Chinese mainland guarantees Hong Kong's prosperity and stability

Editor's note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "Commentaries on International Affairs." The article does not necessarily reflect the views of CGTN.

The United States' attempt to interfere in China's domestic affairs by promulgating the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act won't succeed because China is determined to support its city and bring it back on the track to development.

The Chinese mainland has stood by Hong Kong whenever the city has faced challenges. In 1997, the central government pledged to protect Hong Kong from the Asian financial crisis at all costs.

In 2003, during the SARS outbreak, it provided the city with free medical supplies and launched the Individual Visit Scheme to re-invigorate its tourism industry. In recent years, Beijing has rolled out a slew of plans, including the Greater Bay Area plan, so as to inject new energy into the regional economy.

Last year, a quarter of the direct investment made in Hong Kong came from the mainland. Half of the city's transit cargo came from or went to the mainland. In addition, mainland companies made up 70 percent of the market value on the Hong Kong stock exchange. But the city's tranquility and stability was shattered over five months ago by the violent protests that have had the support of Washington. The city's economy has been suffering ever since. Beijing could not just sit by and do nothing.

On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced a series of actions in response to Washington's Hong Kong act. These include suspending reviews of requests for American maritime vessels to visit Hong Kong, and sanctions on several American non-governmental organizations, such as the National Endowment for Democracy and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.

Washington can expect more countermeasures if it continues to interfere. Beijing is determined to protect the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the welfare of its residents.