China's top office overseeing Hong Kong policy is hosting its fourth press conference at 3pm Tuesday on the political crisis gripping the former British colony, after a 13th straight weekend of protest violence and amid a two-day citywide strike.
Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), under the State Council, previously held briefings on July 29, August 6 and August 12. While HKMAO spokesman Yang Guang answered media questions in the first two sessions, he only read out a stern statement on August 12, warning that escalating violence by anti-government protesters in Hong Kong was showing “signs of terrorism”.
Since then, protests in Hong Kong have shown few signs of subsiding. On Sunday, protesters brought chaos and vandalism to Hong Kong’s international airport again, and set a national flag at the Tung Chung swimming pool on fire in another display of defiance against Beijing. Police announced on Monday that 1,117 people had been arrested since the crisis erupted in June. On the chaos over the weekend, police said radicals had hurled at least 100 petrol bombs at frontline officers, who responded with 241 rounds of tear gas, 92 rubber bullets, 10 sponge grenades and one beanbag round.
This is the HKMAO's fourth press briefing on the crisis in Hong Kong since protests started on June 9. At previous briefings, the office has expressed confidence that the local government and police force can restore order.
Anthony Morris
Yang and Xu have started speaking.
Matthew Evans
>'Out of control' Yang says many overseas Chinese have expressed support for Hong Kong, which is "really touching and moving". He describes the violent actions in the city as still complex, since the they "have not been completely controlled" and had escalated. Some actions included attacking police with weapons such as petrol bombs and doxxing officers. Yang says protesters have attacked police, including damaging 32 MTR stations and destroying a large amount of the city's infrastructure. He says many protesters also disrupted traffic flow to the airport, which grew "out of control".
Jace Hall
>A recap of recent events Yang says police have been attacked, and the attackers have been brutal. Some protesters have also been chanting pro-independence slogans, he says. On August 31, protesters organised illegal marches, threw nearly 100 petrol bombs, and threw tear gas canisters into the PLA’s barracks, he claims. They also damaged MTR stations and blocked roads linking the city with the airport, he adds.
Luke Perry
>'Foreign forces' blamed Yang says under any legal system or place in the world, actions from protesters would constitute "violent, criminal actions". He says many are aware that the protest actions are no longer about the extradition bill, but targeted at the Hong Kong government itself, supported by "foreign forces" that want instability in the city's government.
Ryder Nelson
>'You must say no to all actions that threaten the city' Yang says the protesters' goal is to separate Hong Kong from China and destroy “one country, two systems”, the policy under which the city is governed by Beijing but promised certain political freedoms. Now is a critical moment to defend that arrangement, and all people should realise that with violence, there is no middle ground, and no doubt can be allowed, he says. "If you love Hong Kong," he says, "you must say no to all actions that threaten the city".
Carter Barnes
>'Oppose violence, support Lam and police' Yang raises three points for the city going forward. One, for the government and for the public in Hong Kong to all oppose the violence and support Carrie Lam in leading the government, as well as the Hong Kong police. The violent actions are the biggest threat to the city, he says, so protesters need to be brought to justice, particularly those leaders or organisers at the core of the group.
Easton Russell
>Protecting national sovereignty Secondly, Yang says peaceful rallies and challenges to national sovereignty should be separated. As long as they comply with "one country, two systems", rallies should be allowed, he says, but that is completely different from actions that threaten national security and public order. These kinds of acts must be cracked down in accordance with the law. The three agencies – liaison office, foreign ministry, and the local garrison of the army – represent the country and should not be attacked.
>Tackling housing issues Yang says the third point is the need for solutions to tackle the deep-rooted problems with the Hong Kong economy, including housing issues. This will require Carrie Lam to carry out dialogue with people across Hong Kong's society, particularly the young. Beijing will continue to implement the "one country, two systems" principle and Basic Law for Hong Kong to improve livelihoods, he says.
William Price
>Question on emergency powers A Hong Kong reporter asks the first question: Does the city government need to use the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, and is there a deadline for the protests to end? Xu notes that invoking emergency powers has been discussed in Hong Kong. The situation in the city has recently been at its most critical since the 1997 return to Chinese sovereignty, she says. There have been some positive developments, but stopping violence is still the top priority. Beijing supports the chief executive in using all kinds of law to defend the city’s rule of law, she adds. On setting a deadline, Beijing and Hong Kong residents just hope chaos will end as soon as possible, she says.
