China supports tear gas solution to Hong Kong protests
China has publicly supported Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying via state-owned newspaper The People’s Daily (TPD), warning readers of the “chaos” caused by pro-democracy campaigners.
The protesters have said they will start occupying government buildings in the city if Leung refuses to step down by Thursday night.
In a front page story, TPD revealed that the “central government fully trusts chief executive Leung Chun-ying and is very satisfied with his work”.
The publication's commentary further asserted Beijing’s support of the Hong Kong police, trusting it “to handle illegal activities in accordance with the law”. Hong Kong authorities came under international fire last weekend for using tear gas and pepper spray against demonstrators
The protests form the most significant opposition the Chinese Communist Party has seen since the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989.
Though fewer people flocked to the streets Thursday morning, tens of thousands camped-out in central Hong Kong on Wednesday and students managed to block one of the roads leading up to Leung’s office.
The head of the pro-establishment New people’s Party, Regina Ip, noted that Leung may not have the option to step down. She said: “I don’t think he will be allowed to resign.”
The leader refused to speak directly to protestors but urged the city to accept its electoral reform plan, which protestors and critics have labelled a “sham democracy”.
This is because the plan aims to introduce a “one person, one vote” policy where the people of Hong Kong can choose their leader but Beijing selects all the candidates in advance.