'Illegal and violent actions' are firmly opposed, says CPPCC spokesman

The spokesman for the annual session of China's top political advisory body denounced the mob violence that he said was intended to "mess things up" in Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year holiday last month.

Wang Guoqing commented on the riot that rocked Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on Feb 8, during a news conference on Wednesday ahead of the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

Although it is normal for people in an open and diverse society like Hong Kong to hold different views toward economic, political and social issues, it is the common aspiration of Hong Kong residents, and in the common interests of the city, to seek development, stability and harmony, Wang said.

"We firmly oppose illegal and violent actions taken by a small number of people attempting to mess things up in Hong Kong and sabotage cooperation and exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong," he added.

The riots broke out late on the evening of Feb 8 after protesters blocked officers from taking action against unauthorized vendors in the busy retail neighborhood. More than 90 police officers and four journalists were injured, and more than 70 suspects have been arrested in connection with the unrest.

Wang reiterated that central authorities will steadfastly uphold adherence to the One Country, Two Systems principle and ensure the principle's implementation in Hong Kong.

Chan Wing-kee, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, emphasized that the incident will not lead to changes in central government policies toward Hong Kong.

To help young people "focus their energy on building Hong Kong, instead of venting their resentment, ... it is most important to develop the economy, close the gap of wealth and promote upward mobility for young people," he said at the Grand Hotel Beijing.

At the news conference, Wang, the spokesman, also advised the people and governments of Hong Kong and Macao to work together on cementing and exploring new strengths to meet the country's development needs.

The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) has been good news for the two regions, he said. The nation's development blueprint says the two regions must play an important role in the country's economic growth and opening-up by using their unique advantages.

The central government will support efforts of the two special administrative regions to sharpen their competitive edges, he said.

kahon@chinadailyhk.com