Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Chinese State Media Take Hard Line on Hong Kong Protests

Associated Press

   HONG KONG - A ruling Chinese Communist Party newspaper has taken a hard
   line against pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, saying
   demonstrators who broke into the local legislature showed their
   "arrogance" and had no regard for the rule of law.

   Chinese state media ran footage of police in Hong Kong clearing
   protesters from streets early Tuesday in a break with their silence
   over days of pro-democracy demonstrations that have challenged
   Beijing's authority over the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

   Beijing has largely sought to downplay the demonstrations that have
   highlighted doubts about the validity of its "one country, two systems"
   formula for governing the former British colony. Its coverage of the
   protests and the publication of a harsh editorial in the official
   Communist Party newspaper Global Times may indicate it is prepared to
   take a tougher line against the demonstrators following days of
   forbearance.

   "These violent assailants in their arrogance pay no heed to Hong Kong's
   law, no doubt arousing the anger and sadness of all people of the city
   of Hong Kong," the editorial said.

.