We Will Not Be Intimidated: Carrie Lam

The Chief Executive Carrie Lam says she and other officials targeted by US sanctions will not be intimidated, saying they are discharging "an honourable duty" to safeguard national security.

In a statement released on Saturday, a government spokesman “vehemently criticised” the "so-called sanctions" against eleven mainland and Hong Kong officials as “shameless” and “despicable”.

"Speaking on behalf of her senior colleagues who are being targeted, the Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam said that we are discharging an honourable duty to safeguard national security, protecting the life and interests of not only the 7.5 million Hong Kong people but also the 1.4 billion mainlanders. We will not be intimidated," the spokesman said.

He accused Washington of using Hong Kong as a pawn in its ploy to create trouble in the China-US relationship, because of the self-serving interests of some US politicians.

"The US Government's claim that the imposition of the so-called 'sanctions' was in response to the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong is a lame excuse that could hardly stand up to challenge," he said.

He also condemned the US government for making public the personal information of mainland and Hong Kong officials.

"Such a deplorable move is no less than state-sanctioned doxxing that is a serious breach of privacy and personal safety. We reserve the right to take any necessary legal action," the spokesman said.