Teresa Cheng 'not Scared' By US Sanctions

The Secretary for Justice, Teresa Cheng, on Saturday joined the pushback against new US sanctions on 11 mainland and SAR officials, dismissing them as an “unlawful” move that only goes to show how “desperate” Washington is.

However, Cheng did not respond to enquiries about how the sanctions against her affects overseas assets held by herself and her husband.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Cheng also said her personal interests are nothing compared to national interest, adding that she is proud to serve the country.

Her determination to protect national security is “unswerving”, she added, saying she is not scared by the sanctions because she has China’s backing.

RTHK asked whether any of her assets and those held by her husband, businessman Otto Poon, would be affected by the sanctions, but she did not respond.

Former police commissioner, Stephen Lo, said he is extremely angry at the US sanctions, saying police officers from any countries have the responsibility to safeguard national security, and ensure social order and public safety.

He said he would continue to support the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, and make the best endeavour to protect Hong Kong’s long term prosperity and stability.

Cheng and Lo are among 11 top Hong Kong officials, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who were named on a sanction list by the US Treasury Department, which freezes their assets and prohibits them from carrying out any kind of business in the country, following the enactment of the national security law in Hong Kong.

Non-official members of the Executive Council also issued a statement on Saturday night saying they "regret" Washington's move, which they say had undermined the relationship between Hong Kong and the United States.

The members said they would continue to staunchly support the Chief Executive, and dismissed what the described as the "so-called sanctions" as "unsubstantiated and sweeping."

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