Chief Secretary John Lee said today the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s position is very clear that there is no room for compromise in regard to national security matters.

Mr Lee made the statement after the cancellation of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China’s registration from the Companies Register.

He pointed out that it is a separate matter from the court case in which the alliance is being charged for matters related to threatening national security.

He said: “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has a responsibility to take action to prevent, suppress and punish acts that threaten national security. When such a threat happens, the Hong Kong SAR has an active duty to taken action. We will be resolute.

“When the Hong Kong SAR Government has evidence and believes that this action is necessary, it will be taken and it will be taken fast. This is a very clear position that I have been telling everybody that in regard to national security matters, there is no room for compromise.”

Regarding fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Lee said the Government will cancel as many exemption categories as possible.

“In regard to our overall strategies and tactics to fight against COVID-19 threats, we are actively looking at cancelling a lot of exemption categories so that we will limit the exemption categories to daily necessities or activities that are relevant to the daily living of society.

“I have asked different bureaus to look at the related categories of people under their purview, with a view to cancelling as many exemption categories as possible. We will announce the details as soon as possible.”