Q: Did State Councilor Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State John Kerry discuss the issue of Hong Kong during their talks on October 18?
A: State Councilor Yang Jiechi expounded China's position on the issue relating to Hong Kong at the talks with US Secretary of State Kerry on October 18.
Yang Jiechi stressed that we are firmly opposed to all the illegal activities emerging in Hong Kong that put the rule of law and social tranquility in jeopardy. We resolutely support the Hong Kong SAR government in dealing with these activities in accordance with law so as to safeguard Hong Kong's stability.
Yang Jiechi underscored that the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on issues relating to the selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR by universal suffrage is made in accordance with the regulations of the Basic Law after taking into full consideration opinions of all walks of life in Hong Kong. It is in line with the actual conditions in Hong Kong, and is conducive to the state sovereignty, security and development interests of China as well as lasting prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
Yang Jiechi pointed out that the affairs of Hong Kong fall totally within China's domestic affairs. No foreign countries have the right to interfere. We hope that the American side will be discreet with its words and deeds, refrain from supporting illegal activities such as "Occupy Central" in any form and do more to promote prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.