The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Friday issued a strong rebuttal to the United States’ “2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report”, accusing Washington of spreading falsehoods, smearing the city’s governance, and interfering in China’s internal affairs.
In a sharply worded statement, an SAR government spokesperson said the administration “strongly condemns and rejects” what it called slanderous and politically motivated attacks on Hong Kong, reaffirming that the “one country, two systems” framework continues to be implemented successfully.
The US Department of State on Thursday submitted the report on Hong Kong’s “conditions” throughout 2025, claiming that the city’s implementation of national security laws and other policies has “engaged in transnational repression of US citizens” and directly threatens US interests.
The SAR government said the US report distorted the reality in Hong Kong and was aimed at advancing American geopolitical interests. It said Washington had once again “replaced the rule of law with political manipulation”, while attempting to undermine the city’s stability and prosperity.
“The HKSAR government strongly demands that the US immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs,” the spokesperson said.
A major focus of the government’s response was the US report’s criticism of civil liberties and press freedom in Hong Kong. The spokesperson said the report selectively cited figures and twisted facts to deny the city’s commitment to protecting the residents’ lawful rights and freedoms.
The statement turned the criticism back on the US, arguing that the US’ own media environment has become increasingly hostile. It cited figures showing that in 2025, more than 30 journalists were arrested in the US and more than 170 violent incidents against journalists were recorded, with 90 percent allegedly involving law enforcement officers. US officials were accused of barring some media outlets from press events, verbally abusing reporters, and threatening prosecution against news organizations.
The statement further addressed criticism of Hong Kong police efforts to pursue national security suspects living overseas. It said police have a duty to seek accountability from absconders accused of endangering national security, including those now based in the US and other Western countries. The statement said arrest warrants were sought lawfully, and that all legitimate means will be used to secure the return of those wanted to Hong Kong for judicial proceedings.
The spokesperson argued such actions are consistent with practices used by many countries, including the US, and accused Washington of hypocrisy for criticizing Hong Kong while itself exercising extraterritorial powers and sanctions.
“In fact, … the US has even conducted cross-border military operations to apprehend foreign leaders, undermining the United Nations Charter's principle of nonintervention. The US is the real perpetrator of 'transnational repression' in its abuse of long-arm jurisdiction and sanctions,” the statement said. It referenced the US military strike in Venezuela and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in January.
The 4,000-word statement also elaborated on Hong Kong’s work in areas that include safeguarding national security, upholding the rule of law, improving the electoral system, and promoting national education.
On the same day, the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of and firm opposition to the US move.
A spokesperson said the “so-called 2026 Hong Kong Policy Act Report”, filled with falsehoods, fallacies and political bias, once again exposed what it described as the US’ hegemonic conduct and ulterior motive of using the Hong Kong SAR to contain China.
The office added that any attempt to undermine the city’s hard-won stability would never be accepted by the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots. “We urge the US to abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and to immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form,” the spokesperson said.
