CHINA will not simply sit back and watch if the months-long Hong Kong protests develop into an “uncontrollable” situation, said the country’s ambassador to Britain today.

“I think the Hong Kong government is trying very hard to put the situation under control,” Liu Xiaoming told a press conference in London, as fresh violence erupts after months of rallies.

“But if the situation becomes uncontrollable, the central government would certainly not sit on our hands and watch. We have enough resolution and power to end the unrest.”

His comments come after a brief and rare deployment of Chinese troops in Hong Kong over the weekend to clean up the streets.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has a barracks in an upper-class district of the financial hub.

Asked about a possible intervention, Liu said: “They are there to show Chinese sovereignty, and they are there for defence purposes.”

He also warned against “external interference” in Chinese affairs, singling out Britain and the US.

Britain, the former colonial power in Hong Kong, today said it is “seriously concerned” about the latest outbreak of violence.

Riot police have sought to dislodge several hundred pro-democracy protesters who occupied a university and set fire to its main entrance.

Cops, who have been attacked with arrows in recent days, used tear gas and fired live rounds.

“It is vital that those who are injured are able to receive appropriate medical treatment, and that safe passage is made available for all those who wish to leave the area,” said the Foreign Office.

It called for an end to the unrest, “and for all sides to engage in meaningful political dialogue ahead of the district council elections on Sunday”.

Liu accused protesters of trying to destabilise and paralyse Hong Kong to “seize power”.

“Hong Kong citizens live under a black terror created by violent extremism, with their life and property under severe threat.”

He warned that the city is “sliding into the abyss”, and if the violence continues, “the future will be unimaginably dreadful”.

“The once Oriental star is turning into the Oriental scar.” – AFP, November 18, 2019.