HONG KONG — Hong Kong police on Tuesday arrested a person who allegedly spray-painted graffiti on the wall and gate of the U.S. Consulate, in accordance with media reviews and the police.

Photos from the South China Morning Post and different native media confirmed the English phrase “hegemony” and the Chinese phrases for “double standards” painted in white on the gate and a close-by wall.

The protest in paint got here amid a deterioration in US-China relations because the nations conflict over commerce points and tensions over Taiwan, a self-governed island that China claims is a part of its territory.

Police mentioned the consulate reported an act of vandalism at 5.22 a.m. Officers arrested a 47-year-old man from mainland China and surnamed Wen on suspicion of felony injury.

Offenders discovered responsible of destroying or damaging property face a most penalty of 10 years in jail.

“The United States champions freedom of expression,” the U.S State Department mentioned in a press release. “While we do not support the destruction of property, we believe that every person has the right to express their views peacefully – including those with which we do not agree.”

PHOTOS: Chinese man arrested over graffiti at US Consulate in Hong Kong, police say

The State Department mentioned that the United States remained “seriously concerned about the continued erosion of protections for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, and peaceful assembly.”

The graffiti was eliminated by late Tuesday morning.

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