Chinese Government-controlled media has publicly congratulated pro-Beijing protesters who gathered in Melbourne on Friday, while the nation's ambassador to Australia has warned foreigners not to support pro-democracy activists.
An estimated 600 people from rival pro-Hong Kong democracy and pro-China groups took part in demonstrations outside the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne.
Several scuffles broke out, forcing police to separate the groups.
Footage of Friday night's protests quickly spread on Chinese state media, where reports were favourable of the pro-China protesters who they said surrounded the pro-democracy demonstrators.
"Melbourne's Chinese students and Chinese immigrants spontaneously came and hung the national flag, supported the motherland and surrounded the pro HK independence people," one report said.
- Quote :
- "In order to prevent the national flag from getting wet, the patriots held umbrellas for the national flag in the rain. There are Chinese flag guards everywhere. Good job!"
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-17/chinese-government-praises-anti-hong-kong-demonstrations/11424480?section=politics