Ireland has become the first country to issue a travel warning for Hong Kong. Following the violent clashes in Yuen Long, more countries including Japan, South Korea and Canada are advising their citizens to be wary. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the warning yesterday and urged its citizens to be cautious if they are traveling to the city.
It said, “Irish citizens and members of the public are strongly advised to avoid areas where protests and unplanned public gatherings are taking place and to follow the advice of the local authorities”.
Canada has suggested travellers to monitor the local media for information on upcoming demonstrations, which could take place on short notice and cause disruptions to public transport.
Australia has warned of the confrontations and attacks targeting commuters in the New Territories on its consulate’s Facebook page.
Earlier, the consulate-general of Japan in Hong Kong issued a reminder to all Japanese to avoid going to Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan and Ma On Shan, where indiscriminate attacks may take place.
The British government updated its advice to warn travellers and those working in Hong Kong to remain vigilant and leave the city if there are signs of disorder. It warned that although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Hong Kong, attacks can’t be ruled out.
China hinted on Wednesday that it was prepared to use military force in the territory if necessary to retain Beijing’s control.
Wu Qian, chief spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, Senior Col. said that the behaviour of some radical protesters challenges the central government’s authority, touching on the bottom line principle of ‘one country, two systems’. That absolutely won’t be tolerated.
There were protests on Sunday outside the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, which protesters splattered with paint and defaced with graffiti.
Over the last seven weeks, demonstrators have planned rallies across the territory be it parks, main roads, airport and outside government offices. They want the withdrawal of an extradition bill and are making other political demands. This demonstration has spilled over to a quiet residential area Yuen Long.
Several armed men in white T-shirts chased, punched and lashed passengers in the mass transit station.
Tags: demonstrations, hong kong, Ireland, Travel warning, Yuen Long