Eli Clark
>Protesters conducting 'political terror' A Russian reporter from TASS asks what the central government's view is of the five protesters' demands, including officially withdrawing the extradition bill, setting up an independent inquiry commission, and universal suffrage. Yang says that in a civil, legal society, all of the demands must be based on the rule of law, and condemns "radicals" for disrupting people's lives and Hong Kong's prosperity for their goals. He says their actions are no longer related to the extradition bill and now target the Hong Kong government, describing it as "political terror".
>On political reform On the issue of universal suffrage – one of the protesters' five demands – Yang notes that the Hong Kong democratic system was developed after 1997, and the Basic Law states the chief executive and legislature can be elected by universal suffrage. Since the handover, Beijing has been making progress on democracy in the city, Yang says. In 2007, China’s top legislative body even decided that the city’s leader and legislature would be elected through universal suffrage by 2017 at the earliest. On August 31, 2014, Beijing issued the “831” political reform framework. It was only because of the opposition camp that an electoral reform package tabled in accordance with that framework was voted down, he says, adding that he opposition camp voted it down because the package would not allow a chief executive that listened to them.
Blake Cooper
Rightful Chinese clay, hk needs to bend the knee
Jonathan Clark
Bump
Jackson Perez
>Doubling down on electoral system for Hong Kong's leader Yang also says that Hong Kong's electoral law must follow the city's political position, as outlined in the Basic Law. Citing the first articles of the city's mini-constitution, he says Hong Kong is part of the People's Republic of China and that the city has a high level of autonomy from the central government. He also raises articles outlining how the chief executive is chosen and his or her relationship with Beijing. Yang says a wide representation from civil society will nominate the chief executive, vote and then this will be recognised by the central government. He says these are critical elements to ensure the leader loves the country, Hong Kong, and is one the central government can trust. Only this way can the one country, two systems be fulfilled, he says. "The elections can only be run like this - there is no other choice."
Jayden Cooper
>'I can smell terrorism' Asked about the pro-Beijing claims that protesters are committing acts of terror, Yang says they have paralysed transport systems, targeted police officers and affected ordinary residents. They have also used lethal weapons, and 1,600 police officers have had their personal information leaked online, he adds. Nearly 100 petrol bombs have been used, and MTR control rooms have been damaged, he continues. “At first I didn’t know what collateral damage meant ... when I know it means to die together, I can smell terrorism,” he says.
Nathan Lopez
>'Rioters' and 'black hands' condemned Yang says that "black hands" harbouring political goals have hurt Hong Kong's international status as a financial hub. In so doing, they have showed "signs of terrorism" and clear indications of a "colour revolution". He adds that the movement has seen chants relating to "Hong Kong independence", such as the prevalent slogan: "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times." Since Beijing wields sovereignty over the city, Yang chides "forces" involved for not understanding Hong Kong's position and seeking to push the city towards independence or semi-independence. He says "violent rioters" and "black hands" are not aligned with peaceful protesters and the movement has shifted.
>Class boycotts Asked about the recent class boycotts at secondary schools and universities in Hong Kong, Xu says the opposition camp has been inciting the strikes and trying to spread the protests to schools. They are just trying to "use young people as bargaining chips in their struggle with the government". School campuses are supposed to be free of politics, she says, claiming that Sun Yat-sen – the father of modern China – would have agreed with her sentiment. Xu adds that teachers are supposed to educate pupils, but some in Hong Kong are instilling students with political ideas.
Thomas Johnson
Fuck yang gang Fuck china Fuck commies Fuck xi
Anthony Ross
>PLA can step in 'under state of emergency' A Japanese reporter asks about Hong Kong's Basic Law and whether the government can enact Article 18 to deploy the People's Liberation Army garrison in the city. Xu says Beijing resolutely supports the Hong Kong police and city's government to punish relevant people behind the violence, with the support of most of the city's public. But if the situation continues to escalate and reaches a point where local authorities cannot cope, the central government will not ignore this and can help under articles stipulated in the Basic Law, she adds. Xu adds that according to Article 18, national laws can be used in Hong Kong when the city is in a state of emergency. Some people suggested that the mobilisation of the local garrison would spell the end of "one country, two systems", but this is wrong, she says. The PLA can be mobilised when things in Hong Kong go beyond the city government’s control.
