China lodges protest over US report on Hong Kong

China on Tuesday voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition after the US State Department released its 2026 report on Hong Kong, which Beijing said was riddled with lies and fallacies and amounted to unwarranted interference in Hong Kong's affairs.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China has lodged solemn representations with the US, accusing Washington of engaging in a smear campaign with relation to Hong Kong.

Guo said the enactment and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance have strengthened protection for the lawful rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents, supported the city's prosperity and stability, and safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of the international community in Hong Kong.

He added that Hong Kong's law-enforcement and judicial authorities act in accordance with the law in handling offenses that endanger national security, and that their actions are legitimate and beyond reproach.

Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, Guo said, adding that the Chinese government's resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests is unwavering.

He urged the United States to abide by the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and to stop interfering in China's internal affairs in any form.