Advertisement
People’s Liberation Army warning to Hong Kong protesters ‘not military action’, pro-Beijing heavyweight Maria Tam says
- On radio, the vice-chairwoman of the Basic Law Committee says it was normal for military personnel to respond to protesters shining lasers
- But others say the army’s actions were more than just ‘simple acts’
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Pro-establishment heavyweight Maria Tam Wai-chu has defended the Hong Kong garrison of the People’s Liberation Army, saying its warning to anti-government protesters did not amount to military action.
Advertisement
Tam, vice-chairwoman of the Basic Law Committee, said it was normal for military personnel – stationed at the Kowloon Tong barracks – to respond to protesters shining lasers at the PLA building on Sunday night.
The army raised a yellow flag at the top of the building, warning demonstrators: “You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted”. Several men in uniform were seen filming protesters and a floodlight was shone from the PLA building. The tense moment passed without confrontation.
“My view is, the raising of a warning flag is a normal act,” Tam said on a local radio programme on Monday.
Advertisement
“If someone disturbs you, you tell them to stop. I don’t think this is a military action, and I don’t think it will escalate to one.”
Advertisement