The government on Friday said it deplored and opposed what it called "biased remarks" as well as "slanders and smears" about SAR's work in safeguarding national security made by Gregory May, Consul General of the United States of America to Hong Kong.

May talked about the National Security Law (NSL) at a forum recently held by a US think tank.

A government spokesman said, "the US side has ignored the large-scale and incessant riots during the 'colour revolution' in Hong Kong that occurred in 2019 which devastated our society, livelihood and economy. It ignored the fact that it is an international practice and an inherent right and responsibility for sovereign state to enact laws safeguarding national security."

The spokesman added, "the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR including the NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance are precisely for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the principle of 'One country, Two systems' under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy."

The spokesman reiterated, "the HKSAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in the affairs of the HKSAR."