Beijing Affirms Support For Extradition Changes

Beijing responded to the clashes in and around Admiralty on Wednesday by reiterating its support for Hong Kong's proposed extradition legislation – the trigger for the mass protests.

Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said "any act that undermines Hong Kong's prosperity and stability is opposed by mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong."

He also denied that the central authorities have been interfering in the city's affairs in a way that violates agreements made when Hong Kong was handed back to China from British control.

He said: "Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms have been fully guaranteed in accordance with law." The protests have forced the delay of legislative debate over the bill, which would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in the mainland. (AP)