"Stopping the violence, curbing chaos and restoring order are the most pressing tasks for Hong Kong," Zhao Kezhi, China's Minister of Public Security said, adding that the central government and the Ministry of Public Security will firmly support the Hong Kong police to enforce the law strictly and fairly.

He made the remarks on Friday when he met with Tang Ping-keung, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s new police commissioner, in Beijing. 

Zhao said during the meeting that Chinese "President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech on the current situation in Hong Kong on November 14... clearly announced the central government's basic position and attitude towards the situation in Hong Kong and pointed the way to stabilizing the situation."

"We hope the Hong Kong police force and the mainland public security organs can strengthen the coordination and cooperation, deepen exchanges, and jointly safeguard national security and social stability in the HKSAR," Zhao said. 

The meeting took place during Tang's first visit to the capital since he took office last month. Tang introduced his management team during Friday's meeting, and the two officials discussed the security situation in Hong Kong. 

Tang thanked the Ministry of Public Security for its long-term support and assistance to the Hong Kong police. He said the Hong Kong police force would work hard to combat violence and disorder and restore social stability in Hong Kong as soon as possible.

During Tang's trip to Beijing, he is also expected to meet officials of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. 

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Xi Jinping: Stopping violence, restoring order the most urgent tasks for HK