Legal experts: Talks, not violence, solution to HK impasse

Since its establishment, China has carried out the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong with one premise - safeguarding the “one country” principle. As long as people stick to the “one country” principle, the “two systems” have endless opportunities to grow and develop. Without the “one country” principle, there would be no “two systems”.

In light of safeguarding the "one country" principle, we must maintain peace and order in Hong Kong society. No one can destroy Hong Kong or destroy China with Hong Kong.

Violence is the arch enemy of the rule of law and the "one country, two systems" principle. It is considered a public enemy in any civilized society. Recently, violent protests have destroyed the future of many young people, undermined the constitutional order and the legal system, and sabotaged the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong.

At present, Hong Kong society is in a serious and dangerous state, with violence spreading. These violent events have shocked China and the world. These violent actions are crippling the foundation of prosperity and stability in Hong Kong society.

Don't ask if China will allow Hong Kong to continue the "one country, two systems" principle. No country in the world hopes the "one country, two systems" principle can continue in Hong Kong more than China. Our country has devoted much heart and efforts into carrying out the policy. The central government has reiterated repeatedly that the "one country, two systems" principle will not be changed. Ask yourself if you want the "one country, two systems" or the "one country, one system" in Hong Kong? The initiative is in your hands rather than the central government. Actions have consequences. What you do today is the most important factor that decides the destiny of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong.

Since carrying on the "one country, two systems" principle is in line with everyone's fundamental interests, I suggest that nobody do things that violate the policy or damage Hong Kong's rule of law. Please cherish what we own right now and the "one country, two systems" principle, stop all kinds of violence and fight against violent deeds resolutely.

As long as we go back to the rule of law and the "one country, two systems" principle, act in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law as well as local laws, we can find a good solution. The premise is stopping violence, restoring social order and rule of law. This is not only the highest priority at the moment but also a permanent solution. The HKSAR government should abide by the Constitution, the Basic Law as well as local laws, safeguard the rule of law, carry out law enforcement strictly and deal with the current situation in a legal way. Everyone in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality, should safeguard Hong Kong's legal order, exercise their rights according to law and not do things that damage the "one country" basis and Hong Kong's rule of law.

Some Hong Kong residents worry whether the country will abandon or sacrifice Hong Kong. China will not sacrifice or give up on Hong Kong. We stand together with Hong Kong people. Hong Kong residents, including those who have made mistakes, are not our enemy. All are victims, which we will protect. We have confidence in Hong Kong and Hong Kong youths. We will wait for them to change their mind. We will guard Hong Kong and protect Hong Kong.

For those who instigated the havoc and poisoned the youths, China will not forgive them and will make them pay the price. Many across the world want to watch the internal conflicts in our nation, but they will fail, because we will work out a way to land on our feet, just like what we did time after time in the past 5,000 years. We have the wisdom, the ability and the methods to solve the current crisis with Hong Kong residents and present a peaceful, stable and prosperous Hong Kong to China and the world.