Beijing says People’s Liberation Army is a ‘pillar of stability’ for Hong Kong
- Troops will continue to serve city in accordance with the law, foreign ministry spokeswoman says
- Official accuses protest group of ‘inviting wolf into their homes’ with its appeal for support from foreign consulates
The People’s Liberation Army is a pillar for stability in Hong Kong and will always abide by the law, Beijing said on Friday amid concerns it might mobilise troops to help bring an end to weeks of unrest in the city.
“I want to say that the PLA in Hong Kong has always strictly abided by the Basic Law and the Garrison Law since the [1997] handover, and has faithfully carried out their defence duties,” China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press conference in Beijing, referring to the Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.
“The PLA in Hong Kong has been a pillar for the city’s long-term prosperity and stability,” she said, adding that Beijing would continue to support stability in Hong Kong but would not allow foreign forces to interfere in its affairs.
On Wednesday, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said that the protesters’ recent actions and vandalism of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong had challenged Beijing’s baseline.
He also said that the PLA’s role in Hong Kong was clearly stipulated by law.