This undated photo shows the Central Government Offices (CGO) in Tamar, Central, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / GIS)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government strongly opposed and condemned on Saturday the US State Department for attempting to "demonize" the lawful actions taken by the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, an HKSAR government spokesman said endangering national security is a very serious offense and no country will watch "with folded arms" activities that endanger national security.

The spokesperson said Hong Kong residents enjoy the rights and freedoms under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other relevant laws

"The HKSAR government solemnly urges the US to discern fact from fallacy, stop immediately their wanton slanders and smears against the NSL (National Security Law in Hong Kong) and the implementation of the NSL in the HKSAR, and refrain immediately from interfering with the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong matters," the spokesman was quoted as saying in the statement.

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He said HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law "and have nothing to do" with suspects'  political stance, background or occupation”.

“No matter how the relevant country tried to exonerate the absconders in various forms, means and excuses, it could not change the fact that the persons involved, who have fled overseas, are alleged to have continued to commit offenses under the NSL, seriously endangering national security,” the spokesperson said.

“The listing of the persons who have absconded overseas and allegedly committed offenses under the NSL as wanted persons by the NSD in accordance with the law, as well as the subsequent further investigation and law enforcement actions, are totally reasonable, rational, legal, and indeed necessary," he added.

The spokesperson said Hong Kong residents enjoy the rights and freedoms under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other relevant laws.

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The NSL clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and any law enforcement actions to safeguard national security will not affect the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy, he said.

"The HKSAR government will continue to implement the NSL fearlessly, resolutely, fully and faithfully, thereby preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, so as to allow Hong Kong to advance from stability to prosperity steadily," he added.