“Completing legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law and closing loopholes to safeguard national security is the constitutional responsibility of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and should be done to achieve the rational implementation of One Country, Two Systems in the long term,” the Foreign Ministry stressed.

Spokeswoman Mao Ning pointed out that Article 23 -about which the United States expressed concern- targets a handful of criminals who endanger national security, while protecting the rights and freedoms of residents.

According to Mao, the extraterritorial effect of this rule is strictly in accordance with international law and common practices in all countries and regions.

On the other hand, she pointed out that “state secrets” and “external interference” are defined according to the realities and common practices of all nations, therefore “the legislation is legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach.”

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