China Saturday expressed opposition to foreign interference on Hong Kong's political development after the top US diplomat to Hong Kong made some "irresponsible remarks" a few days earlier.

"It must be pointed out that the issue of Hong Kong political development is China's internal affairs and we firmly oppose any foreign interference on this issue," said a spokeswoman of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday.

"A few days ago, the Consul-General of the United States of America in Hong Kong made some irresponsible remarks on the issue of Hong Kong's political development in a luncheon speech," said the spokeswoman.

Since Hong Kong's return to China, the Chinese central government has unswervingly implemented the policy of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", and a high degree of autonomy; firmly supported the HKSAR Government in its administration under the law; and strived to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, according to the spokeswoman.

"The central government is highly concerned with the political development of Hong Kong SAR and has a clear standpoint on this issue. Hong Kong's political structure shall develop in the light of the actual situation of Hong Kong, and follow the principle of gradual and orderly progress in accordance with the Basic Law," said the spokeswoman.

"The long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong is not only beneficial to all the Chinese people including the Hong Kong compatriots, but also in the interests of all investors from foreign countries including the United States," said the spokeswoman.

"The US government has repeatedly expressed its willingness to support the Chinese government in the implementation of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong. We hope that the US consular officials in Hong Kong could do something that is really favorable to Hong Kong's stability," said the spokeswoman.

(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2003)