HONG KONG, March 22 -- People from various communities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have condemned anti-China forces for smearing the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Noting that safeguarding national security is the inherent right of all sovereign countries, spokespersons for the HKSAR government have repeatedly stated that anti-China forces' attacks on the ordinance is typical political hegemony, hypocrisy and double standards.

In a letter to the editorial board at the Wall Street Journal, a spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR refuted the newspaper's fallacies about the ordinance.

"The new law has referred to the laws of many common law jurisdictions, including the United States, and is consistent with the definitions of terms in different countries' national security legislation. At the same time, the law fits Hong Kong as the HKSAR government has taken Hong Kong's reality into full consideration," the spokesperson said.

Legal professionals said the legislation is in accordance with international human rights standards, and Hong Kong's enforcement of the ordinance will achieve proper balance between safeguarding national security and protecting human rights.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong has also deplored anti-China forces' false remarks about the Article 23 legislation and interference in China's internal affairs. The enactment of the ordinance is the common aspiration of the people of Hong Kong and can more effectively safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the well-being of Hong Kong people and the interests of foreign investors.

The New People's Party noted that the ordinance respects and protects human rights, and complements the current national security law in Hong Kong. The ordinance will allow foreign businesses to invest in a vibrant business environment, and enable Hong Kong residents to live and work in harmony.

The ordinance takes effect on Saturday. A recent poll by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute showed that a majority of surveyed Hong Kong residents agreed that safeguarding national security is the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR government. The institute said that the efficiency of legislative work by the HKSAR government and the Legislative Council is in line with the aspiration of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong, who hope that Hong Kong can strive for economic development in a safer and more stable environment.

  - Xinhua