Hong Kong protests: China's premier backs government to end 'chaos'

Ms Merkel calls for dialogue while Mr Li says China can handle its own matters

China's Premier Li Keqiang has said Beijing supports the Hong Kong government "to end the violence and chaos".

He is the most senior Chinese official to comment on the unrest which has rocked Hong Kong for months.

His comments came during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing.

Hong Kong has seen months of often-violent protests calling for democracy and less influence from China.

The protests were sparked by changes to a law that would allow extradition to mainland China, but have since widened to include calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality and demands for greater democracy.

Hong Kong activists hope for Western support

On Wednesday, embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam withdrew the controversial extradition bill but that has failed to appease the activists.

Instead, protests continued on Friday evening, when clashes erupted between police and the demonstrators outside a subway station on the Kowloon peninsula.

Riot police fired both tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters before clearing the nearby streets as the crowd of protesters was forced to retreat.

What did the Chinese premier say?

In August, China had likened to protests to terrorism, warning activists not to "underestimate the firm resolve" of the Beijing government.

Li Keqiang, China's second highest-ranking leader, told reporters on Friday: "The Chinese government unswervingly safeguards 'one country, two systems' and 'Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong people'."

He said China backed Hong Kong "to end the violence and chaos in accordance with the law, to return to order, which is to safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability".

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He said the world "needs to believe that the Chinese people have the ability and wisdom to handle their own matters well".

Merkel calls for dialogue

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a peaceful solution was needed for Hong Kong, urging that "in the current situation, violence must be prevented".

She said there were signs Ms Lam would invite the necessary dialogue.

"I hope that materialises and that demonstrators have the chance to participate within the frame of citizens' rights."

She also stressed that the "rights and freedoms" for the people of Hong Kong "have to be granted".

A guide to the Hong Kong protests

• Summary of the protests in 100 and 500 words

• All the context you need on the protests

• Timeline of events so far

• The background to the protests in video

• More on Hong Kong's history

• Profile of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam