Heads of three major Hong Kong police associations have expressed their recognition of the professionalism and restraint recently displayed by Hong Kong police. They have also voiced their confidence in safeguarding the foundation of the rule of law and social stability in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Since June, some radical protesters have violently charged police cordons, besieged police stations and committed vandalism, but the police have shown professionalism and exercised restraint with the use of appropriate force to cope with the situation, said Chan Man-tak, chairman of the Superintendents' Association of Hong Kong Police Force, on Thursday.

Lam Chi-wai, chairman of the Junior Police Officers' Association, vowed to maintain law and order in Hong Kong and protect its residents.

"Regarding the equipment and capabilities, there is no doubt that Hong Kong police can handle any incidents taking place in Hong Kong. And, we are confident of ourselves in continuing to maintain order in Hong Kong and protect its residents," he said.

When dealing with such violent violations, the police in some countries and regions would take much more powerful measures than the current Hong Kong police, Lam said. The Hong Kong police only use the minimum force. Any rational people in the world would understand the professional level of the Hong Kong police, Lam reiterated.

The official also said that the current incidents will have a negative impact on Hong Kong's international image. But as long as the police enforce the law strictly and the general public opposes violence, Hong Kong will remain one of the safest cities in the world.

At a press conference held on July 29, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council expressed understanding for the Hong Kong police force and their families for the tremendous stress they have been under. The spokesperson also extended respect to Hong Kong police officers. 

Noting that the spokesperson's remarks have boosted the confidence of the Hong Kong police force, Wu Wai-kee, chairman of the Hong Kong Police Inspectors' Association (HKPIA), vowed to bring all the lawbreakers to justice.

Wu said the police will focus on detaining radical protesters as well as publishing more information to inform residents of possible dangerous locations and warn them against law-violating behaviors.

The Superintendents' Association, the HKPIA and the JPOA have over 400 personnel, 2,000 and 20,000 members respectively.

(With input from Xinhua)