Xi Yanchun:
Thank you, Mr. Yang Guang. Now we open the floor for questions. Please identify your news organization before you ask your questions. In addition, with reference to the previous practice, we will provide consecutive interpretation for all the questions. So, let us begin.
Hong Kong Economic Times:
The protests in Hong Kong are still going on, and it is said that the HKSAR government is considering using the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to handle the situation. Does the central government think it is appropriate to apply the emergency law in the current situation? Under what conditions would it be appropriate to invoke the law? If invoked, what impact will it have on Hong Kong society? In addition, given the three-month-long protests, has the central government set a bottom line for dealing with the situation? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
My colleague Ms. Xu will answer your questions.
Xu Luying:
Thank you for your questions. We have noted that there are discussions in Hong Kong about whether the HKSAR government should invoke the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to deal with the current situation. We have seen that Hong Kong is facing the most severe and urgent situation since its return to the motherland. Despite some positive changes, violent activities are still continuing. They have severely undermined the social order, economy and people's livelihood, and challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle. Currently, the most pressing and overriding task of Hong Kong is to "stop violence, end the chaos and restore order." We have also noted that many social organizations and citizens have called for stronger measures, including introducing an anti-mask law, to stop the violence and chaos, and restore social order as soon as possible. The central government fully supports the chief executive and the HKSAR government in using any necessary measure in accordance with law to put an end to violence and chaos, guarantee the security and rights of all citizens, and safeguard the dignity of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
As to whether the central government has set a deadline for dealing with the situation in Hong Kong, I think it is a common aspiration of the central government and all Hong Kong people to end the chaos and restore order as soon as possible. The sooner the better. As long as chaos exists, people will continue to pay the price. This concerns the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as well as the well-being of seven million Hong Kong people. This aspiration is the biggest appeal being voiced by Hong Kong people. Thank you for your questions.
ITAR-TASS News Agency:
The protestors have put forward five major demands and claimed that "all five demands must be fulfilled." Several days ago, 24 members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council signed a letter to call for a restart of Hong Kong's political reform to practice "dual universal suffrage." What is the attitude of the central government towards the five major demands? Is it acceptable for the central government that there must be a full withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill and an independent investigation into police actions? Did Chief Executive Carrie Lam refuse those demands under central government instructions? Thanks.
Yang Guang:
I didn't expect you are so good at Chinese. You have made your questions very clear. What I want to say is that, in any civilized and law-based society all demands must be proposed in accordance with the law. Over the past two months, some radical protestors have, in the name of their "five major demands," intentionally disregarded the rights to a peaceful life of Hong Kong people and the overall stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, unscrupulously committed violence, trampled on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order, and challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle. This has damaged the interests of not only Hong Kong but the whole country. They are by no means expressing demands; what they are doing is engaging in "political intimidation" and "political coercion" through and through. As I mentioned just now, their acts have nothing to do with the proposed extradition bill. They have taken aim at the HKSAR government in a bid to seize the administrative power of Hong Kong and render the "one country, two systems" principle defunct. In fact, their ultimate demand is "dual universal suffrage." Here, in order to put an end to misunderstanding and misinterpretation, I would like to elaborate on this matter of "dual universal suffrage."
First of all, I must reaffirm one fact: It is after Hong Kong's return to the motherland that Hong Kong's democratic system was truly established and developed. I must point out another equally important fact: the aim of the selection of the Chief Executive and all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage has been stipulated in the Basic Law. Since the establishment of the HKSAR, the central government has been supporting the HKSAR in steadily and rapidly developing democracy in accordance with the Basic Law and other relevant decisions made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
As everyone knows, a decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Dec. 29, 2007 stipulated the method for selecting the Chief Executive of the HKSAR by universal suffrage as of 2017, and also selecting all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage after the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage is realized. As a result, the decision established a timetable for "dual universal suffrage." Another decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Aug. 31, 2014 provided a framework and core elements for the method of selecting the Chief Executive by universal suffrage. The Aug. 31 decision won the support and recognition of most Hong Kong residents. Unfortunately, due to the opposition of some Legislative Council members, the universal suffrage bill drafted according to the Aug. 31 decision did not win the necessary two-thirds majority vote. Therefore, Hong Kong has lost a precious opportunity to achieve the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage 20 years after its return to the motherland. In other words, the culprits hindering Hong Kong's democracy are actually the opposition themselves.
