Beijing hits out again at US business advisory over ‘heightened risk’ in Hong Kong
Advisory warns that Hong Kong authorities could attempt to use national security law’s ‘broadly defined offences’ to prosecute those engaging in ‘routine business activities’
Beijing has again condemned the US for “smearing Hong Kong’s business environment” with its latest warning about heightened risks for firms operating in the city, while the largest American chamber in the financial hub has said it would assist members in “assessing the risks and opportunities”.
At a press conference on Monday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs office spokeswoman Mao Ning criticised the updated Hong Kong Business Advisory issued by Washington three days ago, which claimed the city’s domestic security law could pose new and heightened risks for individuals and companies.
“[The US] groundlessly defamed Hong Kong’s national security legislation and smeared Hong Kong’s business environment,” she said. “China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this.”
Mao said Hong Kong ’s rule of law and business environment had notably improved after the enactment of the Beijing-imposed security law and the domestic one known as Article 23, which had fortified the groundwork for long-term prosperity and stability.
“The US should acknowledge the objective facts, respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law, and exercise caution in their statements and actions concerning Hong Kong,” she added.
Her rebuttal was the foreign ministry arm’s second response in three days over the business advisory. Last Saturday, the office labelled the US as a “disrupter, spoiler and destroyer” of the city’s stability and prosperity, while demanding that Washington lift all sanctions.