双语：香港经不起折腾

Hong Kong Cannot Afford to Be Torn Apart by Reckless Moves

19.8.4双语：周平剑大使就近期香港局势发表署名文章

2019年8月4日，驻尼日利亚大使周平剑在尼主流媒体《领导者报》发表署名文章《香港经不起折腾》。文章如下：

On August 4, 2019, Nigerian leading newspaper Leadership published an article written by Ambassador of China to Nigeria Dr. Zhou Pingjian, “Hong Kong Cannot Afford to Be Torn Apart by Reckless Moves”. The full text goes as follows:

香港经不起折腾

Hong Kong Cannot Afford to Be Torn Apart by Reckless Moves

近期香港局势引发广泛关注。尼日利亚朋友也许会问：香港到底怎么了？

The situation in Hong Kong has drawn widespread attention recently. What happened? Nigerian friends may wonder.

1842年，中国被迫割让香港岛。1898年，中国被迫租借新界及附近岛屿，租期99年。1997年7月1日，香港摆脱英国百年殖民统治回归祖国，成为中华人民共和国香港特别行政区。回归22年来，在中央政府全力支持下，香港保持了自身特色和优势，维持了繁荣和稳定。在“一国两制”之下，香港原有资本主义制度和生活方式保持不变，法律基本不变。香港同胞当家作主，自行管理特别行政区自治范围内事务，香港居民享有比历史上任何时候都更广泛的民主权利和自由。2018年香港的法治指数位列全球第16位，较1996年第60位有了大幅提高。香港中西合璧的风采浪漫依然。“东方之珠”散发出璀璨美丽光芒，是包括700多万香港同胞在内的全体中国人民的骄傲。

In 1842, China was forced to cede Hong Kong island to Britain after the First Opium War. In 1898, China was forced to lease the New Territories together with 235 islets to Britain for 99 years from 1 July that year. After more than 150 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong was handed back to China and became Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China on 1 July 1997.

Since its return to the motherland 22 years ago, with the full support of the central government, Hong Kong has kept its distinct features and strengths and maintained prosperity and stability. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has retained its capitalist system and way of life, and its laws have remained basically unchanged. The people of Hong Kong, now masters of their own future, run their local affairs within the purview of the autonomy of the HKSAR. They enjoy more extensive democratic rights and freedoms than at any other time in its history. Hong Kong has been ranked 16th in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index in 2018, much higher than the 60th in 1996. Hong Kong’s allure of being a vibrant metropolis where the East meets the West has remained as strong as ever. Hong Kong, the “Pearl of the Orient”, has shined brightly and been the pride of all Chinese people, including the over seven million Hong Kong compatriots.

但近一段时间以来，极少数人针对特区政府修例，策划组织实施极端暴力违法活动，严重冲击香港法治根基，严重危害香港安全、稳定和秩序，严重损害香港形象，令人感到痛心，也遭到香港各界人士的强烈谴责。

However, the radical, violent and illegal activities plotted and organized by a very small number of people recently after the government of HKSAR tried to discuss the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance have seriously affected the foundation of the rule of law in Hong Kong, undermined the security, stability and order there and damaged Hong Kong’s image. This is heartbreaking and strongly condemned by people in Hong Kong.

欧美有些人袒护香港暴力分子，对他们的暴力违法行为视而不见，这是赤裸裸的双重标准。众所周知，对付自己国内的暴力分子，欧美警察从不心慈手软。

Certain people in the US and Europe have chosen to cover up for violent radicals in Hong Kong and turned a blind eye to their violent illegal behaviors. But it is common knowledge that American and European police have never shown any mercy to violent behaviors at home. They have blatant double-standards on this issue.

