Beijing says Hong Kong citizens would be ‘saddened’ by foreign countries’ decisions to upgrade city’s security status following clashes
- Japan and South Korea issue updated travel warnings following mob attacks in Yuen Long while Ireland maintains ‘high degree of caution’ alert
- Beijing accuses Washington of being behind unrest in Hong Kong, a charge US consulate in the city dismisses as ‘ridiculous’
A spokeswoman for Beijing’s foreign ministry has said that Hong Kong people would be saddened by the recent decisions by foreign countries to issue travel warnings to their citizens for the city, amid recent clashes between protesters, local gangs and police.
Hua Chunying also urged Hongkongers “who have a sense of justice” to safeguard the city’s public order.
“Those who really love Hong Kong should unite to defend Hong Kong’s security and order. Let Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, shine once again – I think this is the wish of everyone who loves Hong Kong,” she said.
Hua was speaking hours after the Civil Human Rights Front called on foreign consulates in Hong Kong to issue a travel alert for the city in light of the violent attacks in Yuen Long on July 21, and to press the Hong Kong government to protect foreign nationals living there.
After the Yuen Long clashes, Japan and South Korea’s consulates in Hong Kong have issued travel warnings or alerts on Tuesday, with the former warning of indiscriminate attacks in various communities in the New Territories. Other countries, including the United States and Britain, had previously issued such warnings.
