HONG KONG, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- A principal official of the Commissioner's Office of China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong expressed firm support on Friday for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government's announcement of enacting the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation, saying it is completely legitimate and reasonable, and conforms with the common practices in many other regions and countries in the world.

The principal official, in a press release, said that the violent extremists in Hong Kong have ramped up illegal violence recently.

On Oct. 1, in particular, said the principal official, when the Chinese people were celebrating the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, masked rioters went on rampage, committed vandalism and arson, cornered and assaulted the police and common people, and openly defaced and burned the national flag.

"Such acts have gravely undermined the rule of law in Hong Kong and tested the red line of the 'One Country, two Systems' principle. We firmly support the SAR government in taking all necessary measures and strictly punishing the violent offenders in accordance with law," said the principal official.

The principal official urged again foreign forces to stop meddling with Hong Kong affairs, and called on the international community to support the just efforts of the SAR government to stop violence, end chaos and restore order.