Business organizations denounce HK violence

Business organizations in Hong Kong joined the chorus of voices denouncing Tuesday's violence, and called for an end to the months-long social unrest as soon as possible.

Hong Kong has again been shaken by radical protesters' extreme actions — the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest — on Oct 1.

"As violence continues with each passing week, the more damage is done to our society, our peaceful way of life and the future of all people of the Hong Kong," Jonathan Choi Koon-shum, chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said in a statement released on Tuesday night.

"Extremists' chilling disregard for the rule of law is not only affecting Hong Kong's reputation as an international financial and business center, but also crippling many small businesses and threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens," the statement read.

Choi urged every Hong Kong citizen to "exercise restraint, take a moment to stop and consider what is best for the future of our community, say no to violence and start a peaceful dialogue".

Such remarks echoed the statement issued by the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' & Exporters' Association, which condemned rioters for their out-of-line actions and pledged unswerving support to the police to stop violence and curb disorder.

The waves of escalating violent acts in Hong Kong have already gone beyond the bottom line of a civilized society and the rule of law, posing a serious threat to the safety of members of the public and severely undermining the city's long-cherished international reputation and business environment, the HKCIEA warned in the statement.