Liu Guangyuan, newly appointed commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, meets the press in Hong Kong, June 2, 2021. (PHOTO/WWW.FMCOPRC.GOV.HK)
HONG KONG – Liu Guangyuan, newly appointed commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Wednesday that the commissioner's office will fight back external interference more robustly, so as to defend the red line of "one country, two systems" and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Liu made this remark when meeting local and central media outlets in Hong Kong. He said that in terms of the priorities of the office in the next stage, it will also serve the development of the HKSAR more robustly by mobilizing diplomatic resources to support Hong Kong in increasing exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world, and integrating itself deeper into national development and the dual circulation paradigm.
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Furthermore, the office will put people at the center of its work more robustly, encourage Hong Kong compatriots to learn more about and participate more in diplomatic work, and do its utmost to protect Hong Kong people's lawful rights and interests overseas, he said.
Liu Guangyuan, newly appointed commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, emphasized that at the core of the Hong Kong issue is a battle against forces trying to seize power and seek subversion and infiltration
Liu said that he assumed office as commissioner with a strong sense of mission and together with colleagues at the office, he will earnestly uphold national interests, serve the HKSAR, join hands with Hong Kong compatriots, and contribute to the enduring success of "one country, two systems".
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In response to interfering moves by some Western countries which have frequently expressed concerns about Hong Kong affairs and even imposed so-called "sanctions", Liu emphasized that at the core of the Hong Kong issue is a battle against forces trying to seize power and seek subversion and infiltration.
Liu warned the external forces that Hong Kong affairs are not to be meddled with, "one country, two systems" not to be distorted, Hong Kong's prosperity and stability not to be sabotaged, and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation not to be obstructed. "We have every confidence, will and resource to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests."
Liu also refuted rumors that the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR and the improvement of the HKSAR's electoral system would undermine Hong Kong's role as an international financial center and dampen its prospects. He said the law has facilitated lasting stability in Hong Kong and the improvement of the electoral system has ensured good governance.
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Instead of witnessing an exodus of capital, Hong Kong has seen the aggregate balance of its banking systems hit a nearly four-year high over the past year, the stock market keep active with IPO fund raised breaking records, and more than 7,000 overseas companies operate in the financial hub, of which over 1,200 have their regional headquarters here, Liu said.
"All this proves that international businesses stay committed to Hong Kong as a highly competitive international financial center, and will make the right choice that serves their interests," he said.
Liu said that the office will enhance coordination and cooperation with the HKSAR government in line with the goals set by the 14th Five-Year Plan, actively support the HKSAR in "bringing in" and "going global", and facilitate its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiatives.