A Chinese state newspaper on Tuesday said that "zero-tolerance" is the only appropriate response after protesters in Hong Kong stormed the legislature as part of mass demonstrations against an extradition bill.

"Out of blind arrogance and rage, protestors showed a complete disregard for law and order," the Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, said in an editorial, according to Reuters.

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

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Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Hong Kong in the last few weeks in opposition to a bill that would allow criminal suspects to be extradited to China.

They worry that the change would broaden China's control over Hong Kong. When the city was transferred to Chinese rule from the United Kingdom in 1997, a guarantee was made that it would have a legal system independent of Beijing.

Some activists also stormed the Legislative Council, breaking a floor-to-ceiling window with a cargo cart and large poles, though the actions were also condemned by other protesters.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam suspended the controversial bill last month, but that has not been enough to quell protests.

Protesters are demanding the bill be formally withdrawn and that Lam resign.

In a separate editorial, state-run China Daily argued that the extradition bill maintains the "one country, two systems" rule.

"The only way for the Special Administrative Region to sustain economic growth and maintain stability is for it to further integrate its own development into the nation's overall development," the newspaper said, according to Reuters.