China warned on Monday that it will take countermeasures if the United States insists on undermining its interests regarding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), following the latest comments from Washington about possible sanctions over the national security legislation for the HKSAR.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks during a briefing after U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien threatened to impose sanctions over the national security legislation for the HKSAR. Zhao said that Beijing has lodged stern representations with Washington over the comments, reiterating it is purely China's internal affairs that allow no foreign interference.

A draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security was submitted to the third session of the 13th NPC for deliberation on Friday.

The draft decision came after Hong Kong was embroiled in prolonged riots last year as the city's opposition attempted to create a "color revolution." The legislative move, as Zhao claimed, has a full legal basis.

Zhao's remarks were echoed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, which stressed in an official statement published on its website that legislation on national security is undoubtedly within the purview of the central government.

The purpose of the National People's Congress (NPC)'s deliberation on the draft decision, according to the statement, is to safeguard national security and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

The move is aimed at better protecting the lawful rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents as the legislation only targets acts of secession, subverting state power and organizing and carrying out terrorist activities, as well as activities interfering with Hong Kong affairs by foreign or external forces, said the statement.

It will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the law, the statement stressed, calling on all Hong Kong residents to support the legislation.

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Tung Chee-hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Monday also highlighted the legislation's importance in safeguarding national security and stability of Hong Kong, calling for public understanding and support to the legislation.

Tung, also the former chief executive of the HKSAR, made the remarks when delivering a speech through the "Our Hong Kong Foundation" on Monday. He said there are no reasons to be afraid, urging people to "think objectively and rationally" about the current situation of Hong Kong and the "important and necessary nature of the NPC proposal."

He said that the legislation is to protect the authority and legitimacy of the HKSAR and the Basic Law from any separatist activities that aim to harm China's sovereignty. Hong Kong, as an inalienable part of China, has a constitutional duty to safeguard national security while Hong Kong residents, as Chinese citizens, bear the responsibility and obligation to safeguard the nation's security.

The legislation also ensures the stability of Hong Kong and fixes the loophole in the Article 23 of the Basic Law, said Tung, as the HKSAR now is a "weak link" in national security and is even mocked as a "spy heaven."

The former chief executive of the HKSAR called for joint efforts and support to the national security legislation for the HKSAR, saying the legislative move can "effectively prevent, stop and penalize disruptive activities and help restore social order in Hong Kong," and will help eventually build a peaceful, stable and socially harmonious society in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Basic Law Article 23 states that the HKSAR "shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People's Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies."