China Softens Tone on Hong Kong, But Doesn’t Yield on Demands
- Officials draw line between peaceful protesters and ‘rioters’
- Beijing reaffirms opposition to call for direct democracy
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China softened its tone toward Hong Kong’s protesters, saying peaceful demonstrations were allowed under the law, even as it ruled out a fundamental demand for direct democracy that has fueled the unrest.
In a wide-ranging briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese officials overseeing Hong Kong sought to make a clear distinction between violent protesters who have thrown petrol bombs in running battles with police and others who have marched peacefully through the former British colony. They also strongly backed Chief Executive Carrie Lam, saying an emergency law could be implemented if necessary and pledging support for the economy.