This file photo taken on Nov 17, 2016 shows 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 in Central. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Saturday expressed firm opposition and severe condemnation towards the US side for attacking HKSAR's Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
 

A spokesperson for the office condemned the irresponsible remarks made by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other US officials and politicians on HKSAR's Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which was gazetted and came into effect on Saturday.

The spokesperson pointed out that the human rights and democracy situation in the United States is appalling, and the US side is almost obsessed with the abuse of the concept of national security to suppress other countries

The spokesperson stressed that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of the "one country, two systems" policy. Safeguarding national security means safeguarding "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. The entry into force of the ordinance will further consolidate the security foundation of Hong Kong's development, which is highly supported by Hong Kong society.

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The spokesperson pointed out that the ordinance has fully drawn on the legislative experience of other countries, especially common law countries, and is in line with international law and common practice.

The ordinance fully protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, as well as the normal activities of foreign institutions and personnel in Hong Kong, which is conducive for Hong Kong to better ensure security and development, as well as deepen exchanges and cooperation with other areas, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson pointed out that the human rights and democracy situation in the United States is appalling, and the US side is almost obsessed with the abuse of the concept of national security to suppress other countries.

The US side is obsessed with spreading ideological bias on Hong Kong-related issues, and uses sanctions and pressure at every turn, the spokesperson said, adding that such practices have exposed its hypocrisy, double standards, bullying and ill intentions.

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No external interference and intimidation can shake the Chinese government's firm determination to fully and accurately implement "one country, two systems" or the firm will of the Chinese people including Hong Kong people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, the spokesperson said.

The office strongly urged the US side to abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations and immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs, including Hong Kong affairs.