Islamabad, August 26 (INP): The people of Hong Kong enjoy more extensive democratic rights and freedom than ever before under one country two systems.

This was stated by Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, while commenting on the recent incidents of violence in HK. These incidents, he said are because of uncalled for foreign intervention and negative propaganda by the vested interests.

In a write-up, he said during the 22 years since the return of Hong Kong, the practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved universally recognized success, and the people there were having good economic life.

In 2018, the total economic volume of Hong Kong was $360 billion, more than twice that of 1996; the number of visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 65 million, six times that of 1997; the international ranking of legal environment jumped from lower than 60th in 1996 to 16th in 2018.

The Chinese central government governs Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR. Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy only exclusive of national defense and foreign affairs, keeping the capitalist system and way of life unchanged for 50 years.

The Chinese central government unswervingly safeguards national sovereignty and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and resolutely stand by the government of Hong Kong in its administration.

The ambassador sad, “Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. China will not tolerate the intervention of external forces.

The Chinese central government has solemnly demanded that certain countries should abide by the basic norms of international law, international relations and their own commitments not to intervene in Hong Kong affairs, and stop supporting violence and interfering in Hong Kong affairs in any form.

With the support of the Chinese central government and the efforts of the government of Hong Kong SAR, with the assistance of the vast number of patriotic Hong Kong people, we believe that Hong Kong will soon return to the normal track of prosperity and stability.

Hong Kong has been voted as the world's freest economy for 20 consecutive years. After the return, Hong Kong's own characteristics and advantages have been maintained. It enjoys harmony between Chinese and Western culture, and the charm of the metropolis is better than ever.

About the amendment in the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance, he said since some citizens of Hong Kong had various doubts due to lack of knowledge about law and judicial systems in the mainland China, the government of Hong Kong suspended the amending procedure on 15th June and stopped relevant legislative work after consulting people from various walks of life in order to restore tranquility to the society as soon as possible.”

Ambassador Yao Jing regretted that external forces have played a very disgraceful role in the evolving of the situation in Hong Kong. Since the start of the amendments process to the two Ordinances in February, some western politicians have publicly stood at the forefront and been backseat drivers, calling white black, making a lot of groundless and irresponsible remarks and allegations, and interfering with Hong Kong affairs.

INP/JAVED