China's foreign ministry office in Hong Kong summoned US Consul General Julie Eadeh on Friday to protest a security alert issued by the US consulate on changes to Hong Kong's national security law. The alert informed Americans that refusing to provide police with smartphone passwords or decryption access during national security investigations is now a criminal offense. Beijing expressed strong dissatisfaction and urged the US to cease interfering in Hong Kong and China's internal affairs.
China's foreign ministry office in Hong Kong announced on Saturday that its commissioner, Cui Jianchun, had summoned US Consul General Julie Eadeh the previous day to lodge "solemn representations" over the consulate's "so-called 'security alert'" on recent amendments to Hong Kong's national security law.
The alert warned American citizens in Hong Kong that it is now a criminal offense to refuse to provide local police with passwords or decryption access for personal electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, during national security investigations.
"Commissioner Cui expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, urging the US side to immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form," the statement read.
The South China Morning Post has approached the US consulate for comment.
The response highlights ongoing tensions between China and the US over Hong Kong issues.