Anti-extradition bill protesters rest during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye, at Hong Kong International Airport, China August 12, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is continuing to monitor developments in Hong Kong and urges all sides to refrain from violence, a Trump administration official said on Monday after anti-government protesters and police toughened their stances amid weekend skirmishes.

“Societies are best served when diverse political views are respected and can be freely and peacefully expressed. The United States urges all sides to refrain from violence,” the official said.