Beijing rejects Washington's travel advisory for HK

The Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong on Thursday said it strongly disapproves and rejects a decision by Washington to update its travel advisory for Hong Kong. The office made the remarks a day after the US Department of State issued a “Level 2” alert for those intending to travel to Hong Kong, saying people should “exercise increased caution” due to the “arbitrary enforcement” of national security legislation in the city. A spokesperson for the office stressed Hong Kong is one of the safest and most livable cities in the world, adding that national security legislation – the formulation and implementation of which are in line with international practice and the rule of law – has brought stability to the territory. The spokesman pointed out that the SAR has welcomed 21 million visitors during the first half of this year, 64 percent more than the same period last year. “Foreign funds, enterprises and talented individuals also continued to pour in, showing the international community’s trust in Hong Kong,” he added. The office called on the US to stop smearing Hong Kong through repeatedly issuing travel advisories, saying the SAR – as an open and free international city – will continue to welcome international visitors with open arms. The SAR government also issued a separate statement, calling on the US to stop using its travel advisories as a political tool to smear Hong Kong. A spokesperson stressed there are clear lines being drawn when it comes to the city's national security legislation, and tourists will not unwittingly fall foul of the law.