Hong Kong protests: billionaire businessman Peter Woo pleads with Hongkongers to stop the violence, warns of terrorism threat as tensions escalate

All sides must act now to end aggression blighting city, says property tycoon, who urges protesters to ‘quit while you are ahead’

Peter Woo is first to issue appeal following request for help by mainland China officials to hundreds of senior pro-Beijing figures

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Peter Woo is asking Hong Kong people to help return the city to a peaceful path. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 3:40pm, 12 Aug 2019Updated: 8:28pm, 17 Aug 2019

Billionaire businessman Peter Woo Kwong-ching has called on Hongkongers from all sides to stop resorting to violence as the city continued to be gripped by ferocious clashes and bitter division.

Woo, 73, became the first tycoon to issue the direct appeal after hundreds of business leaders and pro-Beijing politicians were asked by mainland China officials last week in Shenzhen for their support in safeguarding Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.

He also defended Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, calling her a “Hong Kong daughter” who proposed the extradition bill with good intentions.

On Sunday, police stepped up the use of force by firing tear gas in an enclosed subway station for the first time as protesters continued their new hit-and-run tactics to unleash chaos across multiple districts.

Swathes of the city including Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai and Kwai Chung became smoke-filled war zones amid the escalating turmoil.

Anti-government protesters try to put out tear gas on Sunday in Tsim Sha Tsui, as demonstrations continue to be characterised by violence from various groups including police, protesters and their opponents. Photo: Felix Wong

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