Wang Guoqing, spokesman of China's national political advisory body, speaks at a press conference of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing, March 2, 2016. (Photo: China News Service/Sheng Jiapeng)
A spokesperson with China's national political advisory body on Wednesday denounced mob violence in Hong Kong's Mong Kok during the Lunar New Year holidays last month.[Special coverage]
"We firmly oppose illegal and even violent actions taken by a small number of people to mess things up in Hong Kong and sabotage cooperation and exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong," Wang Guoqing told a press conference ahead of the annual session of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.
About 300 people participated in the riot in the early hours on Feb. 9 at Mong Kok, one of Hong Kong's busiest shopping areas, following official attempts to remove illegal hawkers from the busy commercial neighborhood.
The rioters attacked police officers and journalists, smashed police vehicles and committed arson. Nearly 90 police officers as well as four journalists were injured during the riot.
Describing Hong Kong as an "open and diversified society," Wang said it is perfectly normal that people with different backgrounds hold different views toward economic, political and social issues.
"But it is the common aspiration of all Hong Kong citizens and in the fundamental interests of the city to seek development, stability and harmony," he said.
The spokesperson meanwhile noted that Hong Kong has been ruled under the "one country, two systems" principle over the past 19 years, adding that the principle will never be changed but instead be followed through in a comprehensive and precise manner.
Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity is an overarching mission of the "one country, two systems" principle, and an important part of the Chinese Dream, Wang said.
He urged political advisors from Hong Kong and Macao, another Chinese special administrative region ruled under the "one country, two systems" principle, to play their due parts in its implementation.
