Beijing and Hong Kong both condemned Washington over the latest U.S. sanctions report and reassured the health of the city’s financial sector.
China said it had lodged a formal protest with the U.S. over the sanctions report released yesterday, according to foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, which featured a list of 10 individuals that were already named in the previous list. «The Hong Kong issues are purely China’s internal affairs and no country has the right to make unwarranted remarks and interfere with the matter,» according to an «SCMP» report citing Zhao.
«The U.S. should correct its mistakes and stop interfering with Hong Kong affairs and China’s domestic politics,» Zhao added. «If the U.S. insists on that, China will take resolute countermeasures to protect its sovereignty and national interest, and to safeguard the legal rights and interest of Chinese companies and related personnel.»
Hong Kong Response
The Hong Kong government echoed Beijing’s sentiments, calling the published report «totally groundless and irresponsible accusations against the HKSAR». It claims that the move was another exampled of U.S. hegemony and provided reassurances to the city’s financial sector.
«The U.S.’ ‘sanctions’ will not create an obligation for financial institutions under Hong Kong law,» said a Hong Kong government spokesperson. «Our financial institutions and our financial system as a whole are robust and resilient. They will continue to operate normally and smoothly despite any undue pressure from the U.S.»
