Spokesman tells Taiwan's Tsai to stop manipulation over Hong Kong

A mainland spokesman on Wednesday urged authorities with the Democratic Progressive Party, the ruling party of Taiwan, to immediately stop their political manipulation in Hong Kong affairs.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks after island leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed frustration over the arrest of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, a media tycoon and an instigator of the Hong Kong riots, by Hong Kong police.

Tsai said it directly violated Hong Kong's freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

Ma said the enactment and enforcement of the national security law for Hong Kong, as well as the measures taken by the SAR government against lawbreakers, are aimed at cracking down on crimes, safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

It also is to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, the freedom and human rights of Hong Kong residents, and the practice of the "one country, two systems" principle, he said, adding that it's just and legitimate.

Ma said the DPP has been intervening in Hong Kong affairs. Members supported and colluded with "Hong Kong independence" forces, and incited and even participated in activities that undermined Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and split the country.

The DPP's intention was not to protect so-called democracy and freedom but to seek the "independence" of the island, he said.