The Chinese government is condemning pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Thousands of students joined other activists Sunday night and Monday in areas of the city’s center. Protesters are demanding that China permit public nominations for the territory’s chief executive. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to force protesters off the streets. But many protesters refused to leave.
China’s Global Times newspaper published a statement by the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. On Sunday, a spokesperson said the central government strongly opposes illegal behavior in Hong Kong that threatens social order and stability. The spokesperson also said China’s central government believes Hong Kong officials can deal with the situation and are operating legally.
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The Global Times added that officials from China’s central government office in Hong Kong made a similar statement. The legislature’s decision about how to hold elections, officials said, should not be disputed.
The China Daily newspaper published several people’s opinions about the protests. A top editor said the protest leaders were turning the political discussion in Hong Kong violent. The writer said the leaders attracted students to the pro-democracy movement by promising peace and love. But, the writer said, lead protesters have forced clashes and distrust of the government.
Another experienced reporter wrote in China Daily that it was good for students to feel strongly about politics and society. But, he said, their political demands were not reasonable.
The South China Morning Post website published frequent, regular updates about the protest. By Monday night, the Post reported, protesters were still joining the demonstrations after work.
I’m Mario Ritter.
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Words in this Story
clash - n. a battle; v. to fight or oppose
dispute – v. to oppose strongly by argument
protester (also, protestor) - n. person who speaks against something; objects to something
stability - n. the state of being stable; not easily changed or likely to change
territory – n. a large area of land
