The government said it "vehemently refutes" a report by a US congressional committee, saying its comments were slanderous and ill-intentioned.

It also urged the United States to stop maliciously interfering in Hong Kong affairs.

In a statement issued early on Wednesday, the government said the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission had again made up excuses which deviate from the facts to maliciously slander the National Security Law. It said all actions by law enforcement agencies were evidenced-based and law-abiding. Meanwhile, the SAR had an independent judiciary, and the government was firmly committed to upholding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents.

The government also defended electoral changes that ensure patriots administer Hong Kong. It said no one in any region in the world would allow political power to fall into the hands of forces who betray their own country. It described recent Legco and Chief Executive elections as open, fair and honest, demonstrating broad representation, and political inclusiveness.

The government said it also strongly opposed false ideas in the US report concerning the school curriculum of Chinese History and Citizenship and Social Development, saying the subjects aimed to broaden students' horizons, develop their critical thinking, and cultivate their sense of national identity. It said the related textbooks stated that Hong Kong was never a "colony" and an indisputable fact that Hong Kong had been part of China's territory since ancient times.

The government also rejected criticism of China and its Covid strategy. It said China was among the countries with the lowest Covid prevalence and death rate, while the US had the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths. It noted that the latter's vaccination rate was "much lower" than Hong Kong's.

The US bipartisan report accused security authorities here of continuing what they described as an ‘assault’ on Hong Kong’s freedoms, and said the economy suffered from restrictions guided by Beijing.

It said stronger mainland influence over Hong Kong was driving key changes to all aspects of life in the territory and more emigration.

The US report also said the SAR government was moving to a legal system that increasingly mimicked that of the mainland, threatening prospects for journalists and civil society, as well as foreign businesses and expatriates here.