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The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council spoke Saturday on issues related to the amendment of two ordinances concerning the transfer of fugitive offenders by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
A spokesperson for the office expressed support, respect and understanding for the decision announced by HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday to suspend amending the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.
The HKSAR government's move to amend the ordinances can help handle the issues related to the transfer of cases regarding Hong Kong residents suspected of murder in Taiwan, plug the loopholes in the HKSAR's existing legal framework and demonstrate rule of law and justice, said the spokesperson, describing the move as necessary and justified.
Noting that the central government supports the HKSAR government in amending the ordinances, the spokesperson said the central government paid close attention to the demonstrations in Hong Kong and relevant social responses.
Lam and the HKSAR government have been getting full acknowledgment from the central government for their work, said the spokesperson, noting that the central government will continue to support their governance in accordance with the law and their efforts with people from all walks of life to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Noting that the HKSAR police have always been the protector of Hong Kong residents and society, the spokesperson said the central government strongly condemns relevant violent activities and firmly supports the police in cracking down on such activities and police efforts to safeguard Hong Kong's rule of law and social stability.
Earlier HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that the HKSAR government will suspend the exercise to amend the HKSAR's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.
The bill, tabled by the HKSAR government at the Legislative Council (LegCo) in April, was originally scheduled to be discussed at a meeting on June 12. The LegCo meeting, however, was postponed due to riots around the complex of the HKSAR government and LegCo.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saturday also spoke on issues related to the amendment of two ordinances concerning the transfer of fugitive offenders by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
Geng Shuang, spokesperson for the ministry, said it has been noted that HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday announced the HKSAR government's decision to suspend sending relevant amendment bills to the Legislative Council for second reading, and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has made a statement.
Geng said the Chinese central government has expressed its support, respect and understanding for the decision, and will continue to firmly support Lam and the HKSAR government in their governance in accordance with the law and their efforts with people from all walks of life to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the policies of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy have been faithfully implemented, Geng said, adding that the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people have been fully guaranteed in accordance with the law, which has been widely recognized.
To maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability serves not only the interests of China but also countries around the world, Geng said.
"I want to reiterate that Hong Kong is China's special administrative region and its affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no interference by any country, organization or individual," said the spokesperson.
China is firmly determined to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, Geng added.
(With input from Xinhua)