Beijing won't rule out military intervention in Hong Kong protests

Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Chinese leaders are blaming the United States for the ongoing protests in Hong Kong and said they could intervene if the turmoil continues.

Actions by the protesters have moved beyond just opposing a controversial extradition bill and moved on to a "clear color revolution," said Zhang Xiaoming, head of China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. Similar revolutions occurred in the 2000s in Communist countries with the backing of the United States.

This will be the 10th straight weekend of protests. The protesters adopted a new slogan: "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times." They also defaced China's national emblem.

Leaders in Beijing support Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the police forces and urge them to do more to stop the protests.

"If the situation in Hong Kong continues to worsen into unrest that the Hong Kong SAR government cannot control, the central government will not sit back and do nothing," Zhang said.

Yang Guang, a spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said Hong Kong residents should "stand firm and guard our beautiful homeland." He said the protests have gone beyond freedom of assembly and expression.

"At the front are a small number of violent radicals; in the middle are some kindhearted citizens who have been misguided and coerced to join," Yang said. "Let's do as a loving mother does to take the inexplicably angry child home."

The protesters are also angry about police brutality, which has also increased.

Democratic Party Vice Chairman Andrew Wan said the protests were not a "color revolution" but a legitimate protest against the extradition bill that would allow China to bring people to the main land for trial.

"Instead, Beijing has the characteristics of a totalitarian to use the law and cook up charges," Wan said.

If China intervenes with its army, it would be the end of Hong Kong's independence.

"I hope the central government remains rational," Wan said.

Former deputy chair of Beijing's Basic Law committee Elsie Leung said even if the Chinese army is deployed it will not change Hong Kong's independent status.

"Some people believe that the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle will end if the People's Liberation Army is used. But such beliefs are false," Leung said. "Even if the People's Liberation Army is used they will be used in accordance with the Basic Law and the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, and there is no violation."

An angry mob of counter protesters wearing white shirts and surgical masks violently attacked demonstrators at a Hong Kong train station last month. Police said the mob was likely part of the triad gang.

The ongoing unrest prompted the United States to issue a travel advisory.

"Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong due to civil unrest," the Bureau of Consular Affairs said in the advisory. "Most have been peaceful but some have turned confrontational or resulted in violent clashes. The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little notice, are likely to continue."