Government Slams 'alarmist' Foreign Politicians

The Hong Kong government late on Sunday hit out at criticism from foreign politicians who condemned the move by the National People's Congress to implement national security laws for the SAR.

More than 200 international politicans and policymakers from 23 countries signed a statement earlier on Sunday warning that the legislation underminded the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, while a top adviser to the White House warned of possible sanctions. The government's statement did not specify which politicians it was referring to.

"Every country has a right, and indeed a duty, to protect national security and sovereignty," the government said. "To suggest that our sovereign, China, does not have the right to legislate to protect national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region smacks of double standards and hypocrisy.

"Much of the criticism and commentary from politicians and pundits is no more than alarmist speculation and innuendo that completely ignore the constitutional reality that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China.

"As such, it cannot and must never become a base for subversive activities or organisations seeking to destabilise our country."

It said the law would target only "acts of secession, subversion, terrorist activities" and interference by "foreign or external forces". It also said the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulates that agreements on rights and freedoms "cannot undermine national security".

It added: "Sadly, and perhaps tellingly, those who claim to be acting in Hong Kong's best interests turn a blind eye to the explosives, petrol bombs, firearms, weapons, attacks on bystanders, wanton vandalism, online trolling and disinformation campaigns used by radical protesters and their hidden handlers to stoke fear and chaos and destabilise society. By doing so, their truly deceitful intentions are exposed."

The statement was released after hours of clashes between protesters who joined an unauthorised demonstration and police, who made more than 180 arrests.

In the early hours of Sunday Hong Kong time, an international group led by the last colonial governor, Chris Patten, issued a statement warning that the integrity of "One Country, Two Systems" was hanging by a thread.

On Sunday evening, the US national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, said the legislation was likely to result in sanctions from Washington.