South Korea has reiterated its stance that it is important Hong Kong's prosperity and development continue under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Foreign ministry spokesman Kim In-chul relayed Seoul's position on China's passing of a security law which gives it new powers over the semi-autonomous territory during a regular press briefing Tuesday.
Kim said Hong Kong is an important region that has close exchanges with South Korea, which respects the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The declaration that led to the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to Chinese rule stipulates the territory will enjoy a "high degree of autonomy," except in foreign and defense affairs, and that the current social and economic systems in Hong Kong, as well as its lifestyles, will remain unchanged.
The spokesman added the South Korean government supports the diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and China to maintain friendly and cooperative relations, stressing their importance for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
