China to take resolute countermeasures if U.S. imposes visa restrictions on HKSAR officials

China will respond by taking resolute countermeasures if the U.S. imposes visa restrictions on officials from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks in response to the U.S. announcing to impose visa restrictions on HKSAR officials, in the Hong Kong Policy Act Report recently released by the U.S. State Department.

"The report smears and slanders the Hong Kong national security law, the region's electoral system and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, defaming and attacking Hong Kong's democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedom," he said.

"It seriously interferes in China's internal affairs, and violates the principles of international law and basic norms of international relations," said Wang, adding that China has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side.

He said the central government has accurately, comprehensively and unswervingly implemented the principles of "One Country, Two Systems," and "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy," since Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

The formulation and implementation of the national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have ensured that the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" is implemented, guaranteeing the HKSAR's prosperity and stability, and effectively safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law.

Emphasizing that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, Wang said the central government is unswervingly determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as oppose any external interference in Hong Kong affairs.

"We urge the U.S. to comprehensively and accurately understand the 'One Country, Two Systems,' respect China's sovereignty, respect Hong Kong's rule of law, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs in any form," Wang said.

(Cover: A view of Golden Bauhinia Square in south China's Hong Kong, March 27, 2024. /CFP)