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

The extreme violent offences have severely undermined the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is known for its free and open economy, inclusive and diverse culture, professional and efficient management, and law-abiding and safe society.

But today,

Hong Kong citizens live under "black terror" created by violent extremists, with their life and property under severe threat.

Hong Kong's GDP, after contracting for two quarters in a row, shrank by 2.9% year-on-year in the third quarter. It is now in a technical recession. The Office of the Government Economist of Hong Kong SAR revised down its growth forecast for the full-year to negative 1.3%.

Hong Kong's international rating has been downgraded. Its international image and business environment are under severe impact.

In media reports, Hong Kong is now associated with incessant violence and disorder. The success and achievements of the past 22 years since the handover are being eroded. The once "oriental pearl" is turning into an "oriental scar". Hong Kong the "fragrant harbour" is sliding into "an abyss of chaos". The future of Hong Kong, if such situation continues, would be unimaginably dreadful.

The extreme violent offences have challenged the principled bottom line of "One Country, Two Systems".

The opposition and the violent extremists in Hong Kong have advocated "Hong Kong independence" and publicly clamoured for the "liberation of Hong Kong".

This reveals their true, sinister political agenda behind the so-called social appeals. They are actually aimed at undermining "One Country", which is the basis of "One Country, Two Systems". They attempt to destabilize Hong Kong and paralyze the SAR Government, so that they could seize administrative power and separate Hong Kong from the motherland.

"One Country, Two Systems" is one complete concept. "One Country" is the precondition and basis of "Two Systems". Without "One Country", "Two Systems" will no longer exist. Violent offences that undermine "One Country, Two Systems" will never be tolerated.

Second, President Xi Jinping's speech points a way out for ending the chaos in Hong Kong, namely, the top priority for Hong Kong is to end violence and restore order.

The basic requirement of the rule of law is that laws must be observed and offenders must be brought to justice. No society would in any way tolerate or indulge extreme violence.

To restore law and order, violence must end and violent perpetrators must be brought to justice. This is the only way to safeguard the interests of the public, ensure a better future for Hong Kong, and cement the foundation of "One Country, Two Systems".

The SAR Government, the police and the judicial institutions of Hong Kong should be given strong support in upholding the rule of law, and in taking forceful measures to curb and combat all types of violent offences and terrorist activities. We firmly support them in bringing the offenders to justice as soon as possible, and in safeguarding the rule of law and public order, so as to bring stability to Hong Kong and tranquility to the people.

Third, President Xi Jinping's speech demonstrates the strong determination of the Chinese Government to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and implement "One Country, Two Systems".

At the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded last month, it was reiterated that "One Country, Two Systems" is an important policy of the Communist Party of China in leading the Chinese people to realise the peaceful reunification of the motherland.

The Chinese Government will continue to implement fully and faithfully "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", and a high degree of autonomy. For this formula to work in Hong Kong, there are three bottom lines, namely, no tolerance for any activity that,

one, undermines national sovereignty and security;

two, challenges the authority of the Central Government or the Basic Law;

and, three, uses Hong Kong for infiltration or sabotage against the Chinese mainland.

At the same time,

The Chinese Government will improve the system of overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law.

We will also improve the arrangements for Hong Kong to integrate into the overall development of the country, match complementary strengths with the mainland and achieve coordinated development.

And we will work to address deep-seated problems hampering social stability and long-term development.