China raps ‘evil acts’ by demonstrators as new protest disrupts train system in Hong Kong

Beijing slams protesters in Hong Kong for committing “evil and criminal acts” that have undermined the semi-autonomous Chinese territory’s stability as a fresh wave of protests disrupt the train system and cause commuter chaos there.

During the early morning rush hour on Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators blocked train services as part of the protests that started around two months ago in opposition to an extradition bill, which would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam later suspended the proposed bill, but protests have continued, calling on the leader to resign over her policies in general, which the critics say undermine democracy in Hong Kong.

PressTV-Hong Kong’s leader says extradition bill ‘dead’

Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam says a proposed extradition bill that had caused controversy in the Chinese territory “is dead.”

Speaking at a presser in Beijing on Monday, Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office spokesman Yang Guang expressed concern over the “grave” situation and said the protests — which have turned violent at times — have seriously damaged the territory’s “reputation” and “stability.”

“No civilization or society under the rule of law would ever allow acts of violence to take place,” he said, calling on Hong Kong citizens to condemn protester violence.

“Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong,” he said. “Hong Kong’s affairs are China’s domestic affairs.”

The Chinese official further criticized the Western states’ approach to the crisis in Hong Kong, saying their “strange logic” has made them sympathetic to violence.

“At the end of the day, their intention is to create trouble in Hong Kong, make Hong Kong a problem to China, in order to contain China’s development,” Yang said, stressing, however, that such attempts will fail.

He also warned the West against stirring unrest in the city through making “irresponsible remarks” and encouraging protests.

Hong Kong has been governed under a “one-country, two-system” model since the city — a former British colony — was returned to China in 1997.

Commuters frustrated with disruption of train services

Protesters on Tuesday blocked train doors and forced hundreds of people to stream out of railway stations in search of alternative transport.

Scuffles broke out between protesters and commuters as some grew frustrated over the train stoppage.

“It’s so inconvenient and annoying, really. I am in hurry to work, to make a living. Will you give away your salary to me?” said a 64-year-old citizen.

This follows a rally at the city’s international airport on Friday and violent protests at the weekend, which sparked clashes between protesters and police.

China has formerly denounced the protesters, saying the actions by “radical protesters” are an “open challenge to the central government’s authority.”

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