Jackie Chan ‘Worried’ Pro-Democracy Protests Harm Hong Kong’s Finances

Jackie Chan, Hong Kong’s famous action hero, has weighed in on the side of Beijing over the ongoing pro-democracy protests in the world financial hub.

Chan, writing on the China’s Twitter-like microblogging service Weibo on Thursday, said he is “worried” about damage to Hong Kong’s financial markets during the occupation of key commercial districts, calling for a “return to rationality,” Channel News Asia reports.

Chan’s pro-Beijing comments — his first on the Hong Kong protests — were widely expected, as the actor, well known for scaling buildings on film, has become perhaps just as notorious locally for professing fealty to China’s ruling Communist Party.

“I found out through the news that Hong Kong’s economic losses reached HK$350 billion [$45 billion] and I’m really worried,” Chan wrote.

“I believe every Hong Kong resident loves Hong Kong and wishes it well! Hong Kong’s bright tomorrow requires everyone’s support and hard work,” added the 60-year-old.

“In the song ‘Country,’ one line goes: ‘There is no prosperous home without a strong country.’ I am willing to work hard with everyone and return to rationality, to face the future, love our country, love our Hong Kong.”

Chan has been no friend to Hong Kong’s democracy movement in the past. In a 2012 interview with a Chinese newspaper, he expressed woes that Hong Kong had become a “city of protest,” referring to an annual pro-democracy rally on July 1, plus numerous demonstrations throughout the year on myriad social issues.

“People scold China, they scold leaders, or anything else they like,” said Chan. “They protest against everything.

“There should be rules to determine what people can protest about and on what issues they can’t protest about.”