Editorial: Violence, defiance to central government's authority is unacceptable
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A string of violent acts have rattled Hong Kong for weeks. Extreme protestors seriously broke the law and social order by storming the Legislative Council building, launching attacks on police and smuggling explosives. All these illegal acts were justified by the opposition as their measures to defy the extradition bill.  

What’s worse, the besiege of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) went far beyond a peaceful demonstration and escalated to violence instead. 

The radical protesters besieged the liaison office on Sunday. They destroyed facilities, defaced the national emblem, and attacked the country and nation with insulting graffiti.

The liaison office represents the central government in Hong Kong and has performed its duties strictly in line with the Constitution, the Hong Kong Basic Law and authorization of the central government, which could not be challenged. 

Not only have the barbaric acts violated the rule of law in Hong Kong, they also blatantly challenged the authority of the central government and touched the bottom line of the principle of "one country, two systems.”

Due to the appalling nature of the besiege and its negative impacts, both HKSAR government and China's central government will not tolerate such behaviors.

Since the return of Hong Kong, the central government has consistently adhered to the policies of “one country, two systems,” "Hong Kong people administrating Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy.

The the central government also supports the progress Hong Kong has made in various undertakings and the defender of the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong compatriots.

Over the past 22 years, the country has been providing staunch support to Hong Kong’s development and Hong Kong’s fate has also been closely connected with the Chinese mainland all along. 

The country will prosper if Hong Kong continues to prosper and a brighter China is the guarantee to Hong Kong being better-off. Only by safeguarding the central government’s authority can we ensure that the implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy in Hong Kong, the region’s long-term prosperity and stability and the well-being of Hong Kong residents. 

The peaceful and rational expression of demands on the basis of mutual respect is a basic requirement for a civilized and rule-based society. There is no excuse for violence and the bottom line of the rule of law is inviolable. Hong Kong’s competitiveness will be eroded if these radical protesters are allowed to trample on the rule of law in Hong Kong.

All Hong Kong residents must see through the ill will of the violence by a handful of radicals, and resolutely safeguard the principle of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's rule of law and order, protecting the beautiful home of 7 million people.

We firmly support the HKSAR government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of institutions representing the central government in Hong Kong, safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong and hold perpetrators accountable. We also call on our Hong Kong compatriots to work together to stand up to violence, protect the rule of law and cherish peace and stability.

We believe that the HKSAR government is capable of resuming order in Hong Kong society with the support of the central government and the Hong Kong citizens. We also believe that the time-tested "one country, two systems" policy in Hong Kong will surely show even greater vitality.