Xi Yanchun:
Thank you, Mr. Yang, for your opening remarks. Now, the floor is open for questions. As we have many foreign media in attendance today, simultaneous interpreting is available throughout the press conference. However, consecutive interpreting will be provided when a question is raised so that everyone understands it. Please identify the news organization you represent before asking questions.
CCTV:
Presently, some individuals in the Hong Kong society advocate using violence and "achieving justice by violating the law." Could you please give us your views on this stance? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
Thank you for your question. Laws must be obeyed and offenders punished, which I think is the fundamental requirement for any society ruled of law. Moreover, the rule of law is the core value of which Hong Kong citizens have long been proud. What we want to say is that, no claim can be expressed illegally no matter how lofty its claimed goal might seem, let alone back by a resort to violence. Violence is violence, and unlawful practice is unlawful practice, whose nature won't change because of any disguised claim or advocacy. We have noted that, recently, all sectors in the Hong Kong society have repeatedly launched large rallies, calling for protecting Hong Kong, upholding the rule of law, and opposing violence. They represent the real mainstream public opinion in the Hong Kong community. The central government firmly supports the Hong Kong police, relevant departments and judicial institutions in punishing violent and illegal acts according to the law, ascertaining criminal responsibility of violent offenders, restoring normal social order as soon as possible, and ensuring public personal and property safety. Thank you.
