In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry’s office in Hong Kong accused Washington of smearing the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and slandering the city’s rule of law, democracy, freedom and human rights situation.
“This is a gross interference in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, and a serious violation of the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations,” said the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry.
It also said the move to impose sanctions has once again exposed Washington’s “evil intentions” of undermining the SAR’s prosperity and stability, as well as containing China’s development.
“China will surely take strong and resolute countermeasures,” it said.
Among the officials sanctioned are Dong Jingwei, the director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong; justice chief Paul Lam; and outgoing police commissioner Raymond Siu.
“The SAR police have taken lawful actions against overseas anti-China rioters, and the SAR judicial authorities have independently and impartially tried national security cases following legal procedures,” the office said.
“These acts are consistent with international law and customary practice, and are just and necessary moves to safeguard national security and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.”
