Xi Says Violence 'tramples On Rule Of Law'

Recent "violent illegal activities" in Hong Kong have "severely trampled on rule of law and social order" in the semi-autonomous city, China's President Xi Jinping said on Thursday, the state-run People's Daily reported.

In rare comments on the violence in Hong Kong, Xi repeated Beijing's unwavering support for the Hong Kong government and police, warning recent actions by protesters have "seriously challenged the baseline principle of 'one country, two systems'" by which it abides.

Speaking at a summit of Brics countries in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia, he said Beijing "firmly supports" Hong Kong's government and police.

"Stopping violence and controlling chaos while restoring order is currently Hong Kong's most urgent task," Xi said in comments reported by the People's Daily.

Pro-democracy protesters choked the SAR with barricades and rallies for a fourth straight day on Thursday, days after police shot a protester with a live round and a man expressing pro-Beijing views was set on fire. (AFP)

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