Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that the introduction of national security legislation for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is imperative and urgent. 

Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress, as he answered questions of journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policy and foreign relations.  

Wang said Hong Kong issue is purely China's internal affair and China doesn't allow any foreign interference. 

Deputies of the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the HKSAR have voiced their support for the bill, said Wang. 

The violence associated with the disturbances arising from the legislative exercise of the Fugitive Offenders Bill since June last year has been escalating and the emergence of various incidents involving explosives and firearms has posed a risk of terrorism, seriously jeopardizing public safety, said Wang. 

He said the bill only targets acts of secession, subverting state power and organizing and carrying out terrorist activities, as well as activities interfering with the HKSAR's internal affairs by foreign or external forces.  

They will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by HKSAR residents under the law, Wang added, calling on all Hong Kong residents to support the legislation. 

A draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security was submitted to the third session of the 13th NPC for deliberation on Friday.  

The introduction of the bill at the NPC came after HKSAR was embroiled in prolonged riots last year.

(Cover: Xinhua)