People’s Daily on July 22, published a commentator article that strongly condemned “extremist protestors” for “surrounding the Hong Kong Liaison Office of the Central People's Government, damaging its facilities, defacing the National Emblem, and spray-painting expressions insulting the country and people” on 21 July. It stated that “this behavior not only trampled on the rule of law in Hong Kong but also brazenly challenged the central government’s authority and touched on the bottom line of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.” After arguing that “only safeguarding central authority can ensure… the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and well-being of its residents,” the article declared that “justifications for violent behavior can no longer be found!” It concluded that: “We resolutely support the special administrative region government’s adoption of all necessary measures in accordance with the law to ensure the security of central agencies in Hong Kong, safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong, and punish criminal elements. We also call on [our] numerous Hong Kong compatriots to work together to oppose violence, defend the rule of law, and treasure peace.”
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