China will not sit back if Hong Kong situation gets 'uncontrollable': UK envoy

China will not simply sit back and watch if months of protests in Hong Kong develop into an "uncontrollable" situation, the country's ambassador to Britain said Monday.

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

"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."
Asked about a possible intervention, the envoy said: "They are there to show Chinese sovereignty and they are there for defence purposes."