The Chinese Embassy in the United States emphasized in a statement Thursday that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs, and that any external interference is prohibited. Further, the embassy stated that China would take necessary countermeasures in response to any acts of foreign meddling.

The statement also asserted that for some time, both domestic and foreign hostile forces have attempted to use Hong Kong to threaten China's national security and stability.

The statement said that like any other country in the world, China's central government is responsible for upholding and protecting national security. China's decision to make security laws for Hong Kong, approved by the National People's Congress, it said, just aims to serve this purpose.

The embassy statement says the laws will guarantee the "One Country Two Systems" policy can be implemented effectively, without impacting Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents or the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong.

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