China's two major Hong Kong affairs authorities expressed on Saturday their firm support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's lawful handling of "Hong Kong independence" activities.
Representatives of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR made the remarks after a key leader of the illegal 2014 "Occupy Central" movement in the city－University of Hong Kong associate professor Benny Tai Yiu-ting－talked about "Hong Kong independence" when he attended a seminar in Taipei.
The HKMAO resolutely holds the position that the Hong Kong SAR government should act against "Hong Kong independence" activists' collusion with external separatist forces in accordance with the law and supports its decision to do so, the HKMAO spokesperson said. By doing so, the country's sovereignty, national security and the Hong Kong SAR's long-term prosperity, stability and fundamental interests can be safeguarded, the spokesperson said.
Noting that Tai recently participated in a meeting organized by a group advocating "Taiwan independence" and preached "Hong Kong independence", the spokesperson also spoke of the Hong Kong SAR government's strong condemnation of the event.
A very small minority of Hong Kong people have colluded with separatists from outside the city and openly advocate "Hong Kong independence". This has not only demonstrated their separatism agenda, but also contravened China's Constitution, the Hong Kong SAR's constitutional document－the Basic Law－and relevant local ordinances, the spokesperson said.
The advocacy of Hong Kong independence also challenged the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle, the spokesperson said, and such deeds should not be ignored or condoned.
In a statement on Saturday, the Liaison Office also expressed its utmost indignation over and strong condemnation of Tai's conduct.
This is more wanton conduct of Tai, the office said, treading on the rule of law after convening the illegal "Occupy Central" movement.
The office said it had noticed that not only the Hong Kong SAR government but also various sectors in the city had expressed their disapproval of Tai's deeds through different channels in the past few days.
The office reiterated that "Hong Kong independence" is a serious violation of laws, and the liaison office will be resolute in supporting the Hong Kong SAR government tackling the issue to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. All Chinese people, including Hong Kong residents, have "zero tolerance" toward "Hong Kong independence" advocacy. Such a notion has "zero room" in China and elsewhere in the world, the liaison office stressed.
"We hope people from all sectors in Hong Kong will continue to stand firm in safeguarding the 'one country, two systems' principle and cherish the precious development momentum Hong Kong enjoys," the office said.
On Friday, a Hong Kong SAR spokesperson said any advocacy of "Hong Kong independence" runs against "one country, two systems" and against the Basic Law, as well as the overall and long-term interest of Hong Kong society.
