"Let Hong Kong be Hong Kong:" U.S. Consul-General
Speaking at a radio interview at local broadcaster RTHK, Smith also rejected Chinese accusations that the U.S. had meddled in Hong Kong's local political affairs.
"We hope that Beijing would simply have the confidence to let 'One Country Two Systems' work, and to let Hong Kong be Hong Kong," Smith said.
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that protected its freedoms, including an independent legal system, and wide-ranging autonomy.
On Tuesday (June 30), China passed sweeping national security legislation for the city, condemned by the United States, Britain and other Western countries.
The United States has already begun eliminating Hong Kong's special status, halting defence exports and restricting the territory's access to high-technology products.
