Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, said in a meeting with news media before an administrative conference recently that the government and police force of the SAR will never tolerate any acts of violence, and have the responsibility to review all prevailing laws and curb the violence using the rule of law, so as to restore the social order as soon as possible. Mainstream public opinion and all quarters of Hong Kong society have expressed support for the SAR government to curb violence through further legal means to restore social harmony and stability.

On August 28, the Ta Kung Pao published an editorial entitled "Fully exploring all methods to curb the violence," pointing out that the world does not lack laws, but rather enforcement. The greatest challenges lie in solemn and just law enforcement and justice, which is also the one and only way to curb violence. A Hong Kong Commercial Daily editorial asserted that the government must strictly investigate and trace the accountability of any violation of laws.

Tan Yaozong, member of the Standing Committee of the NPC, argued that the conflict has recently escalated, and the level of violence is intolerable. If society hopes to curb this violence and prevent it from escalating, any legal power granted to the Chief Executive should be considered.

Yao Zhisheng, member of the Hong Kong CPPCC and president of the Hong Kong branch of the China Council for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification, said that the violence of protesters has escalated gradually, and the situation is difficult to control. All quarters of society should fully support the SAR government to adopt all possible legal means to curb the violence and restore order, including special measures based on powers endowed by law.

Ye Guoqian, member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong SAR, said that considering Hong Kong's current situation, it is necessary to apply the Emergency Regulations Ordinance. The Chief Executive and Executive Council should issue a decree to stop the violence as soon as possible in line with the public interest. Ye said that the protests had continued for more than two months without any end in sight. If the violence continues, it will seriously affect the peace of Hong Kong.

Executive Editor: Ke Ye

Translation: Ke Ye, Wenjin Chen