Hong Kong minister slams US business advisory on security law as bid to hurt economy

Hong Kong’s constitutional affairs chief has slammed the US for “confusing right and wrong”, arguing the country was attempting to suppress the city’s economy through a business advisory that warned of “new risks” posed by national security legislation.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai also said on Saturday that the current make-up of the Legislative Council was “effective” and argued the opposition camp was still represented, responding to questions about possible changes ahead of next year’s election.

America’s state, treasury, commerce, agriculture and homeland security departments earlier jointly issued the updated Hong Kong Business Advisory, which warned the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance could affect companies and individuals operating in the city.

The legislation, which is required under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, took effect on March 23 after Legco cleared it in fast-tracked deliberations.

According to the US advisory, city authorities could attempt to use the law’s “broadly defined offences” to prosecute those engaging in “routine business activities” such as lobbying, market analysis and due diligence operations “so long as Hong Kong authorities determine that these activities threatened national security”.