Since June 9, the Hong Kong Police Force has been under tremendous pressure to safeguard the rule of law in a violence-torn city. Officers have shown their professionalism time and again, proving they are worthy of the title “Asia’s finest.”

The police bore the brunt of the chaos and unrest the whole city has endured, with officers provoked, attacked and even injured after violent demonstrators mounted attacks across the city. They exercised great restraint when challenged by the radical demonstrators, and continued performing their duties.

Two months into the protests, which have led to social divisions and disrupted people’s day-to-day lives, China Daily recaps some of the heart-wrenching scenes where officers defended law and order with sweat and blood.