'Rioters' don't represent HK youth: Beijing official

Xie Feng says all human beings hold fast to patriotism and a person who doesn't love their country would never win the respect of others. Photo: RTHK

The Commissioner of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Hong Kong, Xie Feng, says "black-clad rioters" have pushed the the SAR into its most dangerous situation ever over the past six months, but they're a minority and don't represent the city's young people.



Giving a speech at an event, Xie said it's saddening to see that some young people are lost and have taken to the streets to break the law and commit acts of violence.



But he said he believes most young people in Hong Kong have inherited the "fine tradition" of loving their country and their city, and they are the best hope for the SAR to start afresh.



Xie added that all human beings hold fast to patriotism and a person who doesn't love their country would never win the respect of others.



To love the nation, people must genuinely uphold the "One Country, Two Systems principle, firmly oppose independence and external interference, and be proud of being a defender of national sovereignty, he said.



Xie told reporters that as a demonstration of Beijing's love for young people in Hong Kong, the central government will start helping talented youngsters in the SAR obtain posts with the United Nations.