China Warned against ‘Illegal’ Protests in Hong Kong, Declaring Sovereignty over the Country’s Affairs

Oct 02, 2014 07:00 AM EDT

China Warns U.S., Other Countries Not to Meddle With Hong Kong's Internal Affairs

(Photo : Reuters) China has warned the United States not to meddle with Hong Kong's internal affairs saying they should respect China's sovereignty

China cautioned against "illegal" demonstrations in Hong Kong Wednesday as thousands of protesters stayed on the city's streets overnight, declaring that the issue on Hong Kong's democracy is a matter of Chinese "internal affairs."

Speaking in Washington D.C., Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned about certain "illegal acts" connected to the pro-democracy battle that protesters brought to the streets of Hong Kong during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during celebration of China's anniversary on October 1.

Like Us on Facebook

"Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. All countries should respect China's sovereignty. For any country, for any society, no-one will allow those illegal acts that violate public order," he declared adding that the United States government headed by President Barack Obama would probably do the same if the same occurred in the western nation.

This is following Kerry's statement about the United States' support on Hong Kong's right to fight for universal suffrage and of having "high hopes" that China would "exercise restraint and respect for the protestors' right to express their views peacefully."

Wang also stated that the Chinese government will allow Hong Kong authorities to handle influx of protests, adding that the country believes in its "capability to properly handle the current situation in accordance with the law."

According to reports, protesters are planning to occupy government buildings in the country if their Chief Executive, CY Leung, does not step down from office by Thursday evening.

About 3,000 protesters camped out of Leung's office and was faced with around 200 police officers

Protests come after China allegedly did not follow through with its promise of autonomy for the country as it plans to vet candidates for Hong Kong's upcoming 2017 elections.

About 42 percent of almost 800,000 individuals pledged their support for choosing their own leader after an unofficial referendum was held by Occupy Central.

TagsHong Kong, pro-democracy protests