Chinese Foreign Ministry Offices Condemn US Legislation Threatening Hong Kong Economic Offices

On March 21, 2017, a photograph depicted the building housing the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Recently, a representative from this office issued a stern denunciation of certain US politicians who are advocating for legislation that disparages Hong Kong's autonomy and rule of law. These politicians are also pushing for the revocation of the privileges granted to Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in the United States, including the possibility of their closure.

The spokesperson defended the HKETOs, highlighting their official capacity as representatives of the HKSAR, and noted their significant role in enhancing economic and trade links between Hong Kong and the US. The spokesperson criticized the actions of these US lawmakers as politically motivated and detrimental to normal exchanges between HKSAR and the United States, asserting that their actions reveal a malicious intent aimed at destabilizing Hong Kong. Notably, the proposed bill, which was reintroduced in Congress, would give the US President the authority to reassess the diplomatic privileges of the HKETOs based on the perceived level of Beijing's influence over Hong Kong's operations.

In response to these developments, the spokesperson called on US politicians to cease their interference in Hong Kong affairs, warning that any continued pursuit of such legislation would lead to firm responses from the Chinese government. The statement underscored China's determination to maintain its sovereignty and protect its interests amid external pressures.