China: Beijing hails 'overseas Chinese' for rallies condemning Hong Kong protests

W/S Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang arriving at press conference in Beijing
M/S Geng at podium
W/S Press
SOT, Geng Shuang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson (Mandarin): "Some overseas Chinese and students go onto the streets to express their desire and appeal to support the unification of the country and maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. First of all, it is totally natural and reasonable for them to express their indignation and opposition to the words and deeds of those trying to split the country and smear China's image."
M/S Press *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Geng Shuang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson (Mandarin): "The 1.4 billion Chinese people, including our compatriots in Hong Kong, have no greater desire than to stop unrest and violence and restore order, and no greater desire than to maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. This is the common will of 1.4 billion Chinese people. Do you think the will of 1.4 billion people can be organised and manipulated?"
M/S Press *CUTAWAY*
SOT, Geng Shuang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson (Mandarin): "We urge Canada to reflect on its mistakes, take China's solemn position and concerns seriously, and immediately release Meng Wanzhou to return home safely. In addition, we have noticed that Canada has been making some erroneous remarks on issues concerning Hong Kong. I would like to point out once again that Hong Kong's affairs are purely China's internal affairs and cannot be interfered by any country, organisation or individual. Canada has no right to make irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs. We hope that Canada can abide by the basic international law and basic norms governing international relations, stop gossiping, fingering and interfering in China's internal affairs on Hong Kong affairs."
W/S Press conference
M/S Geng leaving as press conference concludes
SCRIPT
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang praised the "overseas Chinese and students" that have held rallies around the world to condemn the Hong Kong protests, during a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
"It is totally natural and reasonable for them to express their indignation and opposition to the words and deeds of those trying to split the country and smear China's image," he said.
He added that "1.4 billion Chinese people, including our compatriots in Hong Kong, have no greater desire than to stop unrest and violence and restore order."
Hong Kong has seen a wave of massive protests since the end of March against a proposed law amendment which could allow Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials. The demonstrations then grew into a wider movement calling for reforms and condemning government and police actions.
Several pro-China rallies condemning the Hong Kong protests took place over the past weeks, including in Boston in the US, Canada's Vancouver and Australia's Melbourne.
Geng later touched on the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou by Canadian authorities and urged Canada to "reflect on its mistakes."
Meng was arrested by Canadian authorities last December at the request of the United States, for allegedly violating US sanctions on Iran, in a case that has caused tensions between the US, Canada and China to flare up.