I was of the impression that the player was of a particular rank, effectively a contracted and paid competitor / employee who was bound by a code of conduct - though I concede I have not researched the incident deeply.
That official statement was pretty poorly worded and it does sound political. Their PR department needs a kick up the backside.
FWIW I support the HK protesters. I just think politics has no place in business, nor sport, nor schools.....the list is long. I'm not talking about apolitical enforcement, I am talking about neutrality.