Q: A riot erupted in Mong Kok, Hong Kong on February 9. There were different descriptions of causes of the incident on the international media. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment on that?

A: On the early morning of February 9, a riot plotted mainly by local radical separatist organization rocked Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Some mobs barricaded the street, set fires, damaged police cars, pelted police officers with bricks, and assaulted police officers who were knocked down to the ground, causing injury to 89 police officers and several journalists. The violence quickly subsided as the Hong Kong police took effective measures in a professional manner with restraint and in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong society has universally expressed strong condemnation of the violence and voiced full support to the police.

Hong Kong is a law-based society. The Chinese central government believes and firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR government and the police in safeguarding social security, protecting Hong Kong residents and their property, and punishing illegal and criminal activities in accordance with the law, so as to maintain the overall stability of the Hong Kong society.