The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday urged the United States to respect China's sovereignty and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs after U.S. President Joe Biden signed a memorandum concerning Hong Kong.
The so-called memorandum smeared the national security law in Hong Kong and China's policy toward Hong Kong, said Hua Chunying, a spokesperson of the ministry.
In a written response published on the ministry's website, Hua said the memorandum was another manifestation of Washington's gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the move, she said, adding that China has lodged solemn representations to the United States.
The national security law in Hong Kong has improved the rule of law, restored security and stability in the city, and protected the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, she said.
She refuted Washington's claim to provide a "safe haven" for Hong Kong residents, stressing that the real purpose of the U.S. is to support and embolden anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, sabotage Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and suppress China's development.
The U.S. should stop disturbing Hong Kong's rule of law and stop interfering in China's internal affairs, she said, urging Washington not to support or condone the anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong in any way.
Otherwise, the U.S. will seriously damage its own interests in Hong Kong, she warned.
A spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Sunday also condemned the move of the U.S. government.
At the 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council earlier this year, more than 70 countries expressed support to the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong and urged certain countries to stop interfering in China's internal affairs, the spokesperson noted.
No external interference can weaken the will and determination of China's central authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to implement the national security law, nor can it obstruct Hong Kong's development and China's advancement, the spokesperson said.
