New Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian has urged the Philippines to support the Special Administrative Government in Hong Kong to help end the violence there and to restore law and order in the former British colony.
“I hope you will support the SAR Government in ending violence, restoring order and upholding the rule of law, resist and oppose any words or deeds that interfere in Hong Kong affairs, and do more things that are conducive to the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong,’’ Huang said in his speech during the Chinese Embassy’s Christmas Party for Filipino journalists on Monday.
“I sincerely hope that the Philippine people will bear in mind the larger picture and have a clear understanding of the current situation,” Huang said.
He admitted that the violent protests in Hong Kong had put the former crown colony into an “extremely dangerous situation” and even put a risk the interest of the 230,000 Filipino workers in Hong Kong.
According to Huang, the Chinese government under the leadership of President Xi Jinping gives priority to ending the violence and restoring order in Hong Kong.
“We will continue to firmly support the SAR Government under the leadership of the Chief Executive in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law,” Huang said.
“At the same time, the Chinese government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement the One Country, Two Systems and oppose any interference from external forces in Hong Kong’s affairs.”
Huang said the “violent offenders encouraged and supported by some external forces have disrupted law and order in Hong Kong, attempted to destabilize Hong Kong and undermine the “One Country, Two Systems.”
The wave of protests in Hong Kong was sparked by a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.
Despite the withdrawal of the bill, Hong Kongers continue to show up in street demonstrations protesting Beijing’s alleged intimidation in Hong Kong.
Huang said under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte, China-Philippine relations were ushering in a new “Golden Age.”
“Next year is the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippines diplomatic relations, celebration activities ranging from political visits to economic cooperation, from culture events to think tank exchanges are already on the schedule. Taking this great opportunity, we expect to work closely with our Filipino friends, to expand our people-to-people exchanges, and enhance the mutual trust between our two countries.
“I will make every effort to work for the China-Philippines relations with broader prospects and promise, elevate the [bilateral relations] and bring a brighter future benefiting both Chinese and Philippine people.”