Hu Kaihong:

The last question.

Now TV (Hong Kong):

There have been so many conflicts and demonstrations in Hong Kong recently. How did the Ministry of National Defense evaluate and judge the situation there? Also, do you feel that some "Hong Kong independence" forces are also on the rise, and, if so, how will the Ministry of National Defense handle this?

Wu Qian:

In recent weeks, we have closely followed development of the situation in Hong Kong, especially the demonstrations and violent incidents on July 21, as well as the incident in which radical demonstrators violently besieged and stormed the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has already responded to this. The behaviors of some radical demonstrators have blatantly challenged the authority of the central government and touched the bottom line of the principle of "one country, two systems." Such behaviors are absolutely intolerable. "The Pearl of the Orient", Hong Kong, is not to be tarnished. Regarding the specific question you raised, the answer is that Article 14 of Chapter 3 of the HKSAR Garrison Law of the People's Republic of China has specific provisions in this regard.

Hu Kaihong:

This concludes the press conference today. Thank you all.

Translated and edited by Chen Xia, Huang Shan, Zhu Bochen, Wang Yiming, Li Jingrong, Zhang Rui, Guo Yiming, Wu Jin, Lin Liyao, Cui Can, Li Huiru, Fan Junmei, Yang Xi, Wang Yanfang, Wang Qian, Li Xiao, Jay Birbeck, Geoffrey Murray, Degen Hill