Editor's note: Recently a photo was published showing a meeting between a US diplomat and the leaders of the student activists in Hong Kong who have been calling for Hong Kong independence. People's Daily comments:

Having taken on board opinions from all walks of life, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has declared the controversial extradition law dead. But some violent demonstrators continue to claim they are opposing the already dead bill in an attempt to justify their violent behavior and disruption of daily life, which goes well beyond the bounds of free speech.

Some Western countries, including the United States, turn a blind eye to the lawbreaking behavior of these demonstrators who are committed to throwing the SAR into disorder. They are sparing no effort to try and undermine Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and security.

Instead of condemning the agitators, the governments of these countries point accusing fingers at the SAR government's efforts to maintain law and order and the central government's Hong Kong policy with the ulterior motive of defaming and undermining the "one country, two systems" policy. This wanton interference in China's internal affairs makes a mockery of international law and the basic principles of international relations.

The performance of some Western politicians is the perfect example of a double standard. In their eyes, only violence in their home countries is violence and that in other countries and regions is simply a matter of human rights and individual freedom. Only these who attack the police and undermine public order in their home countries are rioters while those carrying out the exactly same crimes in China are deemed fighters for human rights and freedom. This blatant and absurd double standard has laid bare these people's ugly ideological bias and their willingness to interfere in other countries' internal affairs.

The role that the Western governments have played in the violent incidents is crystal clear, as shown by the photo.

As a part of China, Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs, which brook no foreign intervention. The Chinese government firmly adheres to the policy of "one country, two systems" and is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and the country's development interests. Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, damage China's development momentum and prevent China's rejuvenation is doomed to fail.

Western countries, including the US, should abide by their promises and commitments, and comply with international law and the fundamental principles of international relations.