SCIO briefing on the position and views on the current situation of Hong Kong
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, August 28, 2019
Xi Yanchun:
Thank you, Mr. Yang, for your introduction. Now, the floor is open for questions. The first chance will be given to a Hong Kong news organization.
HKCATV:
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said yesterday that the protests had gone beyond the fugitive offenders' bill, and certain people were attempting to start a revolution and challenge national sovereignty. Some commentators hold that the chief executive had labeled the five demands of the protesters as seeking "Hong Kong independence". Does the central government agree with all the statements of the chief executive? Do all the protesters really intend to stage a revolution? What does the central government think of this? If the anti-amendment protests continue, for example, until Oct. 1 [National Day], will the central government sit by, or will it not rule out the possibility of deploying the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the HKSAR to deal with the situation? I have a second question. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council expressed respect for the Hong Kong police at last press conference, and, just now, Mr. Yang reiterated that. Some critics believe such words have made the Hong Kong police more arrogant, so that they have even arrested protesters in a way that is an abuse of power. What's your comment on this? Should the police make a self-criticism over their law enforcement methods and apologize to the public for the escalating police-citizen conflict? Thank you.
Yang Guang:
Thank you. Actually, you have asked more than two questions. I think those questions, however, can be boiled down to two major points. One is about my comment on what Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said at her press conference yesterday. The other is about my opinion on the law enforcement actions by the Hong Kong police.
As to the first point, we noticed that Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said at yesterday's press conference that Hong Kong is on the verge of a dangerous situation, and that she would not resign. She said more firmly that the only way to deal with violence is to rely on the rule of law. I very much agree with her words and deeply appreciate her sense of responsibility. In my introduction just now, I listed the shocking incidents involving violent and criminal activities in Hong Kong over the recent two months. At present, the momentum of this violence has yet to be contained effectively. If we look at the facts, we can extract two essential truths. First, what is happening in Hong Kong has evolved from peaceful demonstrations and rallies to criminal acts wantonly committed by a small number of people. Second, it has turned from peaceful expression of views into a challenge to the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle.
I noticed that the chief executive also mentioned a slogan used by certain people, namely "Reclaim Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times." I want to ask those people, "Where is Hong Kong?" It is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. In Hong Kong, what do you want to 'reclaim'? Where exactly do you want to 'reclaim' Hong Kong to?" So, this slogan clearly exposes their political motive. Everybody knows they are attempting to challenge the "one country" framework, which is the foundation of "two systems". Given the shocking violent and criminal activities, as well as the severe challenge to the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle, is there anyone who doesn't see the nature of the protests has changed? The central government will never allow a small number of people to drag Hong Kong into a dangerous situation through their violent acts. Therefore, the most pressing and overriding task of Hong Kong at present is to "stop violence, end the chaos and restore order." The central government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor in leading the HKSAR government's law-based governance, and firmly supports the Hong Kong police in enforcing the laws rigorously.
As to my opinion on the actions by the Hong Kong police, as you said just now, recently the Hong Kong police have indeed been enforcing the laws rigorously and resolutely. I deeply appreciate their dedication to their duties in accordance with the law and their overall professionalism. I cannot help wondering, isn't this what is supposed to happen? Of course, it is. Hong Kong is known as a society under the rule of law, and all Hong Kong people consider the rule of law as a core value of which they are proud. What is the rule of law? It means that we must ensure the laws are observed and violators are punished. What are the duties of the police? When crimes and illegal practices appear, the police should enforce the laws resolutely and rigorously so as to restore order and maintain social stability. Violence is violence, and unlawful acts are unlawful acts, no matter who commits them and what pretext is used. All unlawful acts must be firmly stopped, and this is a manifestation that the police officers are performing their duties with dedication. Only by doing so can the rule of law in Hong Kong be effectively safeguarded.
I would like to reiterate our sincere respect for the Hong Kong police, for they have enforced the laws resolutely and strictly regardless of the pressure and danger! Thank you!
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)