WASHINGTON, October 2 (RIA Novosti) - US Secretary of State John Kerry has called on China to satisfy the demands of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
"We support universal suffrage in Hong Kong accordant with the Basic Law, and we believe in open society with the highest possible degree of autonomy and governed by rule of law is essential for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity," Kerry said Wednesday before meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
In response to Kerry's remarks, Wang stated, "Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. All countries should respect China's sovereignty. And this is also a basic principle governing international relations. I believe for any country, for any society, no one will allow those illegal acts that violate public order."
Earlier, the White House issued an official statement, urging Beijing to give the people of Hong Kong a genuine choice of candidates for the 2017 election.
On Monday, thousands gathered in Hong Kong in support of a student demonstration by the Occupy Central movement, which began on September 26 in protest against Chinese government plans to control the 2017 election in Hong Kong. According to the claims of the protesters, China is going back on its word to maintain the city's autonomy under the "one country, two systems" formula.
