The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS) on Saturday pledged unwavering support for Hong Kong to “resolutely and unflinchingly” crack down on acts to destabilize the city by exploiting the fire disaster.
The office also vowed to resolutely punish acts and activities that endanger national security, counter any interference by external forces, and safeguard the city's hard-won prosperity and stability.
The statement came while Hong Kong is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district on Wednesday, claiming at least 128 lives, with some 150 people still unaccounted for.
In the wake of the disaster, all parties in the HKSAR have united as one to make every effort in disaster relief and rescue operations. However, anti-China forces and those with ulterior motives have sought to destabilize the HKSAR in times of crisis, said a spokesperson for the office.
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Devoid of humanity and facts, they spread false information, maliciously attack the HKSAR government’s rescue efforts, stoke social divisions and confrontation, and incite resentment against the chief executive and the HKSAR government, said the spokesperson.
They are exploiting the grief of disaster victims to fulfill their political ambitions, attempting to plunge Hong Kong back into the chaos of the social unrest sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill.
“Such malicious intentions and despicable acts have aroused public outrage and will be condemned morally and punished by the law.”
With strong backing from the central government and the Chinese mainland, the HKSAR government has taken on the responsibility as “the host” and “primary responsible party” to lead all sectors of society in carrying forward the Lion Rock Spirit and uniting for disaster relief, the statement said.
Relevant authorities of the HKSAR government have also promptly clarified facts, exposed the malicious plots of anti-Hong Kong forces to mislead the public, investigated and stopped improper acts of exploiting the disaster to destabilize the city, it added.
The office called on Hong Kong citizens to stand in unity and work with the HKSAR government on post-disaster reconstruction efforts, helping victims return to a safe and stable life.
Since its establishment in July 2020, the OSNS has firmly performed its duties in accordance with the law, remaining vigilant and ready to prevent, curb and crack down on acts and activities that endanger national security, the statement said.
Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com