美国国务卿蓬佩奥7月29日在华盛顿经济俱乐部就香港局势表示，抗议是合理的，在美国也常遇到抗议。对此，中国外交部发言人华春莹7月30日在答记者问时予以严辞驳斥，“我想蓬佩奥先生显然没有摆正自己的位置，恐怕他还是把自己当作了中央情报局负责人。他说香港近期的暴力事件是合理的，因为大家可能也都知道，这毕竟也算是美方的一个 ‘作品’。”华春莹并根据公开报道回顾了美方所作所为：“今年2月底、3月初，时任美国驻港澳总领事公然指责香港特区政府修例和‘一国两制’，公然干预香港事务。3月，美国副总统彭斯会见赴美游说的香港反对派人员。5月，蓬佩奥会见香港反对派人士，公然妄议香港特区修例事务。6月，美国国会众议院议长佩洛西居然公开称，发生在香港的示威游行是‘一道美丽的风景线’。美国部分国会议员重提所谓‘香港人权与民主法案’。7月，彭斯、蓬佩奥、博尔顿分别会见反对派人士。近期从媒体不断曝光的画面看，香港暴力游行队伍当中出现了不少美国人的面孔，甚至一度还出现了美国国旗。大家都想问，在最近香港发生的一系列事态中，美国到底扮演了什么样的角色？我想在这个问题上，美国欠世界一个交代！”

When responding to a Hong Kong-related question in the Economic Club of Washington D.C. on 29 July, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that protests are appropriate, and that they often see protests in the United States.

“Mr. Pompeo said that they often see protests in the US. I was wondering if he is happy to see those violent radicals using iron batons and lethal weapons to attack the police in the US, too? Maybe it will be a chance for the US to show its democracy? What do you think of that?” responded the spokesperson Hua Chunying of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of China on 30 July.

“I think Mr. Pompeo obviously failed to put himself in a right position. I’m afraid he still regards himself as the CIA chief. He said the recent violent incidents in Hong Kong are appropriate because, as you all know, they are somehow the work of the US.

“Let us think about what has happened. According to public reports, at the end of February and the beginning of March, the then US Consul-General in Hong Kong blatantly criticized the Hong Kong SAR government’s bill amendment and the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and interfered in Hong Kong affairs. In March, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Hong Kong opposition lobbyists. In May, Pompeo met with Hong Kong opposition and made irresponsible remarks on the amendment matter. In June, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi even called the demonstrations in Hong Kong ‘a beautiful sight to behold’. Some members of US Congress once again proposed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. In July, Pence, Pompeo and Bolton met with opposition personnel. In the scenes revealed on media, we saw some American faces among the violent demonstrators in Hong Kong. We even saw the national flag of the US on some occasions. We all have this question: what role has the US played in Hong Kong recently? The US owes the world an explanation.”

发生在香港的游行示威和暴力冲击活动已持续一个多月，对香港的法治、社会秩序、经济民生和国际形象造成了严重影响，令所有关心香港、珍爱香港的人倍感痛心。

The marches and demonstrations and violent clashes have lasted more than one month in Hong Kong, impinging on the rule of law, social order, economic and social activities, people’s life and international image of Hong Kong. This has saddened all the people who love and care about Hong Kong.

香港近期事态的演变，特别是少数激进分子实施的暴力活动，已经严重破坏了香港繁荣稳定的大局，严重挑战了香港法治和社会秩序，严重威胁到香港市民的生命财产安全，也严重触碰了“一国两制”的原则底线，绝对不能容忍。任何文明和法治社会都不会容忍暴力横行。

We hope that people from all walks of life in Hong Kong will clearly oppose and resist violence. What has happened recently, especially the acts of violence committed by a small number of radicals, has undermined Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, challenged the rule of law and social order, threatened the personal and property safety of the residents of Hong Kong, and hit the bottom line of the principle of “one country, two systems” and will not be tolerated. Violence will not be tolerated in any civilized society and society of rule-of-law. It is hoped that the general public of Hong Kong will be aware of the seriousness of the current situation and jointly condemn the evil and criminal acts committed by the radicals so as to prevent them from sabotaging Hong Kong.

