China says it will 'not tolerate foreign forces' in Hong Kong

China on Tuesday slammed the US and Britain for interfering in Hong Kong affairs after the two countries voiced concerns about a vicious assault on pro-democracy protesters.

The savage beating of the Hong Kong protesters by a mob of suspected gangsters on Sunday has deepened fears about the use of shadowy hired muscle to defend China's interests.

At least 45 people were hospitalised after Sunday's attack, causing fear and outrage in the Asian financial hub.

The incident has also drawn criticism from both the UK and the US, who have expressed concerns over eroding freedoms in the city.

But Beijing has reacted angrily to other governments and foreign officials expressing solidarity with Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

"China will not tolerate any foreign forces intervening in Hong Kong affairs, nor will it allow any foreign forces to disrupt Hong Kong," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular briefing.

"We advise the United States to take back their black hands in Hong Kong as early as possible."
"It is a problem of extreme illegal violence. It not only directly impacts the legal foundation of Hong Kong... but also seriously challenges the bottom line of the 'One country, Two systems' policy."