HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Saturday bashed the so-called "2024 Annual Report" issued by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which made malicious smearing remarks against multiple areas in the HKSAR.

"The HKSAR government strongly disapproves and opposes the CECC's repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of the HKSAR through the so-called annual report, and make slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where 'one country, two systems' is successfully implemented. The United States is once again making unfounded and fact-twisting remarks," the spokesperson said.

"Such attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and interfere in Hong Kong's law-based governance is smack of despicable political manipulation with ill intentions," the spokesperson added.

ALSO READ: China imposes visa curbs on US personnel for meddling in HK affairs

The spokesperson said, "The CECC openly clamor for so-called 'sanctions' with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR government strongly condemns its 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 behavior. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security."

The HKSAR government also sternly refuted the slander against itself in the so-called US report regarding safeguarding national security and the due administration of justice and the rule of law in Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

"In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states," the spokesperson said, adding that "the police have the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected of committing offenses endangering national security outside Hong Kong.”

"Extraterritorial effect for the offenses endangering national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions," the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ: HK protesters deplore US spreading ‘political disease’ 

It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world, including the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada and member states of the European Union, the spokesperson said.

Commissioner's office

Also on Saturday, a spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR hit out at the so-called report and its denigratory remarks.

No matter how many reports the US side throws out, it cannot shake the prosperous and stable situation in Hong Kong, nor can it obscure the fact that the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents are fully protected, the spokesperson said.

It cannot undermine the determined commitment of patriots across the HKSAR to fulfill their duties in accordance with the law, nor can it obstruct the trend of Hong Kong's development from stability to prosperity, the spokesperson added.

READ MORE: HK authorities oppose US 'travel advisory'

The spokesperson urged relevant US politicians to recognize the reality, immediately withdraw their interference in China's internal affairs including Hong Kong affairs, and stop issuing such deceptive so-called reports.