Why did the opposition veto the bill against the will of the majority? To put it bluntly, the universal suffrage system provided by the Aug. 31 decision is not what they wanted. What do they want, then? As a matter of fact, they preferred a universal suffrage system exceeding the limits of the Basic Law and the relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and could help them select a Chief Executive representing their position and, at the same time, not being accountable to the central government, all of which will pave the way for them to ultimately seize administrative power in Hong Kong. Any mechanism that can help achieve this goal would be what they call "real universal suffrage"; any mechanism that falls short would be their so-called "fake universal suffrage."
Today, I must make it clear that anyone who harbors this illusion is doomed to fail. Whenever Hong Kong's political reform is restarted, Hong Kong's universal suffrage must be in line with the Basic Law and the relevant decisions made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
I must also make it clear that Hong Kong's universal suffrage must adhere to a basic principle: it must be in line with Hong Kong's political status. What does this mean? Let me give you a brief introduction. The first sentence of the Preamble of the Basic Law reads: "Hong Kong has been part of the territory of China since ancient times." Article 1 of Chapter 1 of the Basic Law provides that "the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China." Article 12 of Chapter 2 (Relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) of the Basic Law provides that "the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a local administrative region of the People's Republic of China, which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy directly under the Central People's Government." Each of these forms the first sentence of the corresponding chapter, which tells their importance. The three sentences completely and clearly define Hong Kong's political status. Hong Kong's political system, including its universal suffrage system, must abide by and serve the purpose of its political status. As a result, Article 43 of Chapter 4 (Political Structure) of the Basic Law, again in the first sentence, provides that "the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be accountable to the Central People's Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the provisions of this Law." That is the most important duties and mission of the Chief Executive. Then, Article 45 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be selected by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures. After this, the Chief Executive shall be appointed by the Central People's Government. Each of the three links - nomination, universal suffrage, and appointment – is indispensable and plays a substantive role. That is the real meaning of universal suffrage in Hong Kong.
Any universal suffrage system that meets the abovementioned requirements is real universal suffrage. Only in this way can we select a Chief Executive who loves the country and loves Hong Kong, and can win the trust of the central government and the recognition of the Hong Kong people. Only by doing this can we ensure that the "one country, two systems" principle will be comprehensively and precisely implemented. As to Hong Kong's universal suffrage, there is no other option. Above all, we must stick to the "one country, two systems" principle, the Basic Law and the relevant decisions made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
As to the other demands, I have dealt with them in my previous remarks. I would like to stress that the biggest demand and the strongest appeal right now is to "stop violence and restore order." This is the most important and most urgent task, and this is what we should do to actively and earnestly respond to the demands of the people. We will unswervingly support Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the HKSAR government in exercising their respective power and functions in accordance with the law, the Hong Kong police in implementing the law rigorously, and the relevant government departments and judicial organs in fulfilling their duties and punishing violent criminals. We hope every citizen who loves Hong Kong will act to boycott violence and support the action of the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong police. Thank you!
CCTV:
As we noticed, the HKMAO said there are signs of terrorism and acts bordering on terrorism in Hong Kong, and that the movement carries the characteristics of a "color revolution." What does the central government think of the nature of the movement? What measures different from the past will be taken? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
Thank you. For your question, I already elaborated on this at the beginning. Therefore, here I would like to add a few more words.
