16 June 2026
The Editor
The Washington Post
Dear Editor,
I write to condemn the appalling biases and double standards demonstrated in your article entitled “Hong Kong’s nightmare gets darker” (12 June).
The article’s slander of the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation (Procedural Matters Regulation) only exposes The Washington Post’s irrational anti-China stance and habitual fabrication of stories related to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in breach of the basic tenets of responsible journalism.
The Procedural Matters Regulation only aims to state clearly the classification mechanism under the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance for offences endangering national security. The rights and freedoms which the residents of the HKSAR enjoy under the Basic Law and relevant international covenants as applied to Hong Kong will continue to be protected.
Contrary to your article, the Procedural Matters Regulation has no retrospective effect at all. It does not create any new offence or alter the penalties of any offence. It certainly does not turn any lawful conduct into an offence. It is not applicable to legal proceedings that are concluded and, above all, it will in no way infringe any legitimate right of a defendant. Its legislative process is also entirely in compliance with all legal and procedural requirements including scrutiny by the Legislative Council. The allegations in your article are plainly wrong and unfounded.
Certification by the Chief Executive of whether a case involves national security is consistent with common law principles recognized by courts including the Supreme Court of the United States. Hong Kong continues to uphold the rule of law, and the guilt or innocence of a defendant remains a matter to be adjudicated by the court independently and in accordance with law. A defendant's right to a fair trial is always protected.
A quick online “fact-check” will also reveal that Hong Kong is, among other things, one of the safest cities in the world, No.1 for economic freedom, and No.3 global financial centre.
Businesses have no reason to worry about the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. In fact, many non-local investors cherish the safe and stable environment for investments and economic development brought about by the national security legislation.
Tang Ping-keung
Secretary for Security
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region