Mainland says 'independence' factions jeopardizing region's stability, prosperity

A spokesman for the Chinese mainland expressed strong opposition on Wednesday to what he said was an attempt by separatists to disturb Hong Kong Speical Administrative Region's stability and prosperity.

"We resolutely oppose the collusion between the forces of 'Taiwan independence' and 'Hong Kong independence', as they disturb the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle in Hong Kong and jeopardize Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, at a biweekly news briefing.