Developers speak up against violence

Property developers, who have a major stake in a stable and prosperous Hong Kong, spoke up against violent protests that have rocked the foundation of the economy and society for two months.

In a joint statement on Thursday, 16 property developers, including the key players controled by the family interests of two of Hong Kong’s richest men, Li Ka-shing and Lee Shau-kee, condemned the citywide violence committed by radical protesters that disrupted people’s daily lives and brought hardship to many businesses.

Among the signatories of the statement are CK Asset Holdings, New World Development, Sun Hung Kai Properties, and Henderson Land Development

Among the signatories of the statement are CK Asset Holdings, New World Development, Sun Hung Kai Properties, and Henderson Land Development.

Also on Thursday, several local business associations condemned the violent protests.

In a joint statement, they noted that the increasingly intense violence of the protesters has blatantly challenged the nation’s sovereignty and the bottom line of the “one country two systems” principle by which Hong Kong is governed.

Stressing the threat to Hong Kong’s business environment and public safety, the group called on different sectors of the community to pull together and firmly reject violence for the benefits of Hong Kong and its people.

The statement reiterated the signatories’ unswerving support for the Hong Kong government and police in restoring law and order. “Any lawless act has severely deviated from Hong Kong’s core values. We called for a safe, harmonious and stable environment for society and business.”

The Commercial and Industrial Committee and Professional Affairs Committee of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s largest political party in the legislature, note in its statement that the recent violence has severely undermined the city’s economic development, which is in its worst situation in years.

The committees urged the SAR government to hold the lawbreakers accountable for their illegal and violent acts.

Since mid-June, anti-extradition bill protests have escalated into violence, bringing about serious disruptions to many public services. At least 22 countries and regions have issued travel warnings against Hong Kong.