No excuses and zero tolerance for violence in Hong Kong
Updated 10:46, 24-Jul-2019
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Editor's note: This article is an edited version of an editorial published by The People's Daily on July 22, 2019. The article does not necessarily reflect the views of CGTN.

On July 21, some radical demonstrators in Hong Kong blockaded the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), destroyed facilities, threw black paintballs on the national emblem on the gate of the office building, and painted insulting words on the exterior wall. Such behaviors not only violated the Hong Kong Basic Law, but also blatantly challenged the authority of the central government and touched the bottom line of the principle of "one country, two systems." Such behaviors are serious in nature, have caused bad influence and are absolutely intolerable.

In recent days, a series of violent incidents have plunged Hong Kong into a deep disturbance. In the name of opposing the amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, some radical demonstrators stormed the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, destroyed public facilities, beat the police and made explosives. These violent behaviors have seriously damaged the social order in Hong Kong. The siege of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and the escalated violence have gone far beyond peaceful demonstrations. 

The Liaison Office is the representative's office of the Chinese central government in the HKSAR. It performs its duties in Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution, the Hong Kong Basic Law and the authorization of the central government. The violence committed by radicals is a serious violation of the Hong Kong Basic Law and local laws.

Residents visit the new barrack of People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison in Hong Kong, 19 June, 2018. /VCG Photo

Residents visit the new barrack of People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison in Hong Kong, 19 June, 2018. /VCG Photo

Since Hong Kong's return to China, the central government has adhered to the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy. The central government has acted in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. It is also the supporter of all-round development in Hong Kong and the defender of the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong people. For 22 years, the country has always offered strong backing for HKSAR's development which has always been intrinsically bound with the mainland. 

"When Hong Kong is good, the motherland is good. A better motherland makes a better Hong Kong." 

This illustrates the inseparable relationship between Hong Kong and the motherland. Only by maintaining the authority of the central government can we ensure that the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong will not be bent or distorted, and that Hong Kong will enjoy long-term prosperity and stability which are good for local people's livelihood.

In a civilized society ruled by law, demands should be made in a peaceful and rational manner on the basis of mutual respect. There shall be no excuse for violence, and the bottom line of the rule of law shall not be crossed. Any action to bow, to defend, whitewash and indulge violence will only beget more violence. If radicals are allowed to trample on the rule of law in Hong Kong, Hong Kong's advantages and competitiveness will be eroded. The majority of the city's residents must recognize the harm and nature of violence committed by a very small group of radicals, firmly uphold the principle "one country, two systems," safeguard Hong Kong's law and order, and protect the beautiful land shared by seven million people.

"Nothing is more beneficial than stability, and nothing is more detrimental than chaos." 

The HKSAR government shall take all necessary measures according to law to ensure the safety of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong and punish the criminals. Hong Kong compatriots shall work together to oppose violence, safeguard the rule of law and cherish peace. With the support of the central government and the general public of Hong Kong, the HKSAR government will be able to restore social order and the time-tested principle of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong will live long and prosper.

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