Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, has strongly criticized a U.S. news outlet for its “fact-twisting” remarks concerning the recent convictions of two editors from a now-defunct online news platform. Tang’s rebuke, delivered in an open letter to The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, highlights what he describes as the publication’s double standards and “despicable political manipulation.”

The controversy stems from an editorial published by The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board titled “Hong Kong Convicts Two Editors,” which was released on Monday. The editorial followed the Hong Kong District Court’s conviction of two editors from Stand News on charges of conspiracy to publish seditious articles.

The U.S. newspaper’s editorial argued that the conviction signifies that journalism itself could now be considered a crime in Hong Kong. It also warned that Western due-diligence firms or consultancies might soon find themselves targeted by the city’s government for not aligning with its “censorious attitude.” The piece further criticized Hong Kong’s leaders, labeling them as “benighted” and claiming they deserved global condemnation and sanctions.

In his open letter, Tang dismissed these allegations, asserting that the criticisms were unfounded and politically motivated. He insisted that the convictions were in line with the law and necessary for safeguarding national security. Tang emphasized that Hong Kong would not be intimidated by foreign criticisms and would continue to uphold its legal obligations to protect the city’s security.

Tang’s response reflects the ongoing tension between Hong Kong authorities and international observers, particularly regarding issues of press freedom and the broader implications of the National Security Law enacted in the city in 2020.