Beijing, July 29: China asserted on Monday it remains fully committed to the policy of “one country two systems” under which its claimed territory Hong Kong is guaranteed a higher degree of autonomy.
In a media conference in Beijing, South China Morning Post quoted China’s senior Hong Kong policy office spokesperson said: “‘One country, two systems’ is the best way to govern Hong Kong, the central government will not change the direction of ‘one country, two systems’.”
Yang’s comments have arrived against the backdrop of the ongoing eight weeks of mass anti-government protests in Hong Kong against a controversial extradition bill that would allow suspect in the city to be sent to mainland China for court prosecution, calling for democracy, as well as, police accountability.
Yang, when asked Beijing would take steps to assure Hong Kong, said “one country two systems” would be in place.
“This depends on how they [the people of Hong Kong] understand the situation. It is a complete ideology.”
Yang also cited three bottom lines over this matter: “No harm to national security, no challenge to the central government’s authority and the Basic Law, and no using Hong Kong as a base to undermine China.
The spokesperson also added the aim of the extradition bill was to handle a legal loophole, saying China respects and understands the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government’s action to scrap the controversial bill.
He added saying Beijing fully backs police over its stern action to create rule of law in semi-autonomous region amid violent unrest last weekend.
The spokesperson said, “The rule of law is what Hongkongers are proud of. Violence is violence; unlawful acts are unlawful. It doesn’t change, no matter what the target is. The central government supports the relevant government departments and police to protect the rule of law.”