Macau dismisses suggestion high-profile Americans were barred in retaliation against Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
- Security chief says entry decisions based on ‘safety risks and threats’, calls alternative theory ‘speculation’
- Chairman and president of American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong denied access to Macau on Saturday
Macau’s security minister has dismissed suggestions its refusal to allow the leaders of a Hong Kong-based American business group into the city was in retaliation against United States legislation backing anti-government protesters.
Speaking at a public event in Macau on Sunday, he insisted “safety risks and threats” were the only considerations in such decisions, adding he only learned about the case through the media.
The business chiefs were separately prevented from entering the city, which is part of China but promised a high degree of autonomy, as they travelled to the annual AmCham Macau Ball on Saturday.
Defending the right of countries and territories to enforce their immigration policy, Wong said: “Police have the responsibility to ensure Macau’s safety, and the same principle applies to port control.
“When [police immigration officers] carry out duties according to laws, the identities and occupations of the persons entering Macau are not their consideration. Safety risks and threats are the only considerations.”
Wong offered no further explanation for why the two AmCham leaders were refused entry, insisting he only knew about the decisions through the media and would not comment on individual cases.
The incident came as Macau, a former Portuguese colony, prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its handover to China later this month.