A senior central government representative of China in Hong Kong says advocating Hong Kong independence is unconstitutional, not a matter of freedom of speech, reports china.org.cn.

The statement was made by Zhang Xiaoming, the director of the liaison office of the central government in Hong Kong.

‘Some people in Hong Kong have declared to have set up a political group aiming for ‘Hong Kong independence’. In response, I have to be clear-cut about it. This declaration has gone far beyond freedom of speech, and has touched the bottom line of the principle of ‘one country, two systems.’ We can never tolerate this declaration even with the impossibility of its materialisation.’

Earlier this week, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office voiced resolute opposition to the group advocating Hong Kong independence.

The office declared that the decision by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government to not register the organisation was ‘proper.’

It also said the group undermines national sovereignty and security and jeopardizes Hong Kong’s stability.