Have the violent crimes in Hong Kong begun to show signs of terrorism? We should examine the facts to obtain the answer. In the past three months, a small number of rioters committed crimes recklessly, in particular, hurting police officers with various heinous acts, and also smashed up shops, paralyzed the airport, disturbed the running of subways and illegally imprisoned innocent citizens. We noticed that the weapons they have been using in their attacks on the police have become increasingly serious and are already in the lethal category. They also used ignominious means to disclose the personal information of individual police officers and their families on the internet, which is illegal. Incomplete statistics show the personal information of about 1,600 police officers have already been disclosed, and some people have talked online openly about killing police officers and bullying their families. Let's then take a look at what happened on Aug. 31. Even if the petrol bombs they threw in the past might be said to be a few, this time, they threw about 100 petrol bombs in the downtown area. They also vandalized subway facilities, and broke into the control room of the subway in a sabotage operation threatening the safe operation of the subway.
They also put forward the slogan "Lan Chao." I did not know the meaning of these two characters at the beginning, so I asked my friends in Hong Kong. They told me it means "pulling others along to die together." I do not know how you feel after hearing this. However, I smell the breath of terror and madness. Another vicious manipulator openly threatened that just let it be even though the current violent criminal activities seriously damage Hong Kong's status as an international financial center. It is evident that they have already reached a point where they will do whatever it takes to achieve their political ends. There are people from more than one organization who have pointed out that their acts now obviously have the nature of terrorism. As for "color revolution," the facts are even clearer. We can see a small number of rioters repeatedly using slogans with "Hong Kong independence" overtones. One example is the ludicrous slogan of "Restoration of Hong Kong, Revolution of the Times," which I mentioned last time. I also noticed recently that they proposed at a rally that "U.K., U.S., Hong Kong in Alliance, To People Sovereignty Belongs." But what is Hong Kong? I already gave a very detailed introduction that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. What qualifies Hong Kong to ally itself with other countries? As for "To People Sovereignty Belongs," Hong Kong's sovereignty belongs to China and the 1.4 billion Chinese people. Is there any point in discussing this? It can be seen that these people are either ignorant of the laws and the identity of Hong Kong, or they openly want to turn Hong Kong into an independent or semi-independent political entity. Therefore, four words can be seen on their faces, "Fan Zhong (literally means Anti-China)" on the left and "Gang Du (literally means Hong Kong independence)" on the right.
We also noticed that, in the past three months, some Western politicians made frivolous remarks on Hong Kong affairs, sparing no effort to support a few rioters and "Hong Kong independence" activists and glorify their actions. It can be said that they have played a role in aggravating such actions. Therefore, some activists already demonstrate obvious characteristics of "color revolution." Their purposes are to paralyze the HKSAR government, take over the administration of the HKSAR, and make "one country, two systems" exist in name only.
I have one point I wish to make clear. We deeply and clearly know that the majority of the citizens of Hong Kong, including many young students, who were involved in peace marches and rallies, and put forward some other appeals, are entirely different from those who have broken the law, committed violent crimes, and challenged the bottom line of "one country, two systems." However, we must point out that the direction of the current turmoil in Hong Kong is not determined by their will. Under the manipulation of a few rioters and vicious manipulators behind the scenes, the current situation has completely deteriorated. That is why we say that it has come to a crucial moment to uphold the principle of "one country, two systems" and safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. All those who love Hong Kong should take concrete actions to draw a clear line between themselves and criminals, and say no to violence and those who undermine the bottom line of the "one country, two systems." Thank you.
Phoenix TV:
My question is about student strikes. A new semester began yesterday. Many students at middle schools and colleges in Hong Kong boycotted classes. What is the attitude of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office about this situation? We have also noted that some middle school students got involved in violent riots. It is said that primary and middle school education in Hong Kong is the main reason behind this phenomenon. What is your opinion? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
Thank you. Let me give the floor to my colleague.
Xu Luying:
Thank you for your question. We have noted that some opponents, "Hong Kong independence" activists and a few radical forces are doing their utmost to instigate students to boycott classes. We all wonder why they behave this way. I think they just want to bring their street protests into campuses, kidnap young students on their chariots, make them as political chips to threaten the HKSAR government and the central government, and instigate student and merchant strikes on a larger scale, so as to spread the chaos and create a more destabilized and dangerous situation. How vicious their intention is!
