HONG KONG - China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Thursday strongly condemned US Consul General in Hong Kong Gregory May for totally disregarding the spirit of the rule of law by making untrue and biased remarks to deliberately mislead the public and smear the national security law in Hong Kong and the work of the HKSAR safeguarding national security.

A spokesperson for the HKSAR government pointed out that in accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice.

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With at least 21 pieces of laws in the US safeguarding national security, US politicians have displayed hypocrisy and exposed their double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while entirely disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and protection of human rights, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson emphasized that nearly five years having passed since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

The spokesperson said that as the legal proceedings of the case involving Jimmy Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. The HKSAR government strongly urged US politicians to immediately stop interfering in the HKSAR's internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the HKSAR.

The spokesperson said that extraterritorial effect for offences under the national security law in Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligned with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.

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The spokesperson stressed the HKSAR government steadfastly safeguards rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law.

The HKSAR government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the national security law in Hong Kong, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems".