Beijing’s warning to Hong Kong protesters
China says it is only a matter of time before those behind unrest are punished
China has warned protesters in Hong Kong that “if they play with fire it will backfire” — and did not rule out military force as near-daily demonstrations plunged the city into chaos.
Demonstrators are causing “Hong Kong to slide into a dangerous abyss”, said Yang Guang, a spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, which reports directly to China’s Cabinet. “As for their punishment, it’s only a matter of time.”
The Chinese Government would never allow acts that challenge national unity, sovereignty or security, he said, reminding residents that the People’s Liberation Army was a “strong and reliable force that defends every inch of its territory”.
In a jab at protesters, Yang referred to their main slogan, “Reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times”, by
reminding them that Hong Kong was a part of China, saying: “I want to ask those people shouting this, where exactly do you want to reclaim Hong Kong to?”
Reiterating its support for Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, China condemned activists for desecrating the Chinese flag by throwing it into the ocean twice in as many days.
Authorities again accused foreign nations, including the United States, for “meddling” in Hong Kong as a way to disrupt China’s stability, and even blamed poor family values and education for pushing youths to the streets.
The ominous words came as official state media circulated a video of mainland Chinese police engaging in anti-riot drills in Shenzhen, a city just across the border from Hong Kong, shooting tear gas and charging at protesters dressed in black, in scenes that resemble the current clashes in Hong Kong.
On Monday, the former British colony was paralysed, with more than 200 flights cancelled, widespread disruption to the subway and tumult on the roads as protesters cut electricity to traffic lights and flooded main avenues.
Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds, shooting 800 more rounds of tear gas, 140 rubber bullet and 20 sponge rounds, enveloping neighbourhoods with clouds of smoke late into the night. They arrested 148 people, aged 13 to 63.
Monday represented a significant escalation of violence. Until then,
police had fired 1000 rounds of tear gas, 150 of sponge grenades and 160 rounds of rubber bullets over two months. Despite fast-growing tensions, Hong Kong authorities have refused to make concessions to protesters’ demands, which have increased from formal withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill to include the resignation of Lam, an independent inquiry into police brutality and direct elections.
With Beijing unwilling to back down, protesters are likely to stage more demonstrations and strikes through August.
“I can’t even count how many times I have attended rallies and protests,” said Fergana Chung, 29, who works in marketing. “Carrie Lam is still giving us the same response. It’s to the point where even people who don’t care about politics are noticing what’s happening in Hong Kong. As more citizens join us, I hope the Government won’t escape any more.”