Opening Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the Press Conference at the Chinese Embassy

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good morning! Welcome to the Chinese Embassy.

This is the third press conference that I have held on the Hong Kong question. In the past five months, the incident arising from relevant amendments has evolved into incessant violence. The recent escalation of illegal, violent activities pushed Hong Kong into an extremely dangerous situation.

Those who truly care about Hong Kong would ask these questions:

What is happening in Hong Kong?

How shall we see the current chaos?

What would be the way out?

Four days ago, during the 11th BRICS Summit in Brazil, President Xi Jinping made clear the solemn position of the Chinese Government on the situation in Hong Kong. He said,

"The incessant extreme violent offences in Hong Kong trampled on the rule of law, disrupted public order, severely undermined the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, and gravely challenged the bottom line of 'One Country, Two Systems'."

He pointed out: "The top priority for Hong Kong is to end violence and restore order. We will continue to firmly support the SAR Government under the leadership of the Chief Executive in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law. We firmly support Hong Kong police in strict and rigorous enforcement of the law. We firmly support the judicial institutions of Hong Kong in bringing violent offenders to justice in accordance with law."

He further emphasized: "The Chinese Government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement 'One Country, Two Systems', and oppose any interference from external forces in Hong Kong affairs."

This important statement is the most authoritative voice from the Central Government of China on the current situation and future of Hong Kong. Every word carries weight.

First, President Xi Jinping's speech reveals the nature and severe consequence of the extreme violent offences.

The current situation in Hong Kong has nothing to do with the so-called democracy or freedom. The nature of the issue is that extreme violent offenders have disrupted law and order in Hong Kong, attempted to destabilize Hong Kong and undermine "One Country, Two Systems". Their activities are extreme, violent and illegal.

The extreme violent offences have trampled on the rule of law and disrupted public order in Hong Kong.

For the past five months, the self-labeled peaceful protesters have resorted to senseless beating, smashing and arson; they have carried out premeditated attacks against police officers and a failed assassination of a member of the Legislative Council; and they have turned many universities into their strongholds and besieged and attacked students from Chinese mainland.

While claiming they stand with the weak, the rioters have indiscriminately hurt ordinary citizens and even doused a citizen who opposed their vandalism with inflammable liquid and set fire to him.

While claiming they safeguard democracy and freedom, the rioters have restricted or even deprived others of personal freedom and freedom of speech.

Such inhuman, murderous violence in broad daylight trampled on the bottom lines of law, morality and civilization and must not be tolerated!

The anti-China extremists have also taken such violence abroad and into the UK. Some of them, wearing black masks, created trouble in front of the Chinese Embassy in the UK. They defaced the Embassy gate and painted "Hong Kong independence" slogans on both sides of the gate. Some besieged the Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong SAR, who was invited to an event in London. She was pushed to the ground and sustained arm injury.

We express the strongest indignation and condemnation over these violent acts!