A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday condemned acts of a small number of rioters in Hong Kong as a "political virus" in Hong Kong society and vowed to erase the "black terror."

The spokesperson noted that the "black terror" is the enemy of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

"The scorched-earth action of the black-clad violent protesters is a political virus in Hong Kong society and a big enemy to 'One Country, Two Systems'," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Hong Kong will never be calm if the "black terror" is not removed and the central government will not sit idle, the spokesperson said, adding that the central government has the authority and responsibility to maintain order and safeguard national security.

Hong Kong's economy recorded in the first quarter its deepest annual contraction since at least 1974, as the coronavirus pandemic dealt a heavy blow to business activity, already in decline following the June protests.

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The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs spokesperson said that while there were many factors contributing to Hong Kong's economic woes, the main problem was the previous protests.

"Hong Kong's biggest trouble comes from within, that is the violent forces openly calling for and engaging in 'lanchao'," said the spokesperson, referring to a tactic of dragging all of society in a scorched-earth manner.

The spokesperson said that the "black terror" group has stamped on the rule of law and perturbed Hong Kong's social order. They've smashed private and public property, which has severely damaged Hong Kong's business environment and international reputation. 

"It can be said that the violent forces are destroying the foundation of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," the spokesperson said. 

The spokesperson noted how recently those extreme radicals ignored the social distancing rules set by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) over concerns of coronavirus outbreak and held illegal assemblies over the Labor Day holiday. 

If their violent behaviors to be condoned excessively, Hong Kong will pay a higher price for them, the spokesperson stressed. The only right option is to say no to the "black terror."

The spokesperson also spoke highly of Tuesday's establishment of the Hong Kong Coalition, which released a joint statement that insists adherence to the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and vows to revitalize Hong Kong. 

(With input from Reuters)