Commissioner: Plot to split HK from China 'wishful thinking'

HONG KONG - Any attempt to separate Hong Kong from the nation and turn it into an independent or semi-independent political entity is nothing but wishful thinking, said Xie Feng, commissioner of the Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Xie made the remarks during the office’s annual spring reception which hosted some 500 social dignitaries on Thursday.

Xie said the office had fought resolutely against foreign intervention in Hong Kong in the past turbulent year and that it is more confident than ever in the “one country, two systems” principle.

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The office has been supporting the SAR government in bringing the violent offenders to justice and restoring order in the city, Xie said.

Despite the seven-month-long social unrest stemming from the extradition bill incident, the fact that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China remains unchanged, Xie said, calling on the international community to jointly uphold the international order and not to make any attempt to meddle in China’s internal affairs.

Xie also expressed confidence for Hong Kong to get back on the right track and return to prosperity.

Also at the reception were Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, as well as Tung Chee-hwa and Leung Chun-ying, both vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.