Joephy Chan says since the implementation of the NSL, chaos has ended, order has been restored, and peace has returned

The slanderous “Hong Kong Conditions Report 2026”, released by the United States Department of State on April 16, caused no ripples. It is yet another political farce that turns facts on their head. The document is fraught with distorted interpretations of “one country, two systems”, baseless attacks on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s rule of law, and blatant interference in China’s internal affairs.

As a legislator, I have personally participated in the continuous improvement of governance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As a close witness to the reality on the ground, I am in a better position to conclude that this so-called report is not an objective assessment. It is a political tool built on predetermined conclusions.

The US report repeats the same old political rhetoric by maliciously attacking the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law (NSL) and related legislation, this despite the fact that the US maintains a vast and tightly woven national security legal framework, with at least 21 laws dedicated to safeguarding its national security. From imposing sanctions on foreign companies to exercising long-arm jurisdiction, its definition of “national security” is exceptionally broad and its enforcement strikingly forceful — arguably unmatched in the world. A country that has frequently invoked “national security” to suppress foreign firms such as Huawei and TikTok has no qualms about criticizing Hong Kong for undertaking necessary legislation to close its own security loopholes. This is just another textbook example of US hypocrisy and double standards.

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Since the implementation of the NSL, chaos has ended, order has been restored, and peace has returned, allowing Hong Kong’s residents to lead a normal live and businesses to thrive again. Hong Kong ranks third globally in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, regains the global first spot in initial public offering fundraising, and maintains a high overall ranking in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2025, continuing to outperform some of those Western countries that have frequently made unfounded criticisms of Hong Kong’s rule of law and human rights situation. These tangible achievements simply cannot be distorted by the ill-intentioned actors.

The US report’s attack on the case of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying is another example of its disregard for the rule of law. In court, Lai appeared in good physical and mental condition. He moved freely and fully participated in the legal proceedings. This stands in stark contrast to earlier portrayals of so-called “inhumane mistreatment”. The court conducted over 150 days of open hearings and examined more than 2,000 pieces of evidence. The defense was given ample opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and present arguments. Lai was also represented by a team of experienced senior counsels and fully exercised his legal rights. Yet the US deliberately ignores all of these facts.

The report is equally selective when it comes to Hong Kong’s democratic development. The SAR’s improved electoral system has brought an end to the chaos that once plagued the Legislative Council. It is no longer a stage for obstruction and confrontation. I have seen firsthand how the legislature has transformed. Debate in the chamber is more robust and thorough. Lawmakers can now concentrate on livelihood issues and policy improvements, rather than struggling with political theatrics staged by the antagonistic factions. This is a genuine enhancement in the quality of democracy.

Genuine democracy should serve the people. It is about effectively addressing the issues that matter most to the public — not the kind practiced in the US, which is often reduced to mere formality that fosters divisive, confrontational politics. In any event, the decision to launch a war against Iran without the prior endorsement of the US Congress is hardly a democratic one. It is such an irony for the US to speak of democracy nowadays.

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At its core, the report reflects anxiety among certain US politicians. They cannot accept a Hong Kong that remains prosperous and stable under the “one country, two systems” framework just because that reality demonstrates the resilience and effectiveness of China’s system. Unable to change the facts, they resort to disinformation and smear campaigns. But repeating falsehoods does not make them true. Hong Kong’s strong rule of law rankings, economic freedom, and global financial center status, as well as the growing sense of security among its residents, all serve as the strongest rebuttal of Washington politicans’ lies.

Hong Kong’s future is already clearly mapped out. It is written into China’s national development plans and buttressed by the dynamic growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will not be defined by fake reports cooked up by Washington politicians, whose arrogance and bigotry could only invite ridicule.

Under the executive-led political system, the Legislative Council continues to work pragmatically and efficiently. It supports and monitors government policy implementation while focusing on economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. It also plays an active role in integrating Hong Kong’s development into the national development strategy.

The author is a member of the Legislative Council and the UN Association of China.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.