Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

 

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday rebutted the so-called updated Hong Kong business advisory released by the US government, saying that the advisory is slandering the laws relevant to safeguarding the national security of Hong Kong and smearing Hong Kong's business environment. 

The remarks came after several departments of the US government jointly released an updated business advisory on Friday, warning US businesses about risks to their operations and activities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Hong Kong saw all-time high figures for the registration of both new local companies and non-local firms in the first half of this year, according to the latest report of the Government of the HKSAR, Mao Ning, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday. 

Hong Kong ranks fifth globally in competitiveness, according to the International Institute for Management Development's World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024. Its foreign direct investment inflow was the fourth-largest in the world last year. Hong Kong was also the world's 10th largest trading entity in merchandise trade, Mao added.

The US government should respect facts, respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stay prudent on issues related to Hong Kong, Mao warned. 

After the roll-out of the Law on Safeguarding National Security and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong enjoys better rule of law, a more favorable business environment and more consolidated foundation for long-term prosperity and stability, the ministry spokesperson said.

The so-called updated Hong Kong business advisory concocted by the US makes groundless attack against Hong Kong's national security laws and smears the business environment in Hong Kong. "China firmly opposes this and strongly condemns it," Mao said.

In response to the updated "business advisory" issued by various departments of the US government, a spokesperson for the Government of the HKSAR on Saturday said that the US made a number of misleading and untruthful remarks on Hong Kong's legal system and business environment, which sought to create panic.

The spokesperson stated that the successful implementation of the laws relevant to safeguarding national security in the HKSAR has brought about a stable and safe environment conducive to business and investment.