On Thursday, the chief newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party published a front-page commentary on the protests that have swept Hong Kong. The commentary indicates the party leadership’s general views on dealing with the protests, and it leaves no room for concessions to demands for democracy or the resignation of the city’s leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. The commentary accuses a pro-democracy group, Occupy Central With Love and Peace, of fomenting the upheaval. Occupy Central had threatened to hold sit-in protests in Hong Kong’s main financial district, Central, if its demands for free elections were not met. The actual protests have gone far beyond Central, and far beyond the control of Occupy Central.

Related Beijing Warns of ‘Chaos’ if Hong Kong Protests Persist The front-page commentary in People’s Daily appeared to shut the door on any compromise. Read more»

People’s Daily said that the Chinese government would adhere to “one country, two systems,” the framework giving Hong Kong a distinctive status while also emphasizing its incorporation into Chinese sovereignty. The commentary also refers to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, which provided a framework for its return to China in 1997. Here is a translation of the commentary:

In recent days, some people in Hong Kong have initiated illegal “Occupy” assemblies, seriously assaulting Hong Kong’s tradition of rule of law, disrupting Hong Kong’s social order, and affecting the lives of the Hong Kong public. How to restore order in Hong Kong and bring it onto a normal course have become matters of widespread concern for all.

The center’s [central leadership’s] fundamental guiding policies for Hong Kong have not changed, and they will not change. On September 22, while meeting a delegation from the Hong Kong industrial, commercial and professional communities that was visiting Beijing, President Xi Jinping clearly pointed out that there must be “unwavering implementation of the guiding policy of ‘one country, two systems’ and of the Basic Law, unwavering support for Hong Kong advancing its democratic development according to the law, and unwavering safeguarding of Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.” By understanding these “Three Unwaverings,” one can grasp the center’s [central leadership’s] consistent sincerity and determination, can comprehend where Hong Kong’s overall and lasting interests reside, and will reach a correct judgment of how to solve the problems confronting Hong Kong.

A general election for the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would be a historic advance for Hong Kong’s democratic system. As well, this bears on the correct implementation of the guiding policy of “one country, two systems” on national sovereignty, security and development interests, and on Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. The decision of August 31 by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee was in accordance with the stipulations of the Basic Law, and made after fully listening to the views from all sides of Hong Kong society. It is the constitutional basis for introducing a general election for the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and possesses a legal status that cannot be challenged. Anyone who respects “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law should respect and abide by this decision.

Democracy and rule of law are inseparable. Healthy development of democratic politics in Hong Kong demands following the law and defending the core value of rule of law. If matters are not dealt with according to the law, Hong Kong society will fall into chaos. The actions of “Occupy Central” have flagrantly violated the laws and regulations of Hong Kong, severely obstructed traffic and disrupted social order. This is placing the political demands of a minority above the law, hijacking public opinion in Hong Kong for selfish ends, damaging the social stability and economic prosperity of Hong Kong, and undermining the core values of Hong Kong and its spirit of rule of law. This is obstructing achievement of the objective of a general election with one person, one vote for the chief executive in 2017. These actions are in themselves a desecration of democracy and rule of law.

It must be stressed that the chief executive is elected through statutory procedures and appointed by the central government. The central government has full confidence in Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, and is extremely satisfied with his work. The central government will continue to unswervingly support him in running the city according to the law, and will resolutely support the police force of the special administrative region in dealing with illegal activities according to the law. This is not only for the sake of safeguarding national security and interests, it is also to safeguard the interests of Hong Kong, the interests of the broad number of Hong Kong compatriots and investors, and to safeguard the prosperity, stability and lasting tranquility of Hong Kong.

Just as President Xi has emphasized many times, to deal well with Hong Kong affairs, the key is to correctly understand and implement the guiding policy of “one country, two systems” and safeguard the authority of the Basic Law. We will be staunch in implementing the “Three Unwaverings.” We also have full confidence that Hong Kong compatriots have the wisdom and ability to manage and develop the special administrative region, and together with the people of every ethnicity across the country shoulder the task and mission of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.