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(AP) — Smooth jazz star Kenny G stopped in at Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests on Wednesday but his visit was out of tune with Chinese authorities, who have warned about meddling by foreign forces.
The American musician tweeted about his visit to the semiautonomous southern Chinese city, where thousands of student-led protesters have occupied streets for more than three weeks to press their demands for greater democratic reforms.
“In Hong Kong at the sight of the demonstration. I wish everyone a peaceful and positive conclusion to this situation,” he wrote.
Photos had circulated earlier on social media of the star by himself and with protesters at the main protest zone.
The American musician’s laidback sax tunes are wildly popular in China. In September he completed a four-concert tour of the country.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, when asked about the appearance, paused and then noted Kenny G’s popularity and then warned foreigners not to get involved.
“I think Kenny G’s music is popular in China, though regarding the illegal protest in Hong Kong, the Chinese government has a clear position. We think that is an illegal campaign,” Hua said.
“We support the government of Hong Kong to handle it in accordance with the law to maintain stability in Hong Kong. Thus we hope all foreign countries and individuals could be discreet in words and deeds and not support the illegal protest in any forms.”
Beijing has warned repeatedly that unspecified foreign forces are influencing the protesters in Hong Kong, without spelling out who exactly is involved. Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed leader, Leung Chun-ying, has also recently taken up the claims.
