HK's top envoy vows to counter external meddling

The Foreign Ministry's new commissioner in Hong Kong pledged on Wednesday his office will take a firm stance against hostile external interference in the special administrative region.

Meeting the press in his first public appearance since assuming his post as the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Liu Guangyuan said the fight against forces trying to seize power and seek subversion and infiltration is at the core of the Hong Kong issue.

The veteran diplomat said no external interference, pressure or sanctions can ever weaken China's commitment to defending national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as fully and faithfully implementing the "one country, two systems" principle.

"Hong Kong affairs are not to be meddled with, 'one country, two systems' is not to be distorted, Hong Kong's prosperity and stability is not to be sabotaged, and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is not to be obstructed," Liu said.

He also refuted rumors that the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the city's electoral reform will dampen Hong Kong's prospects.

Liu cited some of the positive achievements Hong Kong has made in the past year, such as the city's aggregate balance in its banking system hitting an almost four-year high, and an active stock market with initial public offering funding continuing to break records.

Currently, more than 7,000 overseas companies operate in Hong Kong, with more than 1,200 having their regional headquarters here, he said.

All these prove that international businesses remain committed to Hong Kong as a highly competitive international financial center, and will make the right choice that serves their interests, he said.

To ensure a brighter future for the SAR, Liu pledged his office will work hard to counter external interference and defend the nation's overall interests and security.

The commissioner's office will also help Hong Kong connect more closely with the world, and deeply integrate into national development and the dual-circulation paradigm. More specifically, it will work with the SAR government to help the city explore opportunities under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and facilitate its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area.

The office will also take more concrete measures to protect Hong Kong people's lawful rights and interests overseas, Liu added.

On Tuesday, Liu met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Leung Chunying, a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, both of whom welcomed the new envoy to the SAR.