A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Saturday called on the United States to stop interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs and not to do anything harmful to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and to Sino-US ties.

Spokesman Kong Quan made the remarks in response to reporters' questions about a US State Department spokesman's latest comment on the development of Hong Kong's political system.

Kong said Hong Kong affairs were an internal issue of China, and the Chinese government firmly opposes any foreign government interference in the affairs of Hong Kong in any form.

Hong Kong's political structure must develop in a gradual and orderly manner according to the Basic Law and the actual circumstances in Hong Kong, said the spokesman, stressing that it is in the long-term interests of Hong Kong people from all walks of life.

Kong said the United States should keep its commitment to support the "one country, two systems" policy being implemented in Hong Kong, and to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2004)