PLA Commander Says Violence Will Not Be Tolerated

The Commander of the People’s Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong, Chen Diaoxiang, has strongly condemned what he calls a series of extremely violent incidents in the SAR, saying they touch the bottom line of "One Country, Two Systems" and cannot be tolerated.

Speaking at an event to mark the PLA's 92nd anniversary, Chen said violent incidents in Hong Kong had challenged the rule of law and social order and threatened the safety of people’s lives and properties.

The commander echoed recent remarks by the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in backing Carrie Lam's administration in its handling of the crisis sparked by its bid to speed through changes to the SAR's fugitive laws.

He also pledged the garrison's support for the police in harshly punishing “violent criminals” in accordance with the law, and in defending China's sovereignty and the Hong Kong’s prosperity.

The anniversary event was attended by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, former Chief Executive and now vice-chairman of the CPPCC, Tung Chee-hwa, and the director of Beijing’s Liaison Office, Wang Zhimin.