Chinese state councilor urges non-interference in HK affairs

China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) and United States Secretary of State John Kerry shake handsas they arrive for talks in Boston,Massachusetts, Oct 18, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi has reaffirmed that the affairs of Hong Kong fall within China's domestic affairs, in which no countries have the right to interfere, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said here on Sunday.

Yang clarified China's position on issues concerning Hong Kong during his talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday, Qin told reporters.

Yang voiced hope that the US side will be discreet with its words and deeds and refrain from supporting, in any form, such illegal activities as "Occupying Central," Qin said.

"We are resolutely opposed to all kinds of illegal activities that undermine Hong Kong's rule of law and social order and firmly support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government in handling these in accordance with the law so as to safeguard Hong Kong's social stability," Yang was quoted as saying.

The decision on the election of a chief executive for Hong Kong by universal suffrage was made by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee in line with the Basic Law of the HKSAR, Yang noted.

It adequately responded to opinions from all circles of Hong Kong society and complies with the region's realities, and is thus conducive to safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, he said.