The violent protests in Hong Kong are, in essence, a continuation of pressure on China exerted by certain Western countries, Grigory Trofimchuk, a Russian expert in the field of foreign policy, defense and security, said in a recent interview with People's Daily Online.

Trofimchuk believes that the riots taking place in Hong Kong began with protectionism provoked by the United States a few years ago. In his opinion, the purpose of certain western countries to support Hong Kong violence is to test China's reaction and provoke the Chinese government into making a harsh response.

However, the Chinese government has responded to the riots appropriately within the framework of the law, curbing the momentum of destructive provocation.

The violent behavior of the rioters, including attacking police stations and police officers on August 24, is proof that the agenda of those who wanted to destabilize Hong Kong will not succeed, Trofimchuk said.

Because of this, radical forces chose to escalate the violence by attacking reporters to garner more extensive attention from international media, he added.

The Chinese government allows people in Hong Kong to express their opinions under the framework of the law. As the rioters have caused chaos in Hong Kong and undermined the city's stability, the police must take action to end violence.

The Hong Kong violence wouldn't happen without the support of Western countries, Trofimchuk said. Such large-scale actions are inseparable from careful organization, unified requirements and long-term financial support.