Different sections of society in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly criticized the bills U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law.
Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) issued a joint statement to condemn the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, accusing the U.S. of interference in China's internal affairs and encouragement to rioters.
The act grossly trampled on the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations and undermined Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, read the statement.
Hong Kong members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) also released a statement regarding the bills, blaming the act just highlights the hypocrisy of some American politicians on human rights and democracy.
Hong Kong Federation of Overseas Chinese Association pointed out that the so-called act only makes excuses to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, in a bid to mess up Hong Kong and to thwart China's development.
Ip Lau Suk-yee, a member of the HKSAR Legislative Council and chairwoman of the New People's Party, said the act "totally unnecessary" as it was proposed in June against the ordinance amendments concerning fugitives' transfers, which have already been withdrawn.
Hong Kong's economic achievements proved the success of China's policies, said Lo Wai-kwok, chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong. It is an important trading partner of the U.S., and the act could have a negative effect on the trade relationship between the U.S. and the HKSAR, and China's mainland at large.
Meanwhile, international figures pointed out that the U.S. side has no position to judge as Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs.
Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Institute for China-America Studies, said the act posed a challenge to the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which has been proved a success to guarantee people's lawful rights and freedom.
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy said the U.S. is trying to muddy the water by mixing up the riot and democracy as the same.