MOSCOW/BEIJING. Aug 13 (Interfax) - The Chinese authorities count on Russian citizens' understanding and respect for China's policy aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty and prestige, new Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an article written specially for Interfax.
"China and the Russian Federation enjoy comprehensive partnership relations and strategic interaction in this new epoch. Both countries have been subject to unfair accusations for their level of freedom, democracy and human rights. We are confident that we will see the same reaction from the general public in the Russian Federation to the issue of Syangan [Hong Kong]," the ambassador said in his article when referring to the situation in Hong Kong.
"False rumors don't effect a sober mind. The generally recognized truth lives in people's hearts. The prosperity and stability of Syangan, the peaceful life and work of the seven million of Syangan residents is the best proof that the One Country, Two Systems is right," he said.
China "is confident that the Russians understand the determination and perseverance of China in protecting its state prestige and sovereignty," the ambassador said.
"We also hope that an ever-growing number of Russian friends will live and do business in Syangan and travel to Syangan and will witness the rapid development of this Pearl of the Orient together with us," Zhang said.
The article was written by Zhang in response to the continuing mass protests in Hong Kong.
The Chinese authorities declared on Monday that the protests in Hong Kong violate the rule of law and public order. The secretariat of the Chinese State Council said that protesters "have more than once used very dangerous methods to attack policemen, which is a serious crime."