Paul Chan Condemns Latest US Report

Financial Secretary Paul Chan late on Thursday condemned the latest report on Hong Kong affairs from the US State Department, accusing Washington of again attempting to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.

Washington published its annual Investment Climate Statement on the SAR days after issuing a business advisory to American companies here warning of the risks under the national security law.

"We strongly object and condemn the US administration's repeated attempts to smear the NSL and grossly interfere in Hong Kong's affairs. We take great exception to the malicious comments relating to the NSL in the Statements," he said in a statement.

"The Statements on one hand attempted to slander the NSL, but on the other hand mentioned that Hong Kong remains a popular destination for US investment and trade, possesses world-class institutions and regulatory systems and provides competitive financial, trading and professional services.

"The relevant comments prove that the remarks made by the US administration is self-contradictory, illogical and the accusations to the NSL is self-defeating."

The US issues an annual Investment Climate Statement on more than 170 economics around the world.

Its statement on Hong Kong says: "Despite the imposition of the NSL by Beijing, significant curtailments in individual freedoms, and the end of Hong Kong’s ability to exercise the degree of autonomy it enjoyed in the past, Hong Kong remains a popular destination for US investment and trade."