Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung speaks during the second reading of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on March 19, 2024. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Security Bureau of Hong Kong Special Administratvie Region government on Saturday strongly condemned the unfounded and biased remarks made by United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken that deliberately misled the public and smeared the SAR's new security law.

In a statement, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said Blinken’s remarks against the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance showed his “despicable political manoeuver and hypocrisy with double standards”.

Tang said the extraterritorial effect for the offenses endangering national security under the ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, and the common practice adopted in various countries and regions

 "Mr Blinken once again targeted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's work on safeguarding national security and made slandering, smearing, misleading and erroneous remarks against the ordinance,” Tang said.

“The HKSAR government strongly urges these foreign governments with ulterior motives to stop smearing and interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are internal affairs of China. It is incumbent upon foreign governments to ensure that their remarks concerning the ordinance are fair and just, and stop making scaremongering remarks," he added.

Tang said that, during the public consultation of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, 98.6 percent of the submissions of opinions showed support and gave positive comments, reflecting a strong consensus in society for the legislation.

 “The ordinance will not affect normal business operations and normal worldwide exchanges of local institutions, organizations and individuals,” Tang said.

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“Law-abiding persons (including US businessmen and enterprises in Hong Kong and US travelers visiting Hong Kong) will not engage in acts and activities endangering our national security and will not unwittingly violate the law," he added.

Tang said the extraterritorial effect for the offenses endangering national security under the ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, and the common practice adopted in various countries and regions.

“It can be seen that the national security laws of various countries, including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the Member States of the European Union, also have extraterritorial effect under the 'personality principle' and the 'protective principle',” he said.

Tang said the ordinance clearly specifies that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law, as well as the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, are to be protected in accordance with the law.

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He said Blinken neglected to this relevant provision and “lashed out wantonly, fully exposing his malicious intentions".

"Following the successful enactment of the ordinance, the shortcomings in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security are addressed,” Tang said.

“We must once again emphasize that the ordinance is a piece of legislation to defend against external forces that endanger our national security, acting like a sturdier door and a more effective door lock to defend our home,” he added.

Tang said it is incontrovertible that safeguarding national security will provide a better business environment for businesses operating in Hong Kong.

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“The HKSAR government will continue to safeguard national security fearlessly, so that the HKSAR can focus its efforts on developing the economy, improving people's livelihood and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” he said.