Embassy Spokesperson: China strongly deplores and firmly opposes U.S. House's passing of negative HK-related act

The U.S. House of Representatives reviewed and passed the "Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act" on the afternoon of Sept.10, which calls for the termination of privileges held by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the U.S. and even advocates for their closure.

Concerning this, the Embassy Spokesperson contends that some individuals from the U.S. side are manipulating Hong Kong-related issues, concocting sinister laws and suppressing Hong Kong's development for political purposes. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has made solemn démarches to the U.S. side.

The spokesperson pointed out that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices are economic and trade organizations set up overseas by the Hong Kong SAR government. Their smooth operation is good for Hong Kong and the host countries and regions, as the offices help expand practical economic and trade cooperation. Among all economies, Hong Kong is the second largest source of trade surplus for the U.S. More than 1,200 American companies have invested and established business in Hong Kong. Some individuals from the U.S. side are deliberately concocting ill-intended laws related to Hong Kong, turning normal economic and trade cooperation into political instrument. What they have done leads to nowhere but will harm the U.S.' own interests in the end.

The Spokesperson highlights that since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the policy of One Country, Two Systems has been implemented, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. The rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been fully protected by law. Since we implemented the national security law and improved the electoral system, Hong Kong's rule of law and business environment have improved, and the city continues to rank among the best in the world in terms of rule-of-law. Foreign investors are embracing a more secure, stable, and predictable business environment in Hong Kong. These are all undeniable facts.

The Chinese government has an unwavering resolve to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests. We urge the U.S. to immediately stop pressing ahead with the relevant bills, stop deliberately smearing the Hong Kong SAR and its overseas organizations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, to avoid causing greater harm to the stability and development of China-U.S. relations. If the U.S. insists on going ahead with it, China will take resolute and strong countermeasures.

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