A SPOKESPERSON yesterday expressed the confidence that the ship of “one country, two systems” will sail far and steady despite winds and storms.

Yang Guang, spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference in Beijing that with the full support of the Central Government and the mainland, and under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong compatriots are surely able to govern, develop and manage Hong Kong well.

“Hong Kong will surely overcome all difficulties and challenges on its way forward,” Yang said.

He said since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the practice of “one country, two systems” in the region has been a widely recognized success, and the policies of “one country, two systems,” “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong,” and a high degree of autonomy have been faithfully implemented.

The Central Government will continue to unswervingly implement the principle of “one country, two systems” and ensure that this principle remains unchanged and is not bent or distorted in practice, Yang said.

Yang also urged Hong Kong society to walk clear from the political tangle as early as possible and focus on developing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods.

Noting that development is the right path for solving problems in Hong Kong, the spokesperson stressed that if the disorder persists, the entire society of Hong Kong will have to “cover the cost.”

The Central Government has been closely following the development of the situation in Hong Kong, said Yang.

The rule of law is a core value which the people of Hong Kong take pride in, the foundation of Hong Kong’s sound business environment and an important cornerstone for the region to maintain its prosperity and stability, said Yang.

“We cannot just sit by and watch a small group of people recklessly trample on the rule of law,” he said, noting that once the backbone of rule of law was shaken, the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong would be in jeopardy.

“The Central Government firmly supports Chief Executive Carrie Lam leading the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in law-based governance, supports the Hong Kong police in their strict law enforcement, supports relevant departments of the SAR government and judicial organs in punishing the violent criminals in accordance with the law, and supports the people who love both our country and Hong Kong in their action to defend the rule of law in the region,” said Yang. (Xinhua)