The Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed the central government's support to Hong Kong police in protecting the safety of its citizens and maintain social order.

What happened in Hong Kong is no longer a simple and peaceful protest, Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily press briefing.

"It is a handful of violent radicals exacting violence against ordinary civilians, disturbing society and endangering public order," he said.

No one should underestimate China's will and determination to safeguard its sovereignty as well as Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, he added.

He reiterated the central government firmly supports the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in leading the governance team to administer the city by rule of law, supports the Hong Kong police in strictly enforcing the law and the judiciary to punish violent criminals in accordance with the law.