The deputy head of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, Liu Guangyuan, said on Thursday it's the young people's responsibility to hit back at the smearing campaign against the SAR and Beijing's policies on Hong Kong.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Y.Elites Association, Liu said certain countries, which he didn't name, have been carrying out the smearing for some time.

He said young Hongkongers should make good use of their fluency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin to tell good Hong Kong stories and spread the voice of China.

Speaking at the same event, Chief Executive John Lee stressed the SAR government attaches great emphasis on youth development work.

He added that he hopes society will join hands to help nurture young people who have an international perspective, while loving the country and loving Hong Kong.