Henry Wilson
>Connectivity between Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen Yang answers a question relating to Shenzhen's latest reform initiative as a free economic zone, and explains it has to do with the Greater Bay Area and the "one country, two systems" model. He says that it will be beneficial for Hong Kong's long-term development and stability, by allowing greater interconnectivity between Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen, including granting citizen status in Shenzhen for those in that city and Hong Kong who qualify. He says that development is the best thing for Hong Kong, even as some "rioters" have tried to disrupt this and the city's future.
Aiden Nelson
>Rebuke to foreign governments Asked about foreign governments' comments on the Hong Kong situation, Yang says Britain has no right to interfere with China and Hong Kong’s domestic affairs. But in recent months, foreign politicians have been commenting on Hong Kong. Those governments have two messages, he says: "First, they twist black and white. Whenever they see police, they say they are wrong and excessive. Whenever they see protesters, they say 'Let’s sympathise them.'" Second, they support violent protesters.
Julian Diaz
Yang asks what foreign governments would do if a similar situation unfolded in their countries.
Matthew Harris
>Endorsement for Macau's new leader A Macau reporter asks about the newly selected fifth chief executive of Macau. Yang says Ho Iat-seng fulfills the central government's idea of a trusting, capable and patriotic leader and that many in Macau support and recognise him.
Why aren't the Feds invading California, NYC and so on for violating the constitution of the US?
Ryder Hill
>Support for police To a question on whether Beijing will take any steps to help restore order in Hong Kong, Xu says the central government supports the government and the police. She notes injuries to officers – "more than 200" – and that they and their families have had their information spread online.
Sebastian Barnes
>Western diplomats are 'like flies that cry and moan' Yang says western diplomats who criticised Hong Kong police remind him of "flies that moan and cry after hitting the wall", quoting a poem by Chinese leader Mao Zedong from 1962, amid bitter confrontation between Moscow and Beijing.
Logan Howard
>Going over key points Xu reiterates that peaceful marchers and radical protesters have to be separated. Their demands reflect deep-rooted problems in Hong Kong, and attention should be paid to their concerns, she adds. She says Beijing has been supporting Hong Kong under the Greater Bay Area plan, which seeks to turn the city and 10 neighbouring cites into a world-class finance and technology hub.
Bentley Myers
>Reporters cut off Hong Kong reporters yell questions about whether Carrie Lam still has autonomy, saying they have further questions to ask. The moderator says there will be other chances to ask questions in the future, as the conference appears to be winding down.
Benjamin Martin
>Briefing over The 70-minute press conference ends at about 4.17pm.
Cameron Reed
>34 posts by this ID Holy shit fuck off with your constant threads you spammy schizo. You're making me want to support CCP at this point if it'll make you stop shitting this board up.
Alexander Nelson
>updates on live press conference >spam The fuck are you on about
Demonstrators of the Golden Bell Special Office and the protesters gathered near the People's Liberation Army Building (pointing one) youtube.com/watch?v=7ShMFaqG9NE
Grayson Cruz
should i care about this? i feel bad for HK but i already know nothing good will come of it, the protests will go the way of the yellow vests but the organizers will probably rot in a chink state jail
Caleb Jackson
What is going on inside that bus?
Brody Morris
...
Ryder Nguyen
Yang Gang and Xu Lying.
Jayden Lopez
Don't make excuses. They obviously have white fever. I take it as a compliment, but imo it makes them look like self-hating cucks.
no one seriously is still dumb enough to believe Lam isn't getting marching orders from Beijing right? it's painfully obvious and is like when the Ukrainians rebels attacked from across the Russian border on their mariupol offensive and some retards were claiming otherwise.
Angel Russell
Schooltime dude. Chimpout is over .... You won't get your Tiananmen 2 Ned paid you for nothing
Logan Wilson
Looks like someone at Prince Edward metro station broke his spine/neck after being jumped on by police
Thomas Perez
Based and protestpilled, shame the first and only signs of bending to the will if the people was conducted behind closed doors to presumably the 30 unelected LegCo seats (or just business representatives in general?) rather than citywide, if I'm reading this right. But nothing is to be trusted until it's actually happening. LegCo democrats now need to push for full universal suffrage for both LegCo and CEO while protests keep up the pressure.
Bentley Ward
what is it with HK police and using excessive force when jumping on a protester already pinned down 6 to 1? hmmm no mention of the extradition bill, yet wants all arrests to be prosecuted in HK courts, sign they're just trying to buy time to get it passed later on still or that her audience in that room doesn't give a fuck? wtf is wrong with these ppl?
Easton Butler
Excellent, make sure to post the final version when it's done.
