Radicals, Their Masters Will Be Punished: Beijing

Beijing on Tuesday strongly warned that "radical and violent people" involved in Hong Kong protests as well as those "driving them from behind" that they would be punished according to the law.

The spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Yang Guang – who was speaking on the situation here for the second time in two weeks – said the protests over the past two months have caused grave damage to the prosperity and stability of the SAR.

They have pushed the city to the verge of a very dangerous situation, he said, echoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam's words on Tuesday.

Yang stressed that protesters should not underestimate "the immense strength of the central government", adding "those who play with fire will perish by it". He called on Hong Kong people to do more to protect their "beautiful homeland".

He also pointed out that the central government believes there are some anti-China forces behind the movement, instigating trouble in the SAR by providing guidance and funding.

Yang once again reiterated Beijing's "resolute support" behind Chief Executive Carrie Lam, saying "those who will to force her to step down will never get what they want".

The spokesman also stressed that Beijing fully backs the Hong Kong police force in maintaining law and order.