BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) - A central government spokesperson on Monday called on people in Hong Kong to take a clear-cut stand to oppose and resist violence.
(Photo: scio.gov.cn)
Yang Guang, spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, made the appeal at a press conference held in Beijing.
The development in the situation in Hong Kong, especially the violent acts of a small number of radicals, has severely damaged Hong Kong's overall situation of prosperity and stability, severely challenged Hong Kong's rule of law and social order, severely threatened the safety of Hong Kong residents' life and property, crossed the bottom line of the "one country, two systems," which are absolutely intolerable, Yang said.
Noting that no civilized society ruled by law can tolerate the prevalence of violence, Yang said he hopes that Hong Kong residents can see clearly the seriousness of the current situation, denounce the evil deeds and crimes committed by the radicals and stop their misdeeds damaging Hong Kong.
HK people urged to resolutely defend rule of law
The rule of law is a core value which the people of Hong Kong take pride in, the foundation of Hong Kong's sound business environment, and an important cornerstone for the region to maintain its prosperity and stability, said Yang.
"We cannot just sit by and watch a small group of people recklessly trample on the rule of law," he said, noting that once the backbone of rule of law was shaken, the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong would be in jeopardy.
"The central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam leading the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in the law-based governance, supports the Hong Kong police in their strict law enforcement, supports relevant departments of the SAR government and judicial organs in punishing the violent criminals in accordance with the law, and supports the people who love both our country and Hong Kong in their action to defend the rule of law in the region," Yang added.
"One country, two systems" to go far and steady
Yang said that with the full support of the central government and the mainland, and under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, Hong Kong compatriots are surely able to govern, develop and manage Hong Kong well.
"Hong Kong will surely overcome all difficulties and challenges on its way forward," Yang said.
He said since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the practice of "one country, two systems" in the region has been a widely recognized success, and the policies of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy have been faithfully implemented.
The central government will continue to unswervingly implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and ensure that this principle remains unchanged and is not bent or distorted in practice, Yang said.
China allows no foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs
Hong Kong belongs to China, and its affairs are China's internal affairs, Yang said.
"This is our unshakable position," Yang stressed.
Some people in the West have made "irresponsible" comments and have played a "disgraceful" role during the recent protests and violent incidents in Hong Kong, Yang said.
These people follow an absurd and ridiculous logic that violent and illegal actions should be sympathized with, understood or even tolerated, while police actions to maintain public security and rule of law in Hong Kong should be criticized, blamed or called to account, he added.
Yang accused some Western politicians of frequently making irresponsible remarks during recent weeks, with intentions to mess up Hong Kong and contain China's development.
Their attempt will not succeed, he said.