Chinese Premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-new-crackdown-on-chemical-safety-261981">Li Keqiang</a> met with Hong Kong leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-heads-for-beijing-as-pressure-mounts-at-home-268246">Carrie Lam</a> in Beijing on Monday, saying the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-cabinet-reshuffle-not-an-immediate-task-carrie-lam-267429">Asian financial hub</a> was not yet out of the "dilemma" facing the city's economy after months of sometimes violent protests.

Li met with Lam during a regular duty visit where she is also due to hold a potentially pivotal meeting with President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tightens-the-screws-after-leaks-on-state-sponsored-atrocities-in-xinjiang-268348"> Xi Jinping</a>.

The meetings come after Hong Kong police fired tear gas in late-night street clashes with anti-government protesters on Sunday as the former British colony's worst political crisis in decades drags on into a seventh month.

"The SAR (special administrative region) government must continue its efforts, end violence and stop the chaos in accordance with the law and restore order," Li said in his meeting with Lam, the opening remarks of which were broadcast by Cable TV.

Lam's visit comes amid speculation in local media that talks with Xi could yield fresh directives on the city's political crisis, including a possible cabinet reshuffle.

The two had previously met in Shanghai in early November when Xi expressed "high trust" in Lam despite the turmoil.

Lam, however, appeared to play down the prospects of a cabinet reshuffle before she left, saying the first task was to curb violence and restore order while seeking to engage in more dialogue with the public.

Late on Sunday, groups of masked youths angered by what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 blocked roads around Mong Kok district, prompting police to fire multiple rounds of tear gas and baton charge crowds.

It was the first time in nearly two weeks that tear gas had been deployed by police.

Fires were lit and traffic lights smashed, while one student reporter for Baptist University was hit in the face by a police projectile and had to be hospitalised, local television footage showed.

Small bands of protesters marched through several malls, blocking entrances, smashing glass, and chanting slogans including "fight for freedom".

Despite the protesters' demands and anti-China rhetoric, China maintains it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong a large degree of autonomy and freedoms denied other cities in the mainland.

The city, home to around 7 million people, entered its first recession in a decade in the third quarter with tourism and retail particularly affected by the sometimes violent protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-in-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242407">Hong Kong International Airport</a> reported its biggest fall in passenger numbers in more than a decade in November, official data released on Sunday showed.

Lam's administration has pledged HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion) in stimulus but analysts say it is unlikely to have a major impact as long as the unrest continues.

Some 7,000 licensed retail establishments out of 64,000 say they will be forced to close down in the next six months, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association said earlier this month.

While the number of protests has lessened in recent weeks from demonstrations nearly every day, the movement still enjoys broad backing, with families with children and retirees still coming out in support.

Protesters have called on the government to address their demands which include an independent inquiry into police behavior and the implementation of universal suffrage.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in Beijing on Monday, saying the Asian financial hub was not yet out of the "dilemma" facing the city's economy after months of sometimes violent protests.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in Beijing on Monday, saying the Asian financial hub was not yet out of the "dilemma" facing the city's economy after months of sometimes violent protests. Li met with Lam during a regular duty visit where she is also due to hold a potentially pivotal meeting with President Xi Jinping. The meetings come after Hong Kong police fired tear gas in late-night street clashes with anti-government protesters on Sunday as the former British colony's worst political crisis in decades drags on into a seventh month. "The SAR (special administrative region) government must continue its efforts, end violence and stop the chaos in accordance with the law and restore order," Li said in his meeting with Lam, the opening remarks of which were broadcast by Cable TV. Lam's visit comes amid speculation in local media that talks with Xi could yield fresh directives on the city's political crisis, including a possible cabinet reshuffle. The two had previously met in Shanghai in early November when Xi expressed "high trust" in Lam despite the turmoil. Lam, however, appeared to play down the prospects of a cabinet reshuffle before she left, saying the first task was to curb violence and restore order while seeking to engage in more dialogue with the public. Late on Sunday, groups of masked youths angered by what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 blocked roads around Mong Kok district, prompting police to fire multiple rounds of tear gas and baton charge crowds. It was the first time in nearly two weeks that tear gas had been deployed by police. Fires were lit and traffic lights smashed, while one student reporter for Baptist University was hit in the face by a police projectile and had to be hospitalised, local television footage showed. Small bands of protesters marched through several malls, blocking entrances, smashing glass, and chanting slogans including "fight for freedom". Despite the protesters' demands and anti-China rhetoric, China maintains it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong a large degree of autonomy and freedoms denied other cities in the mainland. The city, home to around 7 million people, entered its first recession in a decade in the third quarter with tourism and retail particularly affected by the sometimes violent protests. Hong Kong International Airport reported its biggest fall in passenger numbers in more than a decade in November, official data released on Sunday showed. Lam's administration has pledged HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion) in stimulus but analysts say it is unlikely to have a major impact as long as the unrest continues. Some 7,000 licensed retail establishments out of 64,000 say they will be forced to close down in the next six months, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association said earlier this month. While the number of protests has lessened in recent weeks from demonstrations nearly every day, the movement still enjoys broad backing, with families with children and retirees still coming out in support. Protesters have called on the government to address their demands which include an independent inquiry into police behavior and the implementation of universal suffrage.

