China Hints Its Troops Could Be Used to Quell Hong Kong Protests

Thursday, 25 July 2019 12:55

Myers writes: "Warning that protests convulsing Hong Kong were crossing a line, China hinted broadly on Wednesday that it was prepared to use military force in the territory if necessary to retain Beijing's control."

People's Liberation Army soldiers at Stonecutters Island naval base in Hong Kong last month. China warned that it could mobilize Chinese troops to maintain order in Hong Kong. (photo: Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

China Hints Its Troops Could Be Used to Quell Hong Kong Protests

By Steven Lee Myers, The New York Times

25 July 19

arning that protests convulsing Hong Kong were crossing a line, China hinted broadly on Wednesday that it was prepared to use military force in the territory if necessary to retain Beijing�s control.

�The behavior of some radical protesters challenges the central government�s authority, touching on the bottom line principle of �one country, two systems,�� said the chief spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, Senior Col. Wu Qian. �That absolutely cannot be tolerated.�

It was both the most explicit warning to date since protests began in the former British colony and a stark reminder of who has ultimate control over Hong Kong�s fate.

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