A National Emblem splashed with paint after a protest is seen outside the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong, on July 21, 2019.

China's defense ministry on Wednesday indicated that the People's Liberation Army could be deployed in Hong Kong as protests continue in the semi-autonomous city.

Ministry spokesman Wu Qian suggested such a deployment may occur if the Hong Kong government requests it, multiple news outlets reported.

For over two months, political tensions in Hong Kong have escalated over a proposed extradition bill that would allow those arrested in the territory to be sent to mainland China for trial. Hong Kong citizens are concerned that their civil rights are slowly eroding under Beijing's control.

Asked how China's Defense Ministry would handle a rise of calls for Hong Kong "independence," Wu pointed to "clear provisions" in Hong Kong's Garrison Law, section 3, article 14, the Financial Times reported, citing the spokesman's comments at a news briefing.

Wu said the "behavior of some radical demonstrators ... is absolutely intolerable" and did not elaborate beyond pointing to the legal passage, the Associated Press reported.

The article stipulates that the Hong Kong government may ask for assistance from Chinese military troops stationed in the city "in the maintenance of public order."