School is a place to acquire knowledge and cultivate personality. Dr. Sun Yat-sen once said that school is the source of evolution of civilization. At such a holy place, some forces by all means have stretched out their hands towards juveniles who have immature minds and are entirely unsophisticated, so as to realize their ulterior political motives. We have seen cases that have shocked us. Since June this year, a total of 15 juveniles under the age of 16 have been arrested. The youngest is only 12, with iron bars and paint sprayers found on his body. On Aug. 31, the police arrested a 13-year-old juvenile who hid two gasoline bombs on his body. How horrible! We clearly noticed that the participants, black hands behind the riots, especially the schemers and organizers, disregarded the lives, health and futures of the juveniles, making them as cannon fodder and victims of their violent riots, and providing fresh "political fuel" for the forces with ulterior motives. These are savage misdeeds and must be curbed with exercise of all due power.
We are grieved to see so many middle school and college students participating in violent riots this time. Schools are the main front of education and teachers are the first person responsible for school education. The Code of the Education Profession of Hong Kong stipulates that teachers have the responsibility and obligation to cultivate a student's ability in objective and justified analysis and offer students equal opportunities to receive education. But we have also seen that some teachers took advantage of their power and resources to disseminate seeds of violence and hatred, and instigate students to boycott classes, breaking the bottom line of the education profession, and even ignoring teaching ethics and that of a decent human being. This is totally unacceptable and should be punished severely based on laws.
We have also noted that the HKSAR government and Education Bureau have made clear that they are against any kind of student strike, and emphasized that no one is allowed to make schools a place to voice political appeals. Many education societies published joint announcements to appeal to teachers to stick to their positions. Some citizens also called for all people to refute the idea of boycotting classes and save the juveniles from further damage. Since Sept. 2, all schools have been operating as usual, being uninfluenced by the so-called student strikes, and some schools held flag-raising ceremonies. Therefore, what they did was unpopular. The central government firmly supports the HKSAR government, school faculties and citizens in Hong Kong to take effective measures to restrain anyone from instigating, inciting, threatening, or seducing young students to take part in violent political activities for any reason whatsoever, so as to protect the rights of every student to receive a good education and ensure schools can remain clean and peaceful. Thank you.
The Yomiuri Shimbun:
My question is about the Basic Law of Hong Kong. Maria Tam Wai-chu, deputy director of the Basic Law Committee of HKSAR of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, published an article in the People's Daily on Aug. 30, referring to the provisions of Article 18 of the Basic Law, pointing out that any one of the provisions indicate that the garrison is not a scarecrow in the military camp, rather, it is an important force to comprehensively and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy. Article 18 of the Basic Law stipulates that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decides whether Hong Kong will enter a state of emergency, and the central government may issue an order to implement the relevant national laws in Hong Kong. May I ask the spokesman, according to the provisions of Article 18 of the Basic Law, can the garrison and armed police be dispatched in this case? Thank you.
Xu Luying:
Thank you for your question. "To bridle turmoil and curb violence, bring Hong Kong back to order" is the most overwhelming, most important and most urgent task of Hong Kong. The central government unswervingly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam to lead the HKSAR government in governance according to the rule of law, unswervingly support the Hong Kong police force in its strict law enforcement, and unswervingly support the relevant departments and judicial organs of the HKSAR to bring criminals to due justice as soon as possible and safeguard the law and order in Hong Kong. We believe that with the support of the central government and the joint efforts of the Hong Kong people, the HKSAR government has the will and ability to take all necessary measures "to bridle turmoil and curb violence, and bring Hong Kong back to order" as soon as possible. The central government will absolutely not allow the chaos in Hong Kong to continue indefinitely. If the situation in Hong Kong further deteriorates and becomes a disturbance that cannot be controlled by the HKSAR government and endangers the sovereignty and security of the country, the central government will not just sit by and watch.
