A leading university in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region stressed its firm stance against Hong Kong independence in response to reports that a group of its students are advocating independence.

On Wednesday, the Chinese University of Hong Kong published an official statement that the Basic Law clearly states that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China and "any speech or act that incites or promotes Hong Kong independence is in contravention of the Basic Law".

The statement came after a student organization in the university openly recruited members via social media last Friday to initiate "academic discussion" of the feasibility of Hong Kong independence and to "safeguard students' freedom of speech".

The city's leading university in social science said it will ensure that the campus is a place for the engagement of rational intellectual pursuits, instead of political contests, while continuing to do its utmost to protect freedom of speech and academic autonomy.

The university vowed to actively communicate with its students on all matters related to the activities of student organizations.

CUHK made a similar announcement in September when banners carrying slogans advocating Hong Kong independence were spotted in various locations on campus at the beginning of the semester. The banners were removed by school authorities.

On Thursday, the People's Daily's overseas edition also published an article condemning the students' move, stressing that freedom of speech is not a "fig leaf" to cover up separatist notions.

Hong Kong definitely enjoys academic freedom and freedom of speech, the article said. "However, any form of freedom shall not be espoused at the expense of the law," it argued.

The article condemned the Hong Kong Independence Research Society for using freedom of speech as a defense for the advocacy of independence. Their deeds violate the national Constitution and the Basic Law, Hong Kong's constitutional document, and tread on the "one country, two systems" principle, the article argued.

"They were actually justifying their illegal acts," the article said. Any attempts to challenge national sovereignty, security or developmental interests are unacceptable and unlawful no matter how those people portray their deeds.

Universities should be a place for academic creation rather than a stage for political advocates, it added. "The reputation and teaching standards of the university will be damaged at the end of the day."