The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Saturday blamed the United States for “piling up false stories and fabricated narratives” about the city’s rights situation in its 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom.

The government strongly disapproves of and rejects repeated US attempts, “through yet another so-called annual report, to slander the HKSAR under the guise of religious freedom”, said a government spokesman.

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“As always, Hong Kong residents enjoy the rights and freedoms, including religious freedom and the freedom of speech, under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, and other relevant laws,” the spokesman said in a statement.

Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable.

Spokesman, HKSAR Govt

Stressing that the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be protected in safeguarding national security in SAR, the government said the rights and freedoms the city’s residents enjoy shall be protected in accordance with the law.

Underpinned by the rule of law, Hong Kong has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable, it said.

“The law enforcement agencies of the HKSAR have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and such actions have nothing to do with their political stance, background, or occupation.

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The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in line with the Basic Law and decides cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, it said, stressing that cases won’t be handled differently because of the background of the persons involved.

“The HKSAR government is steadfast in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, fully and faithfully upholding the highest principle of 'one country, two systems', while protecting the legal interests, rights, and freedoms of Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong in accordance with the law.

The HKSAR government will resolutely safeguard the community’s overall interest and the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems', said the spokesman.

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“The government strongly urges the US to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs,” added the spokesman.