Beijing slams Western nations for ‘smears and attacks’ against Hong Kong’s domestic national security law

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hits out at statements made by UK and EU after Hong Kong’s legislature passes Article 23 law

‘Any attacks and smears against the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will never succeed, and are doomed to fail,’ ministry spokesman says

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The national flag flies outside the commissioner’s office of China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong. Photo: Warton Li

Published: 11:43am, 20 Mar 2024Updated: 12:42am, 21 Mar 2024

Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have slammed Western nations, especially Britain, for their vocal opposition to the newly passed domestic national security law and the central government warned critics that attempts to undermine the legislation were “doomed to fail”.

The war of words erupted just hours after the “patriots-only” Hong Kong legislature unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, mandated under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, but which had been shelved for more than two decades after massive public opposition.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its strong disapproval on Wednesday over the “smears and attacks” from Western nations, expressing its firm opposition to any external interference in Hong Kong matters.

“Chinese authorities strongly disapprove of and firmly reject the smearing by certain countries and organisations against the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has attacked the city’s just-passed domestic national security legislation. Photo: Reuters

He said the law had drawn from similar legislation overseas and was beneficial to the city’s development and security, enabling Hong Kong to leverage its unique status and strengthen its cooperation with various regions.