法治是香港人引以为傲的核心价值，是香港良好的营商环境的基础，是香港保持繁荣稳定的重要基石，绝不能坐视一小部分人肆无忌惮地践踏。中央政府坚决支持林郑月娥行政长官带领特区政府依法施政，坚决支持香港警方严正执法，坚决支持香港特区政府有关部门和司法机构依法惩治暴力犯罪分子，坚决支持爱国爱港人士捍卫香港法治的行动。

We hope that Hong Kong people will resolutely uphold the rule of law. This is the core value that Hong Kong people take pride in, a foundation for a favorable business environment, and an important cornerstone for prosperity and stability. We will not do nothing about the outrageous behaviors by a small group of people. Once the rule of law is undermined, Hong Kong cannot retain its prosperity and stability. The central government firmly supports the Chief Executive of HKSAR Carrie Lam in leading the HKSAR government to rule according to the law, the Hong Kong police in enforcing laws rigorously, the HKSAR government and the judiciary body in meting out punishment to violent criminals according to the law, and patriots and people who love Hong Kong in safeguarding rule of law in Hong Kong. Aware of the huge pressure that the Hong Kong police and their families are suffering, we give our solute to the fearless and excellent Hong Kong police who have been sticking to their posts, fulfilled their duties, and endured humiliation.

香港虽然积攒下一些不错的家底，具有一些有利条件和独特优势，但也经不起折腾和内耗。香港乱下去，全社会都要“买单”。特区政府和全社会都应该想方设法，采取更有效的举措，推动经济发展、民生改善，特别是帮助年轻人解决在住房和学业、就业、创业等方面遇到的实际困难，纾解他们的怨气。中央政府愿意与特区政府和香港社会各界人士一起努力，为他们的发展创造良好的条件。

We hope that Hong Kong will get out of the political contentions as soon as possible, and concentrate on developing its economy and improving people’s livelihood. Development is crucial for Hong Kong, and it holds the key to resolving various local issues. Although Hong Kong, endowed with favorable conditions and enjoying unique advantages, has laid a pretty good foundation for its development, it can’t stand turmoil and riots, which would leave dent on its prosperity and stability. If the chaos continues, the whole society of Hong Kong will bear its brunt. The HKSAR government and the whole society should explore ways and adopt efficient measures to promote local economic growth and improve people’s livelihood, especially help young people to cope with difficulties in issues such as housing, education, employment and starting businesses, so as to alleviate their grievances. The central government is willing to join hands with the HKSAR government and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to create favorable conditions for the development of young people.

我们诚挚感谢尼日利亚朋友关心香港的未来，希望香港长期繁荣稳定得到维护，这符合全球利益，也是中国中央政府和香港特别行政区政府为之不懈努力的方向。

We truly appreciate that Nigerian friends care about Hong Kong’s future and hope its long-term prosperity and stability could be well maintained. Enduring prosperity and stability in Hong Kong is indeed in the interest of the world, and is also what the Chinese Central Government and the HKSAR Government have been striving for all along.

对于美国那些伪善言论，我们坚决说不。香港是中国的香港，香港事务是中国的内政。任何危害国家主权安全、挑战中央权力和香港特别行政区基本法权威、利用香港对内地进行渗透破坏的活动，都是对底线的触碰，都是绝不能允许的。中国政府绝不允许任何外部势力插手香港事务，更不会允许任何外国势力企图搞乱香港。中国中央政府坚决支持特区政府依法施政，坚决支持香港警方依法严惩暴力犯罪分子，维护香港的安全与稳定。

As for American hypocritical comments, we must categorically say NO. Hong Kong is part of China, and its affairs are of domestic concern alone. Any attempt to endanger China’s sovereignty and security, challenge the authority of the central government and the sanctity of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, or use Hong Kong as a channel for infiltration and sabotage against the mainland, is an act that crosses the red line, and is absolutely impermissible. The Chinese government will never allow any foreign forces to have a hand in Hong Kong affairs. Neither will we allow them to mess up Hong Kong. The central government firmly supports the HKSAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law and support Hong Kong police in strictly punishing violent criminals to uphold security and stability in Hong Kong.

相信在中央政府和祖国内地的大力支持下，在特区政府的带领下，香港同胞一定能够把香港管理好、建设好、发展好，香港一定能够战胜前进道路上的各种困难和挑战，“一国两制”这艘航船一定能够劈波斩浪、行稳致远！

It’s believed that, with the strong support of the central government and all the people of the Chinese mainland, under the leadership of the HKSAR government, our compatriots in Hong Kong will be bound to do a good job in administering, building and developing Hong Kong by bravely coping with all kinds of difficulties and challenges. The policy of “one country, two systems” will be bound to show its continued vitality and tenacity.