John Lee calls for fair handling of UK case

Regarding an announcement made by the British police on charging three men for violating the UK National Security Act, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has demanded that the UK fairly handle the matter.

In a statement published tonight, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Chinese Embassy in the UK has issued a statement and made serious representations to the UK side on the matter.

Speaking at a press conference today (May 14), Chief Executive John Lee said the government has demanded that the UK Government provide full details of the alleged matter and is awaiting a response.

The authorities have also seriously demanded that the UK side fairly handle the matter, effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office's (ETO) Office Manager who was alleged to be involved, and ensure that the ETO's normal work is not affected, he said.

The duties of the Hong Kong ETO in London are to maintain close liaison with interlocutors in the local government, business, think tanks and various sectors, with a view to enriching bilateral ties in different areas such as trade, investment, arts and culture, enhancing local people and enterprises' knowledge of Hong Kong's unique strengths, and promoting the economic and trade interests of Hong Kong, the CE said.