On September 11th, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming met with Chan Fan, Secretary for Transport and Housing of Hong Kong SAR Government, who was visiting the UK.

Ambassador Liu pointed out that recently some extreme radicals in Hong Kong committed violent crimes under the guise of “Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill”, which severely undermined the rule of law and social order in Hong Kong. Some foreign politicians, holding on to the mentality of “colonialism” and “cold war”, blatantly interfered in the situation in Hong Kong and bolstered the rioters. Certain western media turned a blind eye to the violence, and their reports were full of bias. I recently held two press conferences to explain the situation in Hong Kong and China’s position, urging the foreign forces to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and asking western media to take due social responsibilities instead of advocating for the radical forces.

Ambassador Liu stressed that there are some positive changes in the situation in Hong Kong. The Central Government of China firmly supports the SAR government under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam to carry out governing in accordance with rule of law, the SAR police to execute law enforcement, and the SAR judiciary to punish the criminals, so as to maintain the rule of law and social order in Hong Kong. Ambassador Liu hoped people in Hong Kong, with the support of the motherland China, would seize the opportunity of “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” to achieve better development and tell a good “Hong Kong story” to showcase the true side of Hong Kong to the west, creating a friendly international environment for the development of Hong Kong.

Mr. Chan said, during his visit in the UK, he has communicated extensively with the politicians and business people in the UK to clarify that Hong Kong’s situation is different from what the western media has reported. The SAR government has the confidence and capability to “stop the violence and restore order”. He has also explained the four actions announced by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, including withdrawing the extradition bill and opening up conversations with all walks of life in Hong Kong. The people he met expressed their understanding and support. Looking into the future, Hong Kong will continue to give play to its own strengths, actively participate in the development of the country, and make contribution to the development of the motherland and China-UK cooperation.