China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the amendments to an extradition bill of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will not hamper the global confidence toward the city, noting that the central government will continue to support the SAR's work.

The ministry's spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a daily media briefing on Thursday.

"Hong Kong keeps thriving and maintaining its stability since its return to China, the policy of 'One Country, Two Systems' and 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong' have been fully implemented," Geng said. 

"Hong Kong has been selected as one of the word's freest economies and one of the most competitive regions by many international organizations. Concerns that the amendments work will affect the international community's confidence in Hong Kong's development are unnecessary."

Carrie Lam: Protests turn into 'blatant, organized violence'

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Wednesday condemned the "dangerous and life-threatening acts" of demonstrators, noting that the protests had devolved into a "blatant, organized riot."

On Wednesday, scuffles erupted between protesters and police outside the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. A total of 72 people were admitted to hospital, officials said, adding that 22 officers were injured. Authorities shut government offices in the financial district for the rest of the week.

"Since this afternoon, some people have resorted to dangerous, or even potentially fatal, acts. These include arson, using sharpened iron bars and hurling bricks to attack police officers, as well as destroying public facilities," she told reporters in an interview on Wednesday evening.

Lam stressed that Hong Kong is a civilized, peaceful and rational society when responding to accusations she betrayed Hong Kong by approving the extradition bill. "I grew up here together with all the Hong Kong residents. My love for this place has led me to make a fair amount of personal sacrifices," she said.

Hong Kong police in a statement strongly condemned Wednesday's violent acts, reiterating that any behavior endangering public order and public safety will not be tolerated. They promised to take resolute actions to restore social order and protect public safety.

'The Central Government gave no instruction'

Chinese Ambassador to the UK H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming stressed on Wednesday that Beijing did not involve in amending the extradition law.  The amendment was initiated by the Hong Kong government with the aim of rectifying the deficiencies and plugging the loopholes of the existing legal system, he said.

"The Central Government gave no instruction, no order about making amendment. This amendment was initiated by the Hong Kong government. It is prompted by a murder case happened in Taiwan," Liu stressed in an interview with the BBC.

Liu quoted police figures, which said about 200,000 people attended the protests, and noted that 800,000 people had signed up to support the amendment but the "silent majority" was ignored by the BBC.

Liu noted that the demonstration was peaceful at the very beginning, but "became ugly afterwards."

"A policeman was beaten, and the police had to defend themselves. They had to put order in place, so you can't blame the policemen. I think there are always the forces inside and outside Hong Kong that try to take advantage of things, to stir up trouble," said Liu.

The ambassador also said that the Hong Kong government invited the Hong Kong public for suggestions and opinions. "They received 4,500 replies, 3,000 supported the amendment and only 1,500 oppose the amendment," he noted.

(With input from Reuters)

(Cover: Protesters throw their helmets during a demonstration against a proposed extradition bill in Hong Kong, China, June 12, 2019. /Reuters Photo)