Hong Kong strongly disapproves of and opposes UK politicians’ remarks on wanted notices for 19 individuals linked to subversive organization

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government strongly disapproved of and opposed untrue and biased remarks by the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on HKSAR's lawful act to pursue wanted persons endangering national security absconding from Hong Kong.

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued wanted notices on Friday for 19 individuals involved in subversive organization "Hong Kong Parliament," including wanted fugitives Yuan Gongyi and Ho Leung-mau Victor for suspected of violating the national security law for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said in a statement.

Endangering national security is a very serious offense. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The “Hong Kong Parliament” aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting “self-determination,” promulgating the so-called “Hong Kong Constitution,” and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People's Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, a spokesperson for the SAR government said on Saturday.

These acts are suspected of having committed the offense of “Subversion” contrary to Article 22 of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong. Thus, the Hong Kong police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and put the persons on wanted list, the spokesperson said.

Extraterritorial effect for the offenses under the NSL for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world, the spokesperson noted.

Those absconders hiding in the UK and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. More so, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate, the spokesperson said.

The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR also voiced its support on Friday for the Hong Kong Police Force's lawful and just action in placing 19 individuals bent on destabilizing Hong Kong on a wanted list.

Regarding the surrender of fugitive offenders, in accordance with the instruction of the central government, the HKSAR Government has suspended the agreement between the HKSAR government and the British government concerning surrender of fugitive offenders in July 2020. The relevant position remains unchanged, the spokesperson said.

All along, with the authorization and assistance of the central government, the HKSAR government has conducted law enforcement co-operation and mutual legal assistance with other jurisdictions in accordance with the law based on the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity. The HKSAR government will, as always, handle relevant matters appropriately, the spokesperson added.

The HKSAR government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems.” The HKSAR government strongly demands the UK government to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China's internal affairs, the spokesperson said.

In response to the unwarranted smear campaign by certain politicians and organizations from the US, the UK, Australia, and other countries against the Hong Kong police's lawful actions in pursuing pro-independence, anti-China elements, deliberately discrediting the NSL for Hong Kong and openly interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal matters, a spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Saturday.

The Hong Kong police's lawful pursuit of pro-independence, anti-China elements is a just act to uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong, a necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty and security, and a legitimate action to ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong, the spokesperson said.

It is in line with international law and widely accepted international practices. The commissioner’s office firmly supports the HKSAR government in performing its duties in accordance with the law and strongly backs the Hong Kong police in taking lawful actions against pro-independence, anti-China elements, the spokesperson added.