Chinese official says some protest acts ‘terrorist in nature’

HONG KONG, May 25

China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong said on Monday some actions during last year’s pro-democracy protests were “terrorist in nature” and “troublemakers” colluded with foreign forces, posing “imminent danger” to national security.

Xie Feng, commissioner of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, made his remarks during a speech on proposed national security legislation in Hong Kong, in which he sought to reassure foreign investors they would not be affected.

Xie said the law tackled secession, subversion, foreign interference and terrorism and would only affect a small number of residents, while for the rest “there was absolutely no need to panic”.

“The law will alleviate the grave concerns among local and foreign business communities about the violent and terrorist forces,” Xie said. His comments added to a chorus of strengthening government rhetoric against protesters in the Chinese-ruled city. — Reuters