Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley Nimrata (Nikki) Haley'The soul' versus 'law and order' Author Ryan Girdusky: RNC worked best when highlighting 'regular people' as opposed to 'standard Republicans' GOP lobbyists pleasantly surprised by Republican convention MORE on Tuesday warned that Beijing's response to protests in Hong Kong presents a threat to the whole world.

"The threats of China are on full display as the people of Hong Kong are fighting for their freedoms," Haley, who served as South Carolina's governor from 2011 to 2017, tweeted.

"This is the level of control China wants to have not only over its people but around the world. #FightingForFreedom."

The threats of China are on full display as the people of Hong Kong are fighting for their freedoms. This is the level of control China wants to have not only over its people but around the world. #FightingForFreedom https://t.co/KqJmflg58h — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 13, 2019

The region has been wracked by protests for months initially over a proposed bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to China. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam suspended the bill, but that has failed to stem the protests, with many locals expressing fear it could be revived and expand China's control over the city.

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The city was guaranteed a legal system independent of Beijing when it was transferred from British rule under a "one country, two systems" order. Pro-democracy activists worry that arrangement could be threatened.

Tensions between demonstrators and Hong Kong officials flared over the weekend when protesters filled Hong Kong's airport.

Police responded to the situation with force, reportedly injuring one woman with a rubber bullet, actions which intensified the protests and led the airport to be shut for two days.

While in her role as U.N. ambassador, Haley frequently chastised China for alleged human rights violations and was critical of the country's expanding regional influence.