Chinese officials responsible for Hong Kong affairs delivered strong statements against the United States during an event commemorating China’s annual “National Security Education Day.” The remarks focused on national security issues and US tariffs on Hong Kong.
Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, speaking via video, claimed the US is “targeting China’s survival rather than merely imposing taxes.” “The US doesn’t want our ‘taxes,’ it wants our ‘lives,'” Xia stated. He added that “whoever attempts to return us to poverty and weakness is our enemy.”
Xia accused the US of using extreme measures against Hong Kong, citing the “2025 Hong Kong Policy Act Report” and recent sanctions against six Beijing and Hong Kong government officials. He particularly criticized the 145% cumulative tariffs imposed on Hong Kong, which traditionally has been a free port.
“Let those American ‘country bumpkins’ wail before China’s 5,000-year civilization!” Xia declared, warning that US suppression of Hong Kong would only accelerate the demise of its “proxies” in the city.
The Beijing official claimed that while Hong Kong appears calm on the surface, undercurrents remain turbulent with “anti-China forces” either hiding within society or operating from overseas.
Dong Jingwei, Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, who was recently sanctioned by the US, also spoke at the event. He criticized American politicians as “arrogant” and “self-righteous” for politicizing economic issues and imposing sanctions.
“China is not the China of the past, and Hong Kong is not the Hong Kong of the past,” Dong warned. “Those who threaten our security will face retaliation.”
Unlike last year’s speech, which focused solely on Hong Kong’s security matters, this year’s remarks included direct and forceful criticism of the United States.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), April 15, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202504150142.aspx