The spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR strongly disapproved and firmly rejected the irresponsible comments made by politicians from the US State Department, some congressional organizations, the US Consulate General in Hong Kong, and the British Foreign Secretary, who smeared Hong Kong police’s effort to bring to justice eight leading anti-China agitators who have absconded overseas, including Kevin Yam, slandered the National Security Law for the HKSAR, and meddled with the rule of law and law enforcement in the SAR.

The spokesperson pointed out that Kevin Yam and other seven suspects have long been engaging in anti-China activities, incited or even attempted to split the country and subvert state power by force, colluded with external forces to “sell out Hong Kong for vainglory” and sought their own political gains at the cost of the 7.5 million Hong Kong citizens. After fleeing overseas, they continued to spread political rumors related to China and Hong Kong and the narrative of “Hong Kong independence”, and called on external forces to intervene or even sanction Hong Kong, which challenged the authority of the national security law and the bottom line of the principle of “one country, two systems”, and seriously endangered national sovereignty, security and development interests. Their actions are shameful and they must be held accountable.

The spokesperson said that laws must be enforced, and law-breakers held to justice. It is in line with international law and global practice for Hong Kong police to enforce laws against overseas anti-China criminals according to the provision of “protective jurisdiction”. It is a natural action to safeguard the rule of law and social justice in Hong Kong, a legitimate action to fulfil Hong Kong’s constitutional responsibilities and implement the national security law, and a necessary action to consolidate the achievements of Hong Kong’s transformation from chaos to stability and to ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong. The action of Hong Kong police reflects the consensus and aspirations of Hong Kong society.

The spokesperson pointed out that some foreign politicians point a finger at Hong Kong for proper law enforcement to safeguard national security, but never mention the fact that their own national security legislation is rigorous and that they abuse the concept of national security very often. They criticize the “protective jurisdiction” provision, a global common rule, in the National Security Law for the HKSAR, but impose long-arm jurisdiction and illegal unilateral sanctions to suppress dissidents, which only further exposes their hypocrisy and double standard.

The spokesperson reiterated that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the paramount principle of “one country, two systems”. Actions for safeguarding national security are natural and necessary and brook no external interference. We advise the leading anti-China agitators who have absconded overseas stop the wishful thinking of borrowing the strength of foreign influence and getting immunity. We urge external forces to immediately stop protecting criminals or cultivating pawns to disrupt Hong Kong and contain China!