When asked to comment on the opposition from the US and Britain against the legislation, Kong said such assertions are unacceptable.

Kong said the legislation has been drawn up according to the Basic Law, and the legislative process is democratic and transparent following in-depth consultations.

The draft ordinance upholds the principle of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents on the basis of the Basic Law, and it also conforms with regulations which apply two international human rights conventions to Hong Kong, he said.

Kong said the concept of the "one country, two systems" has been very successful so far.

He added that Hong Kong has contributed greatly to the reform, and that the opening-up and modernization of the mainland as well as the mainland's development have offered strong support for the development and stability of Hong Kong at the same time.

"We sincerely hope that the economic development of Hong Kong will come back on track as soon as possible," Kong said.

"We believe the future of Hong Kong will be much brighter."

In response to a question, Kong said China congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the establishment of a transitional government.

DRC President Joseph Kabila announced the transitional government Monday.

The spokesman said the establishment of the transitional government is another important achievement in the DRC's peace process.

"China extends its congratulations and sincerely hopes that the DRC people, under the leadership of the transitional government, will continue to promote the peace process and realize national peace and development at an early date," Kong said.

Kong said China has always actively promoted the peace process in the DRC. It has sent military observers, engineering corps and medical groups to the United Nations mission to the DRC, and participated in the work of the international support commission, he said.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China will, as always, play a constructive role in promoting an early settlement of the conflict in the DRC, Kong said.

Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits the United States from July 1-4, the spokesman made the announcement at yesterday's press conference.

Wang is there to exchange views with the US side on various Asian issues, particularly the current situation in the Korean Peninsula, Kong said.

The spokesman also announced Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio will visit China on July 6-9 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

(Sources from China Daily and Xinhua News Agency, July 2, 2003)