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Mainland Chinese sentiment on protests ‘may spur tougher line on Hong Kong’ following violence in wake of extradition bill controversy
- Mood shifts across border as state media condemns vandalism of liaison office, but there is no mention of armed mob attacking civilians in Yuen Long
- Observers say Beijing could take a more hardline position to try to end the situation if it deteriorates, including declaring a state of emergency
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News of Sunday night’s brutal attacks on protesters and journalists in suburban Hong Kong has been censored on the mainland, but vandalism at Beijing’s liaison office received blanket coverage.
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As a result, while Hongkongers focused on an armed mob attacking civilians in Yuen Long, there was uproar on the mainland over protesters laying siege to the central government’s liaison office, where the national emblem was defaced and anti-Chinese obscenities spray-painted on the building.
Many on the mainland were angered by the protesters’ actions, questioning whether they had lost their purpose.
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After another huge anti-government march from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai on Sunday, protests spread to the heart of the business district, and more than 1,000 demonstrators besieged the liaison office in Sai Ying Pun, throwing eggs at the building and shining laser light beams at staff trapped inside.
Dozens were injured when police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters, who fought back with umbrellas, bottles, bricks and poles, in areas near the liaison office.
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