A senior official in the administration of US President Donald Trump on Monday urged "all sides" to avoid violence in Hong Kong, while calling for political tolerance.
"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 on condition of anonymity.
Trump has so far been muted on the growing unrest in Hong Kong, saying it is an internal affair for China, while acknowledging that the protesters "are looking for democracy."