Three Central government departments including the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs all expressed support, respect and understanding of Hong Kong government's decision to suspend the extradition bill on Saturday. 

Carrie Lam Cheng Yet-ngor, the SAR chief executive, announced Saturday that the SAR government will suspend the process of amendments to the SAR's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.

A spokesperson from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said that Carrie Lam made the decision, in order to more widely listen to the views of the community and restore calm to the community as soon as possible. 

"We support, respect and understand this decision," the spokesperson said. 

All the three departments said that the central government has fully affirmed the work of the chief executive and the SAR government and will continue to firmly support the chief executive and the SAR government in their administration of the law and will work together with people from all walks of life to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

"Hong Kong police are the guardian of public safety and social peace and they enjoy wide acclaim for their professional law enforcement. The central government strongly condemns the violent acts, firmly supports the police to uphold the law, and protect the rule of law and social security in Hong Kong," the spokesperson from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said.

Geng Shuang, spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry, noted on Saturday that since Hong Kong returned to the People's Republic of China, the policies of "one country two systems" and the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong have been fully implemented. The rights and freedom of Hong Kong people are fully guaranteed under the "one country, two systems." 

The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the SAR stressed on Saturday that it believes the Hong Kong community will work together and hold rational discussions, accurately understand the content of the amendments, broaden the consensus of the community and safeguard the image of the rule of law in Hong Kong. 

The SAR government issued a statement at around 8 pm in response to the demonstration on Sunday. 

Lam admitted that deficiencies in the government's work had led to substantial controversies and disputes in society, causing disappointment and grief among the people. She apologized to the people of Hong Kong and pledged to adopt the most sincere and humble attitude to accept criticisms and make improvements in serving the public, according to the statement released by the SAR government.

Hong Kong protesters launched another round of demonstrations on Sunday, one day after the regional government decided to suspend the amendments to its extradition legislation.

Global Times