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New Chinese envoy urges PHL to support ending violence in HK


China's new ambassador has urged the Philippines to oppose moves by "external forces" to meddle in the ongoing situation in Hong Kong, which has been racked by months of often violent anti-government protests, saying this would endanger thousands of Filipino workers in the Chinese-controlled financial hub.

Ambassador Huang Xilian warned that ongoing "violent offenses have pushed Hong Kong into an extremely dangerous situation."

"They have also put at risk the interests of 230,000 overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong," said Huang at a Christmas reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy for members of the media on Tuesday.

Hong Kong is a top labor destination in Asia for Filipinos, working mostly as domestic helpers.

According to Huang, extreme violent offenders were encouraged and supported by "some external forces" to disrupt law and order in Hong Kong and destabilize and undermine the "One Country, Two Systems."

A former British colony, Hong Kong exists as a Special Administrative Region controlled by China since it was handed over to the Beijing government in 1997.

Under the principle of "one country, two systems," Hong Kong largely enjoys its own democratic and judicial autonomy.

"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.

"I hope you will support the Special Administrative Region 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."

Echoing the statement of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Huang said the top priority for Hong Kong is to end violence and restore order.

"We will continue to firmly support the SAR Government under the leadership of the Chief Executive in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law. We firmly support the judicial institutions of Hong Kong in bringing violent offenders to justice in accordance with law," Huang said.

He also said that China is determined 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 affairs. —KBK, GMA News

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