According to the Basic Law and the Garrison Law of the HKSAR, the duty of the PLA Hong Kong garrison is to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and Hong Kong's security. Article 14 of the Basic Law stipulates that the central government is responsible for the defense of the HKSAR. The HKSAR government may, when necessary, request the central government to let the garrison assist in the maintenance of public order and disaster relief. Article 18 of the Basic Law also stipulates that if there is a disturbance that cannot be controlled by the HKSAR government and endangers national unity or security, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress may decide on HKSAR entering a state of emergency. The central government may issue an order to implement the relevant national laws in Hong Kong. I think, after reading the provisions of Articles 14 and 18 to you, you should have a very clear answer to your questions. In the case of an emergency, national laws may be implemented in HKSAR according to the needs.
There is now a view in society that the dispatch of troops means the end of "one country, two systems." I want to say that this is completely wrong. No matter whether it is the central government that dispatches a garrison to assist in the maintenance of public order or for disaster relief at the request of the HKSAR government, or it is the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress that decides that HKSAR enters a state of emergency, both are implementing a specific provision of the Basic Law under the framework of "one country, two systems," which is an integral part of HKSAR's constitutional order. Thank you.
Sing Tao Daily:
The decision to build Shenzhen into a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics is based on what situation and deliberation of the central government? Is that implying a replacement of Hong Kong's unique roles? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
The guideline issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council to support building Shenzhen into a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics marks a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is a magnificent strategic move to deepen reform and expand opening up in all-round areas from a higher threshold with higher levels to reach higher goals. This guideline will benefit the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and help enrich the new practice of the principles of "one country, two systems."
We have noted that the guideline has evoked great concerns from Hong Kong and the international community, with someone worrying about the central government's inclination to replace Hong Kong with Shenzhen. This is definitely a misinterpretation. We think the guideline is de facto conducive to Hong Kong. Being put into scrutiny, the guideline features quite a number of items concerning Hong Kong's development in the long run and is conducive to maintain local stability and prosperity. This shows the consistent care and support from the central government to Hong Kong. Now please allow me to give you several examples. The guideline clearly stipulates that we should take the precious opportunity provided by the construction of the Greater Bay Area to enhance the function of core developmental engines. This not only refers to the higher requirements placed on Shenzhen, but also higher expectations placed on Hong Kong. The guideline also clearly stipulates that the country will continue to deepen the reform and opening up with institutional innovation-centered moves implemented in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone where the access of openness to Hong Kong and Macao should be expanded and in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone where construction is expected to accelerate. It will also explore the development in concerted efforts, innovate science and technology management mechanism and facilitate the high-speed and convenient flows of elements including personnel, capital, technologies and information. The section has accentuated the key points for the development of the Greater Bay Area where it navigates the routes heading to the promising future. There are also concrete measures formulated by the guideline to fortify the industrial cooperation of digital innovation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao and create more access to medical technologies developed with Hong Kong or Macao investments. Meanwhile, it also points out that the access to Hong Kong and Macao will open even wider, in so far as allowing Hong Kong and Macao residents who work or live in Shenzhen to enjoy equal treatments in terms of livelihood, which unfetters them from troublesome procedures.
The central government supports Hong Kong and Macao to integrate into the country's strategic development from which they are enabled to give full play to their unique and irreplaceable advantages. This will definitely not be changed. However, it is up to Hong Kong to strive for the opportunities which could slip quickly in irrevocable ways. A Chinese verse written in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), says, "Water tides never stop to wash away the sands, and a new wave always rises when the old one has yet to be splashed." Hong Kong is unable to bear the social turmoil, and development is its only welfare. So far, a small number of rioters have sabotaged the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong simply in order to achieve their political agendas. I think the majority of people in Hong Kong will turn against the rioters' virulent schemes which endanger the fundamental and personal interests of the local residents and the future of the city. Given the approximately 7 million people in Hong Kong, is there anything more important than working for sound development? Thank you.
