TEHRAN, Jun 19 - Hong Kong does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a controversial extradition bill.
TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club (YJC) - The protests against the bill, that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, saw some of the worst violence since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
The Hong Kong government has since postponed the legislation, though the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday refused to say the bill would be withdrawn, only that it would not be re-introduced during her time in office if public fears persist.
Beijing has said it respects and supports Lam's decision, but has been angered by criticism from Western capitals, including Washington and London, about the legislation.
State Councillor Wang Yi, in the first public comments by a senior Chinese leader since the protests took place, said the proposed Hong Kong government's legislation "completely suited the interests of the Hong Kong people".
"But due to the fact that all sides need to further understand and discuss this, the Hong Kong government decided to postpone this process. The central government has already formally expressed our support, understanding, and respect for this," Wang said at a joint news conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok.
"What we must be on guard against is that some Western forces are taking advantage of this issue to stir up trouble and incite opposition in an attempt to destroy Hong Kong's social stability and the implementation of one country, two systems," Wang added.
"We must say it here loudly: you must withdraw your black hand. Hong Kong is China's domestic affair. We don't need your meddling here. Hong Kong is not a place for you to run amuck."
Source: Reuters
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