HKSAR govt calls so-called US sanctions shameless, despicable

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government vehemently criticized the so-called "sanctions" by the United States government against 11 officials of the Central People's Government and the HKSAR government as shameless and despicable.

"Imposed under the so-called Office of Foreign Assets Control's Specially Designated Nationals List of the US Department of the Treasury, the latest US government measure represents blatant and barbaric interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China (PRC), using Hong Kong as a pawn in its ploy to create troubles in China-US relationship, out of self-serving interests of some US politicians," a government spokesman said in a press release issued on Saturday.

The US acts are displaying double standards and hypocrisy, let alone blatantly breaching international laws and basic norms governing international relations, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the HKSAR government regrets the US government's latest move against senior Hong Kong officials, saying that the move was an "utterly disrespectful attempt which will undermine Hong Kong-US relations at various levels."

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, the spokesman said.

"National security is a matter of utmost importance to any state, including the US. Laws governing national security are matters for the central government, regardless of whether it is a unitary or federal system of government," the spokesman said.

The spokesman added that the escalating violence, anarchy and social chaos in Hong Kong since last June obviously required police to fulfill their statutory duty to take lawful measures to maintain public order and public safety. This is no different to the solemn duty and responsibility of any police force in the world to protect life and property.

The spokesman also severely condemned the US government for deliberately making public the personal information of government 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.

The spokesman said the HKSAR government will fully support the central government to adopt counter-measures.

"Speaking on behalf of her senior colleagues who are being targeted, the Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that we are discharging an honorable 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.

Commissioner of Police Chris Tang Ping-keung dismissed the so-called sanction, according to local media Oriental Daily.

"Defending national security and the security of Hong Kong is my responsibility and honor. Foreign country's sanctions mean absolutely nothing to me. I will continue to focus on doing better in protecting the security of the nation and Hong Kong," Tang said.

Secretary-general of Hong Kong's national security law committee Eric Chan Kwok-ki said these so-called sanctions will only make Hong Kong people, particularly those who still have false hopes, clearly understand how unreasonable and peremptory the US government can be.

"My family and I are not afraid. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity and I'll do my best for the interests of the nation and Hong Kong," local media reported quoting Chan.

"In the past year, we have seen how the US has used all means to inhibit the development of our country. In the future, I will continue to resolutely defend the security of Hong Kong to ensure stability and prosperity and the preservation of 'one country, two systems,'" Chan said.

Meanwhile, the city's commerce chief Edward Yau Tang-wah said US' latest so-called sanctions on Hong Kong were "unreasonable and barbarous", and in the long run will inflict the wound towards US' interest in Hong Kong.

"I do not find any valid reason for this blatant interference of Hong Kong affairs by a foreign country. I do not think this is necessary or in a civilized manner to do so," said Yau, the city's secretary for commerce and economic development, after attending a radio program on Saturday morning.

Liaison office

Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Luo Huining said the inclusion of his name on the list of financial sanctions in the US means he has done the right thing for Hong Kong and the country.

But Luo said, sadly for US President Donald Trump, he has no assets that can be frozen in the US.

"Maybe I should send Mr Donald Trump US$100 so that he can have the so-called 'asset freeze'," he said.