China Daily:
On Aug. 31, US President Donald Trump tied the Sino-U.S. trade war to the situation in Hong Kong. He once again urged China to handle the Hong Kong protests in a "humane fashion." In addition, a statement issued at the G7 summit that ended on Aug. 26 stated that "the G7 reaffirms the existence and importance of the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 on Hong Kong and calls for violence to be avoided." What's your comment on this? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
Thank you. It must be stated that the UK has no right to "supervise" Hong Kong affairs. According to the general principles of international law and the basic norms of international relations, all countries have sovereign equality and their internal affairs are free from foreign interference. After the handover, Hong Kong became a local administrative region of China. Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and no nation has the right to interfere. We have stated that position many times.
However, over the past three months, we have seen that some politicians in the West, especially in the United States, are constantly making irresponsible remarks about Hong Kong. I will not list them separately here today because there are too many. I examined their remarks seriously. No matter what they said, the ideas and the way they are expressed can be summarized as the following two types. For one thing, they lied through their teeth in a serious manner, talked in a way turning black into white, disregarded the facts, and confused right and wrong. Whenever the police strictly enforced the law, they would say that the police were wrong and used excessive force. Whenever there was violence instigated by radicals in demonstrations, they would express sympathy and understanding. For another, they constantly supported and agitated a few rioters, fearing they may lose their nerve and chicken out. I think, after all, for three months, their various remarks centered on nothing more than these two types. I believe that if there is a riot in their own country, like that happening in Hong Kong, they would never dare to speak like this to their own police. It can be seen that the purpose of these people is definitely not for the bright future of Hong Kong. They just want to fish in troubled waters when they see some confusion in Hong Kong. All they want is to mess up Hong Kong and create trouble for China. That is all. I want to warn these Western gentlemen that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong and we will never allow any foreign interference in its affairs. Their tricks were used and worked elsewhere, leaving widespread devastation in those areas; however, in Hong Kong, the land of China, this set of tricks won't work. Stop daydreaming!
Speaking of this, a few lines from the poem of Chairman Mao occurred to me: "On this tiny globe, a few flies dash themselves against the wall, humming without cease, sometimes shrilling, sometimes moaning." This is indeed an apt metaphor.
Xi Yanchun:
The conference has been going on for more than an hour. Do reporters from Macao want to ask questions? The reporter in the third row, please.
Macao Asia Satellite Television:
On August 25, Ho Iat Seng was elected fifth-term chief executive-designate of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). What are the expectations of the central government for the new Macao Chief Executive in his five-year tenure?
Yang Guang:
Thank you for your question. Mr. Ho Iat Seng qualifies for the central government's standard of a SAR Chief Executive in that he/she must be trusted by the central government; must love the country and Macao; must have capability in terms of governance; and must be supported by the people in Macao. Ho's success in being elected with a majority has fully demonstrated that he is widely supported and recognized by all sectors of Macao society. The central government plans to implement Ho's appointment procedure in accordance with the law.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. The practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao has come to a new historical starting point. We hope that all sectors of society in Macao support Mr. Ho Iat Song and carry forward the fine tradition of loving the motherland as well as Macao, fully and faithfully implementing the principle of "one country, two systems." We also hope they could firmly safeguard the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law, working to improve the level of public governance in SAR and promoting appropriately diversified economic development. In this way, Macao is being encouraged to actively participate in the national developing endeavor, and, as a result, the practice of "one country, two system" will have even greater success in Macao. Thank you.
Xi Yanchun:
Let's give today's last question to the foreign reporter sitting in the back row.
Channel NewsAsia:
This weekend, Hong Kong has witnessed demonstrations for the 13th week. The demonstrators and the HKSAR government are still deadlocked. As the violence continue to escalate, and as the remarks of the Chief Executive have been caught on record, how will Beijing help the Hong Kong SAR government restore normality and order as well as lasting peace and security in Hong Kong? In addition, what is Beijing's view on the reports on the Hong Kong incident overseas on the internet and in traditional media, and what the actions will Beijing take to provide a clearer public understanding?
