China’s Military Threatens Protesters

‘Radical protesters.’ Unveiling its first defense white paper in four years on Wednesday, a Chinese military official hinted that Beijing was prepared to use force if necessary to maintain control over “radical protesters”–the most explicit warning to date regarding massive demonstrations in Hong Kong.

During a briefing on the updated strategy, which identifies efforts to divide Chinese territory as the greatest threat to Beijing’s security, the Ministry of National Defense’s chief spokesman pointed to a law that allows the People’s Liberation Army to intervene to maintain public order if requested by Hong Kong’s leaders.

“The behavior of some radical protesters challenges the central government’s authority, touching on the bottom line principle of ‘one country, two systems,’” said Senior Col. Wu Qian. “That absolutely cannot be tolerated.”

The PLA has for years maintained a garrison of 6,000 soldiers in bases around the former British colony, but Beijing has never ordered them to intervene in its affairs, writes the New York Times.