, the US consulate, and specifically May, should acknowledge the true sentiment held by expatriates in Hong Kong, respect the will of Hong Kong residents, and refrain from interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs or making further misguided remarks that may harm the city’s international reputation. No matter what, Hong Kong, with strong public support, will enact the proposed Article 23 legislation to safeguard national security and the city’s prosperous future; foreign diplomats should respect the city’s legal processes and the voices of its residents.

The author is the convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.