The office said it would firmly support the Hong Kong government's prosecution of those behind the "atrocities."

The Global Times, a mouthpiece publication for Beijing, published commentary criticizing the "mob-like behavior" that it said no Western government would allow.

In the West, police enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward vandalism and the destruction of government property. This recent round of rioting will forever be a stain upon Hong Kong's image as a reliable hub for international finance and commerce.

As a media organization headquartered in Chinese mainland, we were dismayed and shocked beyond belief while watching the legislature building under siege. We were also very concerned about the safety and well-being of the Hong Kong community.  

In light of the autonomy already in place, law and order are the internal matters of Hong Kong and meant to be handled by the local government. However, with a general and common sense understanding of how justice functions,

"Chinese society is all too aware that a zero-tolerance policy is the only remedy for such destructive behavior," the Global Times said. "Otherwise, and without this policy, it would be similar to opening a Pandora's Box, upending social disorder."

The assault on the Legislative Council building Monday came as hundreds of thousands gathered for the latest in a series of protests of a contentious proposal that would allow extradition of Hong Kong residents to China.

We believe that neither Hong Kong nor the Chinese mainland will allow this type of mob culture to flourish. Problems and disputes are to be resolved through constitutional devices currently in place and readily available to all members of society. Using violence to hijack a society like Hong Kong's is the greatest evil of the modern era.

[...]
Joshua Wong, a leader of the pro-democracy movement, said the protests will continue. He defended the behavior of those who smashed their way into the council chamber, saying they destroyed "signs of tyranny" but preserved antiques and even paid for "cans of drinks even though no officers" were present.