On July 20, over 300,000 Hong Kong residents braved the rains to take part in a rally voicing strong opposition to violence and support for the law enforcement authorities. People from all walks of life participated in the rally convened by civic leaders representing the business sector, student groups, civic organizations and police associations. They called for maintaining rule of law and safeguarding peace and stability in Hong Kong.

Appeal for stability  

The rally was held six days after a protest against the extradition bill proposed by the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) in February erupted into violent clashes with the police. Protesters threw bricks, umbrellas and bottles at the police who tried to disperse them.

In contrast, the July 20 rally was peaceful and calm, with the participants urging for peace and stability. Nearly a dozen fishing vessels flying banners that said "Safeguard Hong Kong" gathered in Victoria Harbor in a show of solidarity.

At the rally, representatives of five major Hong Kong business associations called for a return to a stable business environment. "We stand here to demonstrate peace and harmony, rather than violence. No matter what happens, we can work together to solve the problems," Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Holdings, whose assets include bars and restaurants, said.

Chan Cho-kwong, former Chairman of the Junior Police Officers' Association of Hong Kong Police Force, condemned the violence and called for supporting the police and their families.

Lo Chung-mau, a divisional chief of the Queen Mary Hospital, said over 190 doctors had signed a "No harm, protect Hong Kong" declaration, saying Hong Kong people should calm down and protect the SAR, upholding the spirit of unity, industriousness and progressiveness.

Blatant challenge 

The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong SAR condemned the behavior of the protesters who had besieged the office building.

In a statement, the liaison office said the protesters devastated facilities, defaced the national emblem and wrote graffiti insulting the nation, which went far beyond peaceful demonstration.

"This behavior has not only violated the Hong Kong Basic Law and local laws, but also seriously challenged the bottom line of the 'one country, two systems' principle and the authority of the Central Government," the statement said, adding that the liaison office supported the SAR Government and Hong Kong Police in punishing illegal, violent acts in accordance with the law to restore social stability in Hong Kong.

It also said the institution representing the Central Government in Hong Kong has been performing its duty strictly in line with the Constitution, the Hong Kong Basic Law and the authorization of the Central Government, which cannot be challenged.

The acts of some radical demonstrators not only undermined the spirit of Hong Kong's rule of law and the fundamental welfare and interests of Hong Kong citizens, but also hurt the feelings of all Chinese people, Wang Zhimin, Director of the liaison office, said.

Noting that many Hong Kong citizens have expressed their worries and indignation over the recent chaotic situation in Hong Kong, Wang hoped that all sectors of society would condemn the continuation of such chaos.

Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on July 22 the SAR Government will seriously follow up on and deal with the violent act of storming the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the law. Hong Kong is a society with the rule of law and will not tolerate any violent acts, she said, adding that violence is not a solution to any problem; violence would only breed more violence, and at the end of the day, the whole of Hong Kong and the people would suffer.

 

The Safeguard Hong Kong rally in progress in Hong Kong on July 20. Over 300,000 people attended the massive rally to support the rule of law and condemn violence (XINHUA)

Foreign interference 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on July 23 responded to the remarks made by some British and U.S. officials concerning Hong Kong, saying the Chinese Government does not allow any external forces to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs or disrupt Hong Kong.

The U.S. Department of State had asked the Hong Kong SAR Government to respect the freedom of speech and assembly.

In response to that, Hua Chunying, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said what happened in Hong Kong "had nothing to do with the freedom of speech and assembly." She said it was radical and violent behavior that violated the law, directly undermined the foundation of the rule of law, went against the Basic Law and Hong Kong's local laws, and seriously challenged the "one country, two systems" principle.

She also said there were clear signs of foreign manipulation, plotting and even organization in the violent incidents judging from what was reported by the media.

A senior British official had called the violent scenes in Hong Kong "unacceptable" and asked the Hong Kong SAR Government to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.

Hua said the UK had been talking a lot about rights and freedom in Hong Kong. However, rights and freedom cannot exist without security and stability. "Residents in Hong Kong now enjoy unprecedented rights and freedom," she said.

She also said the peaceful assemblies held by people from all walks of life to condemn the violent behavior showed that the majority of Hong Kong residents had a sober understanding of the damage and nature of the violent illegal behavior of a small number of radicals, and wanted to make concerted efforts to safeguard Hong Kong.

(Based on Xinhua News Agency reports)