Liu Xiaoming: Hong Kong situation will end in orderly way

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming has said the central government hopes the Hong Kong situation will end in an orderly way but is fully prepared for the worst if the situation deteriorates into uncontrollable unrest in the future, adding that Beijing will not sit by and watch.

Flags of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. [File Photo: IC]

Liu reiterated that the central government supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government in ending violence and restoring order, noting that violent offenders should be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Liu, speaking at a press conference in London on Thursday, also warned of the interference of foreign forces in Hong Kong and urged Western media to show due social responsibility and fairly report on the issue.

The Chinese envoy said Hong Kong now faces the gravest situation since its return to China in 1997 because of recent violence which has challenged law and order and undermined the "one country, two systems" principle.

"We will not let protesters drag Hong Kong down a dangerous road," Liu told reporters.