Incoming Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has vowed sanctions imposed by “some bullying countries” will not deter him and his government from assuming the “must-fulfil” responsibility of safeguarding national security.

Lee on Sunday also said he would not bother to lobby for the penalties to be dropped when he assumes office on July 1.

The chief executive-designate and at least 14 members of his governing team highlighted the importance of safeguarding national security, with the incoming justice minister Paul Lam Ting-kwok stressing that it was the city’s “fundamental mission” under the Chinese constitution and the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.