China warned protesters in Hong Kong they would soon be punished for “criminal acts,” refusing to rule out military force to restore order as near-daily demonstrations have plunged the city into chaos.

Demonstrators are causing “Hong Kong to slide into a dangerous abyss,” said Yang Guang, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, which reports directly to China’s cabinet. “As for their punishment, it’s only a matter of time.”

The Chinese government will never allow any acts that challenge national unity, sovereignty or security, he said, sternly reminding residents that the People’s Liberation Army was a “strong and reliable force that defends every inch of its territory.”

In a jab at protesters, Mr Yang referred to their main slogan, “Reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” by reminding them Hong Kong was a part of China, saying, “I want to ask those people shouting this, ‘what of Hong Kong do you want to reclaim? Where exactly do you want to reclaim Hong Kong to?”

Beijing also reiterated its support for Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and condemned activists several times for desecrating the Chinese flag by throwing it into the ocean twice in as many days.