Beijing reiterates no tolerance for separatism in HK

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Beijing will not allow anyone in Hong Kong to harm national security or use the Special Administrative Region (SAR) as a base for subverting political and social stability, the central government's top liaison official in Hong Kong said on New Year's Day.

In an interview with China Central Television, Zhang Xiaoming spelled out three lines that should not be crossed.

Zhang Xiaoming, director of Chinese central government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong. /CFP Photo

No one is allowed to undermine China's sovereignty over Hong Kong and hurt national security, nor challenge the authority of the central government and Hong Kong's Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution, he said.

The region should not be used as a base to "infiltrate and subvert" the Chinese mainland, destabilizing social and political order, he added.

The year 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR.

Public concern over separatism in Hong Kong grew in 2016 after two lawmakers elected to the city's legislature - Youngspiration's Sixtus Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching - used foul language and advocated independence during their swearing-in ceremony in October.

Zhang appealed to all people in Hong Kong to strengthen the "sense of the bottom line", uphold the rule of law and stand firm against the rise of separatism.

In turn, authorities and residents from the Chinese mainland should respect and safeguard Hong Kong's sociopolitical system, leaving Hong Kong to handle matters within the scope of its autonomy, he added.

The five-petal Hong Kong orchid tree, normally seen on the SAR's flag. /CFP Photo

These principles are in accordance with the original intent and fundamental basis of the "one country, two systems" policy, which despite the political discord in recent years, has been "an internationally recognized triumph", he said.

Beijing has adhered to its commitment made before Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, he said, adding that the central government attaches great importance to Hong Kong affairs and will continue its firm support of the city.

Also on Sunday, hundreds of people rallied near the Hong Kong government complex, urging the authority to curb "Hong Kong independence" advocacy through legal and educational means.

Article 23 of the Basic Law states that the SAR shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition and subversion against the central government, or theft of state secrets.

(With inputs from China Daily)