Beijing hits back at US criticism of Hong Kong’s Article 23 domestic security law, vows to fully implement ‘one country, two systems’
- Hong Kong’s justice minister, security chief also stress subsidiary legislation under new law will not lead to cases being tried in mainland China
- Beijing’s foreign ministry arm in Hong Kong slams remarks from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Congressional-Executive Commission on China
The Chinese foreign ministry’s arm in Hong Kong responded to criticism of the law by top US diplomat Antony Blinken and American lawmakers, saying it strongly opposed and condemned their remarks.
“Any external interference and intimidation will not shake the Chinese government’s firm determination to fully implement one country, two systems,” a spokesman for the commissioner’s office of China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong said on Saturday.
“It will not shake the firm will of the 1.4 billion Chinese citizens, which include our Hong Kong compatriots, to protect our national sovereignty, safety and development interests.”
The new ordinance – a requirement under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution – would accelerate Hong Kong’s progress from stability to prosperity, and allow it to harness its unique advantages and status, he added.
The spokesman also questioned the human rights situation in the United States, noting the country had its own stringent national security laws.