Hong Kong authorities accuse top US diplomat in city of ‘scaremongering’, say criticism of security law contradicts his remarks on improving ties
“It is extremely inappropriate for the US consul general to make unwarranted comments on criminal trials which are ongoing in [Hong Kong] courts, and even attempt to compare [Lai’s] case with the efforts of the government in promoting the city.”
Lai, the 76-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid newspaper, is on trial for sedition and two national security charges. He was accused of drawing international sanctions against authorities and inciting public hatred during anti-government protests in 2019, triggered by a now-withdrawn extradition bill.
Hong Kong judge questions whether Lai’s ‘supportive words’ proof of conspiracy
In May’s interview on Friday, he also said some American companies had to use burner phones and laptops when visiting the city due to connectivity issues and data security concerns, adding it was “a slippery slope” for Hong Kong to begin removing certain internet content and blocking access to websites.
Local authorities previously removed “Glory to Hong Kong”, a song from the 2019 protests, from leading music streaming services and blocked access to the websites of some opposition groups.
May said the US government hoped to have a better relationship with Hong Kong and wished the city would “stop the slide” in terms of restrictions on freedoms.
He called on city authorities to assure businesses that they were dedicated to a free and open internet and business-friendly data controls.
Referring to the coming Article 23 legislation, the city’s domestic security law, he said “the last thing Hong Kong needs after the national security law are more, very broad, new crimes”.
Public backs prompt implementation of Hong Kong national security law: John Lee
The US State Department earlier warned that the “broad and vague” definitions of state secrets and external interference in the proposed legislation could be used to silence dissidents.
May said US-Hong Kong relations would improve if the promise that the city would maintain a high degree of autonomy from Beijing for 50 years was kept.
Responding to the consul general, the Hong Kong government said the US was in “no position to point its finger” at other countries and regions for enacting national security laws, urging the country to stop making “irresponsible remarks” and interfering in its affairs.
“The US consul general also deliberately ignored [Hong Kong’s] constitutional duty and practical needs for the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, and blatantly smeared the Basic Law Article 23 legislation and the law enforcement actions conducted in accordance with the law,” the spokesman said, referring to the city’s mini-constitution.
“This is in total contradiction with his professed intention for the US to foster a better relationship with Hong Kong.”
US concerned over ‘broad and vague’ definitions in Hong Kong security law
Meanwhile, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Friday published a consultation paper on the proposed Article 23 legislation, calling for a “genuine consultation” and “due consideration” of its effects on the city’s future as an international financial centre.
“Australia is concerned the proposed Article 23 legislation will further the erosion of rights and freedoms as guaranteed under the Basic Law and Sino-British Joint Declaration which has occurred since the imposition of the National Security Law,” the department spokesman said, referring to the Beijing-imposed legislation which took effect in 2020.
“We are also concerned by potential efforts to curtail the rights and freedoms of people outside of Hong Kong, including those living in Australia. We have made our concerns known to Hong Kong authorities and we will continue to do so.”
It added that Hong Kong should ensure the legislation adhered to China’s international human rights commitments, respect freedom of speech and secure the full independence of the judiciary through the city’s common law system.
‘Growing concern’ over Hong Kong security law language: ex-US consul general
Authorities on Wednesday ended a month-long public consultation for the legislation designed to target five new types of offences – treason, insurrection and sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage, sabotage and external interference.
The government said that 98.6 per cent of the 13,147 submissions “made positive comments”, with 93 opinions opposing the new law, which it considered as showing public consensus for the legislation to be completed as soon as possible.