BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- As recent protests and violence took place in Hong Kong, some violent protestors preached "Hong Kong independence," flagrantly offending national dignity, and severely challenging the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle.

The increasing violent acts of the anti-China rabble-rousers in the region have seriously infringed on the basic rights of the public, and dealt heavy blows to local industries such as aviation, retailing and tourism.

Some of the rioters blatantly attacked the police, and battered Hong Kong residents and travelers from the mainland, with complete disregard for the damage they have done to the region.

To implement the "one country, two systems" principle, there are three bottom lines that cannot be touched. There is no room for any activity that harms the security of national sovereignty, challenges the power of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or takes advantage of Hong Kong to infiltrate and damage the Chinese mainland.

If anyone dares to act against the three bottom lines, their political schemes will be met with nothing but complete failure, and they will be held liable accordingly, which is beyond any doubt.

The lawbreakers who blatantly challenge the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle must be held accountable legally, and those responsible for the orchestration, organization and manipulation of such acts must bear criminal liability.

All in all, if the anti-China rabble-rousers in Hong Kong continue down the wrong path, what awaits them will be the harshest legal punishment.