The Chinese regime used harsh language to criticize Hong Kong protesters who broke into the Legislative Council (LegCo) building on July 1 as anger over a controversial extradition bill intensified.
Analysts say the incensed response from Beijing indicated that it was fearful of how such protests could jeopardize its rule.
In recent weeks, Hongkongers have staged mass protests against a bill that would allow the Chinese regime to seek extradition of criminal suspects, with many worried that the city government would be pressured to hand over individuals to face trial in China’s opaque legal system.
On July 1, after roughly 550,000 Hongkongers attended an annual march themed around protesting Beijing’s increased encroachment on local affairs since it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
Beijing Response
The day after, Chinese authorities expressed its anger in a tough tone.In response to Hunt’s comments, Geng said: “Recently, the Chinese side has repeatedly told the United Kingdom about our position on Hong Kong… the UK ignored China’s concerns and frequently made irresponsible comments on Hong Kong affairs.”
Analysis
U.S.-based Chinese affairs commentator Tang Jingyuan told The Epoch Times on July 2 that mainland China has seen an increase in local protests, which has Beijing worried that “people inside China will do what Hongkongers did to protect their interests.”The city’s protests represent a challenge to Beijing’s rule; hence, the Chinese regime is worried, Tang said. “It can be described in this metaphor: dry wood has covered all of China, and the Hong Kong protests is a big fire. A spark from Hong Kong can burn the whole of China.”
On the other hand, Tang said, the Chinese regime cannot control the situation in Hong Kong, and wants to find an excuse for a tougher suppression.
“Now it calls the protesters rioters and extremists, then it has an excuse if it wants to use force in Hong Kong,” Tang said.