Xu Luying:
Thank you for your questions. You've raised several different questions. The first is what Beijing should do to help the Hong Kong SAR government restore order. Currently, the incident which originated from the proposed legal amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance has fundamentally changed regarding the nature of the protests. The most pressing and overriding task at the moment for Hong Kong is to stop violence, end chaos and restore order. The central government continues its staunch support for the HKSAR government led by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in governing the Hong Kong SAR according to the law, for the Hong Kong police in strict and just law-enforcement. Speaking of which, I'd like to say a few things about the Hong Kong police. As you've mentioned, the demonstrations, protests and violent clashes have lasted for 13 weeks already. We have seen that it is the Hong Kong police who have really been at the forefront in stopping violence and ending chaos. However, it is clear to everyone that the Hong Kong police have also become the targets of attack by these gangsters in extremely cruel and inhumane ways. So far, more than 200 policemen have been injured, one of whom lost part of his finger. In addition, according to incomplete statistics, in the three months since the beginning of the Hong Kong incident, the personal information of some 1,700 policemen, as well as their family members, has been illegally exposed and spread. Violence has caused severe physical and psychological damage to policemen and their family members. Nevertheless, under such circumstances, huge pressure and an urgent situation, the Hong Kong police have still maintained their professionalism and restraint when facing protestors. They applied a minimum level of armed forces, and strictly followed the rules of law-enforcement. Therefore, we believe that the Hong Kong police are worthy of the honor as the best police force in the world. In this regard, the central government firmly supports all necessary measures taken by the Hong Kong police and the HKSAR government to combat violence and end crimes. The central government continues its staunch support for all sectors who are assisting the Hong Kong police for law-enforcement, and the central government will continue to do its best to protect and care for the Hong Kong police as well as their family members. This is my response to your first question.
We have also seen that, during these 13 weeks of demonstrations, there are also citizens who seek to express their demands in a peaceful and legal way. We must distinguish between them and those engaged in criminal acts that create a violent terrorist attack and undermine the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle. The demands they have raised, especially the deep-seated problems reflected in the activities of these past two months, need our great attention. We hope Hong Kong society can focus on developing the economy, improving people's livelihood, rationally expressing their own demands, building consensus and seeking solutions through cooperative brainstorming. The central government will, as always, support Hong Kong in developing its economy, improving people's livelihood and integrating its own development into the overall development of the country.
Since the beginning of this year, the relevant central government departments have introduced a series of policies to Hong Kong and Macao to support the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These policies are aimed at supporting the construction of an international technology and innovation hub, facilitating the flow of factors of production, promoting market integration, and making it easier for Hong Kong and Macao residents to live and work on the Chinese mainland, etc. Staged progress has been made in the implementation of all the policies. Looking forward, the relevant central government departments will continue to adopt more practical measures conducive to the development of Hong Kong and Macao as well as mainland-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation and exchanges. With strong support from the motherland, I believe Hong Kong will surly maintain its prosperity and stability. However, in the final analysis, it depends on the efforts made by Hong Kong itself as to whether it can seize the opportunities presented by the development of the motherland and make good use of the preferential policies and measures introduced by the central government.
At last, I would like to give my response to the question raised by the journalist from Phoenix TV. During nearly three months of protests and violent activities, we have seen several incidents where violent radicals insulted and burnt national flags, threw them into the sea; they also tarnished the national emblem. While strongly condemning the unscrupulous behavior by a very small number of "Hong Kong independence" activists, we should ask ourselves why such incidents have happened time and again in Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China. We should ask ourselves whether we need to reflect on the national education being provided in Hong Kong, especially the cultivation of a sense of nationhood. I think it is high time we pay high attention to the national education, to the cultivation of a public sense of nationhood, and take effective measures to solve problems in society. Therefore, after the violence and chaos end and order is restored, both the HKSAR government and all Hong Kong people need to take enhancement of national education as an important task. It is a responsibility shared by the whole society and also the most responsible conduct towards the next generation of Hong Kong people. Thanks.
Xi Yanchun:
Thanks to the two speakers. Thank you all. This press conference is concluded.
