Monday’s violence in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region astounded the world. As people from all levels of the society gathered to celebrate the city’s return to the motherland on July 1, some opposition activists "used excessive violence" to storm the LegCo chamber and carried out a slew of large-scale assaults in protest against a controversial extradition bill.

The bill was designed to better combat transnational crimes. But protesters believe that it would erode the autonomy of the city’s judicial system and their "much-cherished" rule of law as people in Hong Kong could be sent to the mainland for trial in courts.

Activists are calling for better protection of the law, but their riotous behavior is slapping them in the face. Holding high the banner of "rule of law," they brazenly assaulted the LegCo, showing a complete disregard for the rule of law.

Hong Kong is internationally known as one of the most democratic cities, where citizens' rights are well-protected under the Basic Law. Opposition activists could resort to peaceful and legal means to voice their views and participate in the city’s political affairs.

It is worth noting that after days of peaceful demonstrations, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has already announced a pause in the legislative review of the bill on June 15, saying that she had heard the people "loud and clear." But still, activists stormed the legislature on the anniversary of Hong Kong's return.

These radical forces are merely using the extradition bill as an excuse to disturb Hong Kong. Some of them even colluded with foreign forces to challenge the "one country, two systems" principle. Their ultimate purpose is to bring troubles to a rising China, and a united, peaceful and prosperous China is one of the last things they want to see.

Violence of such a scale must be harshly condemned. Even in the United States and European countries, known as the traditional bastions of freedom and democracy, storming the legislatorial building would be treated with batons and pepper spray from the riot police.

But interestingly, when it came to Hong Kong, the West remained silent on the riotous behavior, but concentrated fire at Beijing, accusing the central government of trampling on Hong Kong's freedom and rights. The New York Times even described Beijing as a "monster." While they have been never stingy in their condemnations of domestic violence, Western media outlets have shown a bizarre tolerance for the violent demonstrations in Hong Kong.

Their ulterior motives are laid bare. These forces are good double-standard players and are wantonly interfering in China’s internal affairs under the cloak of democracy, to which the central government has zero tolerance.

In fact, ordinary Hong Kong residents cherish peace and development. Hours before the violent attacks, around 5,000 residents waved and shouted "I love Hong Kong" at the Victoria Park to celebrate the city’s return. Most of the residents felt heartbroken about Monday’s violence. "It [Hong Kong] was quite peaceful in the past. No violence or incident occurred. I think it [Monday’s violence] is a systematic and organized act," the Global Times quoted a Hong Kong resident as saying.

The central government always stands ready to protect Hong Kong people and firmly opposes any challenge to the country’s sovereignty and peaceful development. In a civilized society, problems must be solved via the law, not violence. Anti-China forces should never underestimate Beijing’s determination and capability in safeguarding its people and its core interests.

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