China FM issues warning over 'illegal' protests in Hong Kong

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a stern warning against any "illegal" protests in Hong Kong.

Currently on a visit to Washington, Wang also warned that the matter was an "internal affair" for China.

His U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry, also urged Hong Kong to exercise restraint in dealing with the protests.

According to the BBC, Wang's warning comes in the wake of student demonstrators expressing their anger over China's decision to vet candidates for 2017 elections, and their reported warning to step up protests if Hong Kong's Chief Executive C Y Leung did not quit.

Students said that the protesters would start occupying government buildings if Leung did not resign by Thursday.

Overnight, protesters massed outside Leung's office in a stand-off with some 200 police.

Wang said all countries should respect China's sovereignty, and added that no country or society would allow illegal acts that violate public order.

he maintained that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government had the capability to handle the current situation in accordance with the law properly.