Commissioner's Office in HKSAR refutes Washington Post

6/9/2024 6:15

        A spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday refuted the Washington Post's fallacy about Hong Kong in a letter.
        On Sept. 4, the Washington Post published an editorial about the verdict in the Stand News case in Hong Kong to cast a shadow over Hong Kong's press freedom and economic prospects. In response to the editorial, the spokesperson said in the letter that the Washington Post had once again outdone itself in hypocrisy and double-dealing.
        The spokesperson said that the conviction of the Stand News personnel was a clear case of justice being served and had nothing to do with press freedom. The editorial of the Washington Post raised the question of "whether any media outlet can operate freely in the city (Hong Kong)?"
        The spokesperson stressed that all freedoms have their limits. Unfettered freedom simply tramples on the rights of others, and press freedom is no exception. Also, media are not above the law and can only operate within its boundaries.
        "This whole 'media exodus' narrative you've cooked up is quite a dramatic flair. In fact, some major American media outlets are doubling down and growing their operations in Hong Kong," the spokesperson said, urging the Washington Post to report Hong Kong news objectively and present the real Hong Kong.
        The spokesperson pointed out that in recent years, some U.S. politicians have adopted a Cold War mindset, slapping sanctions on China and the HKSAR, pushing for decoupling, issuing travel warnings, and even pressuring companies to pull out. The Washington Post got on the bandwagon of badmouthing Hong Kong, fanning the flames in creating a crisis of confidence in Hong Kong.
        However, the Washington Post's sarcastic jabs were doomed to futility, the spokesperson said, adding that the HKSAR government's endeavors to advance the economy and better people's lives is what any responsible government should do.
        Despite sanctions and negative narratives, Hong Kong today remains open and free, with journalists able to carry out their work without hindrance. Recently, the commissioner's office held a press conference attended by about 50 journalists from 29 media outlets, including representatives from nine American, British and Japanese media. They were able to ask questions to the commissioner freely, fully exercising their press freedom.