Rioters vandalizing the Xinhua News Agency's Asia-Pacific Bureau office in Hong Kong is a gross trampling on the freedom of the press and also a serious provocation to democracy and the rule of law, the All-China Journalists Association said in a statement on Sunday.

As Hong Kong entered its 22nd week of violent protests, rioters destroyed the office building's security facilities, spray-painted insulting messages on the outer walls and smashed the front gate and some of its windows. They also threw firebombs into the building's lobby.

"We paid close attention to the incident and expressed great indignation and strong condemnation to the vicious acts of the rioters. We also expressed sincere solicitude to the journalists who stick to their jobs for the stability and development of Hong Kong," the association said in the statement.

Xinhua News Agency is the State news agency, and its Asia-Pacific Bureau is its news agency set up in Hong Kong. They should be protected by law as they undertake important reporting responsibilities. The rioters wantonly set fire to the bureau's office building, smashed facilities and disrupted work, it said.

"It is not only a gross violation of the freedom of the press, but also a serious provocation to democracy and the rule of law and a vicious breach of public order in Hong Kong, which should be condemned by morality and punished by law," the association said.

The association said it will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of news organizations and journalists and urged the city to punish the illegal acts in accordance with the law to create a fair, just, free and democratic environment for the press.

It called on Hong Kong to work together to stop violence, curb chaos, restore order and jointly create a social environment for people to live and work in peace and contentment.