Govt condemns renewed sanctions against SAR officials

The SAR government on Thursday expressed its strong disapproval towards the extension of US sanctions under the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, accusing Washington of double standards and political grandstanding. The act was first signed into law in 2019. It was extended for another five years on Monday after US President Joe Biden passed the National Defence Authorisation Act, which includes a wide range of provisions. That means the US government will continue to impose sanctions on mainland and Hong Kong officials involved in the enactment of laws safeguarding national security. The act also demanded an annual review of Hong Kong's political situation and decide whether the SAR should continue to enjoy favourable treatment on trade relations. An Hong Kong government spokesperson said Washington was merely trying to intimidate SAR officials who safeguard national security according to the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. "The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its [US government] political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called 'sanctions' and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour," the spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson reminded the US that it substantial economic interest in Hong Kong, citing a trade surplus of about US$270 billion over the past decade, while nearly 1,400 American companies operate in the city. The spokesperson reiterated that foreign governments and legislatures should not interfere in Hong Kong's internal affairs.