Central government closely following HK situation: spokesperson

The central government has been closely following the development of the situation in Hong Kong, a spokesperson said Monday.

The national flag of China and the regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region hang in a display in Hong Kong. [File photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images via VCG/Anthony Kwan]

Yang Guang, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks on the recent protests and violent incidents in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at a press conference held in Beijing.

He said the HKSAR police have approved and protected, in accordance with the law, peaceful protests related to amending the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.

However, Yang said, the intentional violent activities by some radical protesters since June 12 went far beyond peaceful demonstrations.

Yang said the protests and violent incidents have lasted for over a month in Hong Kong, severely damaging the rule of law, social order, the economy, people's livelihoods and image of Hong Kong.

"It is heartbreaking for those who love and care about Hong Kong," said Yang.