Chinese FM responds to comments by Houston Rockets general manager

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday responded to erroneous comments on Hong Kong made by Houston Rockets general manager and remarks made by NBA commissioner, stressing that lacking knowledge of the minds and hearts of the Chinese people will not work.

Daryl Morey, general manager of the Houston Rockets speaks during a press conference in Houston, Texas on July 19, 2012. [File Photo: AFP]

Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on erroneous remarks on Hong Kong made by the Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey on Twitter and remarks made by NBA Commissioner.

Geng said stance of the Chinese side is very clear from the statements of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, China Basketball Association and Chinese partners of the Houston Rockets.

He also called for taking notice of the response and attitudes of the general public in China.

According to a statement released by the Chinese Consulate General in Houston on Sunday, China has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Houston Rockets, and urged the team to correct the error and take immediate concrete measures to eliminate the adverse impact.

Chinese Basketball Association also expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with Morey's comments, noting that it will suspend cooperation and exchanges with the Houston Rockets.

"Lacking knowledge of the minds and hearts of the Chinese people while trying to build communication and cooperation won't work," Geng said, adding that NBA's cooperation with China has been going on for quite a long time, and they know best about "what should be said and what should be done" next.