The government on Wednesday strongly condemned a recent report by overseas groups alleging Hong Kong's academic freedom is on the decline, saying the findings were slandering and biased.

Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong Democracy Council stated that academic freedom in the SAR has severely declined since the enactment of the national security law in 2020.

A government spokesman said Hong Kong residents continue to enjoy various rights and freedoms, including freedom of academic research, literary and artistic creation, and other cultural activities.

"We note that most of the interviewees cited in the so-called report used pseudonyms, which is a common tactic employed by anti-China forces, making it difficult to ascertain whether the interviewees actually exist. This casts doubt on the authenticity and credibility of the so-called report," the spokesman said.

He emphasised national security is the foundation of social stability.

"People should not forget the painful times in 2019, including the unrest in university campuses which severed all normal teaching and academic research," the statement read.