In response to the so‑called 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US Department of State, which distorts facts to maliciously disparage the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s efforts and achievements in combating human trafficking, and smears the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a spokesperson for the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.

The spokesperson stated that the relevant US report is rife with subjective assumptions and political bias, draws conclusions from partial evidence, and has no credibility whatsoever. Adopting a zero‑tolerance stance, the HKSAR Government has been resolute, proactive and fully committed to combating human trafficking. It has put in place a full‑chain working system covering more than 50 relevant legal provisions, victim identification and assistance, law enforcement and prosecution, rights protection and personnel training, whose tangible outcomes speak for themselves. By contrast, the United States, a major hotspot for human trafficking, still labels itself a "Tier 1 country". No amount of whitewashing by the US can alter the hard facts that it is a key source, transit and destination country for forced labour.

The spokesperson emphasised that since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, Hong Kong has achieved a transition from chaos to stability and embarked on a new journey toward prosperity. Today’s Hong Kong enjoys social stability and order, and has re‑emerged as one of the safest cities in the world. Both the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance explicitly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The legitimate rights of local residents and non‑Chinese nationals in Hong Kong are fully guaranteed. Turning a blind eye to plain facts, the US side attempts to stigmatise Hong Kong’s national‑security legislation and Hong Kong’s positive development under the pretext of human‑trafficking issues. Hong Kong will never take the blame for such accusations.

The spokesperson pointed out that Hong Kong affairs fall within China’s internal affairs. No act of smearing and suppressing Hong Kong can hold back the steady progress of "One Country, Two Systems" and the sustained prosperity of Hong Kong. We urge the US to earnestly examine its deep‑seated domestic problems, engage in self‑reflection, abide by the principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations, immediately stop issuing such political show reports, and cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.