Scholars slam 'HK independence,' calling it 'a dead end'

BEIJING - Scholars have condemned the activities of a handful of Hong Kong legislators-elect for propagating the idea of "Hong Kong independence," warning that such a notion will lead to nothing but "a dead end."

The oath ceremony for the sixth Legislative Council (LegCo) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) convened on Oct. 12, with the legislators-elect being sworn into office.

Some legislators-elect, however, not only publicly advocated for "Hong Kong independence" but also insulted the Chinese nation when reading their oaths. The individuals in question later traveled to Taiwan, in what appeared to be an attempt to collude with "Taiwan independence" supporters. These activities have filled many Hong Kong citizens with indignation.

Guo Tianwu, a law professor with Sun Yat-sen University, said the relevant legislators-elect, by capitalizing on the exposure afforded to them because of the oath-taking ceremony, have challenged national sovereignty and security to advocate for "Hong Kong independence."

"They have seriously violated the Constitution of China and the Basic Law of Hong Kong SAR," Guo said.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. As a member of the LegCo, one must act in line with the national Constitution and the SAR's Basic Law, Guo said.
"From their words and deeds, they give the impression that they neither love their country nor Hong Kong," he said.

Qiang Shigong, executive director of the Hong Kong and Macao Studies Center under Peking University, said, "Any one with a bit of common sense knows that 'Hong Kong independence' will lead to nothing but 'a dead end'."

"Their wanton behavior is actually tearing apart the seams of Hong Kong's society; threatening its harmony and stability, and intentionally provoking antagonism between the residents of Hong Kong and the mainland," Qiang said.

Qiang called on all the citizens of Hong Kong to unite and oppose "Hong Kong independence" for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the nation as a whole.