Hong Kong (CNN) The commander of the Chinese military garrison in Hong Kong has addressed the city's ongoing protest movement for the first time, warning that violence by pro-democracy groups "should not be tolerated."

Speaking during a reception in the city to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), Maj. Gen. Chen Daoxiang said the garrison resolutely supported the Hong Kong government and its judiciary system "and for them to punish those violent criminals according to law."

His comments come a day after 44 people, including more than a dozen students, were charged with rioting after an unlawful protest Sunday spiraled into violence and brought parts of the city to a standstill. The youngest person charged is aged 16.

"Recently, there have been a series of violent incidents happening in Hong Kong," said Chen in front of an audience that included the city's Chief Executive, Carrie Lam.

"The incidents have seriously violated the bottom line of 'one country, two systems.' This should not be tolerated and we express our strong condemnation," said the PLA commander, referring to the framework under which the semi-autonomous city is governed.

Read More