Chinese premier says Hong Kong not yet out of protest 'dilemma'

Watch in WION Dispatch: First China visit of HK's Carrie Lam since poll setback. Watch this video as Laurel Chor, a Journalist from Hong Kong tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: First China visit of HK's Carrie Lam since poll setback

China vows unwavering support to Hong Kong's Carrie Lam. She visited China and this was her first visit to China since Pro-democracy camps landslide win. #CarrieLam #HongKong #China

China vows unwavering support to Hong Kong's Carrie Lam

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam left for Beijing on Saturday for her first visit to the Chinese capital amid speculation about changes in her leadership team following a crushing defeat in local elections last month.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam left for Beijing on Saturday for her first visit to the Chinese capital amid speculation about changes in her leadership team following a crushing defeat in local elections last month. Lam is expected to hold discussions about the political and economic situation in the China-ruled city with Beijing officials during a four-day visit. She will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, a Reuters report said quoting local media. Hong Kong has been mired in daily and often violent protests for the last six months following demonstrations against a now-withdrawn extradition bill broadened into demands for greater democratic freedom. Hundreds of thousands of people marched last Sunday to protest against what is seen as Beijing undermining freedoms guaranteed when the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997, a Reuters report said. Many young protesters are also angry at Lam's government, charging it with failing to address social inequality issues in one of the world's most expensive cities. This week Lam said a cabinet reshuffle was not an "immediate task" and she would focus her efforts on restoring law and order to Hong Kong. Still there are doubts about how long Beijing is willing to back her. Especially after pro-democracy candidates won nearly 90% of the seats in district elections last month. China has condemned the unrest and blamed foreign interference. It denies that it is meddling in Hong Kong's affairs. In an editorial this week, the official China Daily newspaper called on Hong Kong's government to uphold the rule of law. (With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam heads for Beijing as pressure mounts at home

A reshuffle of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's cabinet is not an "immediate task", the city's Beijing-backed leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-carrie-lam-thanks-residents-for-orderly-voting-after-district-elections-264504">Carrie Lam</a> said on Tuesday, as she prepared to visit the Chinese capital for the first time since her government's humiliation at local polls last month.

On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peaceful-hong-kong-march-marred-by-fire-outside-court-police-say-267157">pro-democracy protesters</a> participated in the largest mass rally since their candidates scored a landslide victory in the district elections, raising further doubts over how long Beijing is prepared to back Lam.

Declaring her priority was to restore law and order after more than six months of often violent protests, Lam said at a weekly media address that she would depart on Saturday for a regular visit to Beijing, where she would brief officials on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's biggest political crisis in decades.

With pressure mounting on her government, the Apple Daily newspaper, owned by pro-democracy publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, reported China was considering a&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;cabinet reshuffle by the end of the year. Since the protests began until now, Lam has avoided mention of the prospects of changes to her team.

"My first priority now is really to restore law and order in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and to ensure that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;could continue to move ahead, both economically and socially," Lam said during her weekly media address.

"This is not an immediate task that I would accord a lot of attention to," she said, when asked about a potential reshuffle.

Pro-democracy protests have rocked the Asian financial hub and former British colony almost daily for months.

Sparked by a now-withdrawn bill allowing extradition to China, the protests have widened into calls for greater democratic freedoms and have have posed the starkest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

China has condemned the unrest and blamed foreign interference. In an editorial on Monday, the China Daily newspaper, which often reflects the views of Beijing, called on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's government to uphold the rule of law.

The protests are also taking an economic toll, pushing&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;into recession and hitting the tourism and retail industries particularly hard.

Nearly 11% of licensed retailers in the semi-autonomous southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-await-beijing-olive-branch-after-rare-calm-267355">Chinese territory</a> say they will have to close in the next six months, the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Retail Management Association said on Monday.

Lam said she took comfort from the relatively peaceful protest on Sunday, although she condemned an arson attack on the city's courts.

While the rally - which organisers said drew 800,000 people, while police estimated 183,000 - was largely peaceful, some protesters lit a fire outside court buildings and threw petrol bombs at government buildings.

Such a large and peaceful demonstration by people from all walks of life piles pressure on Lam and Beijing which have said the protests are stoked by radicals and rioters.

Activists plan another rally on Tuesday evening near the heart of the financial centre to mark International Human rights Day.

Police said late on Monday bomb disposal officers had defused two home-made devices on the grounds of a school in the district of Wan Chai. It was not immediately clear if the devices were linked to the protests.

More than 6,000 people have been arrested since the demonstrations escalated in June - nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;students - while police have fired around 16,000 rounds of teargas and about 10,000 rubber bullets.

A reshuffle of Hong Kong's cabinet is not an "immediate task", the city's Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday, as she prepared to visit the Chinese capital for the first time since her government's humiliation at local polls last month.

A reshuffle of Hong Kong's cabinet is not an "immediate task", the city's Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday, as she prepared to visit the Chinese capital for the first time since her government's humiliation at local polls last month. On Sunday, pro-democracy protesters participated in the largest mass rally since their candidates scored a landslide victory in the district elections, raising further doubts over how long Beijing is prepared to back Lam. Declaring her priority was to restore law and order after more than six months of often violent protests, Lam said at a weekly media address that she would depart on Saturday for a regular visit to Beijing, where she would brief officials on Hong Kong's biggest political crisis in decades. With pressure mounting on her government, the Apple Daily newspaper, owned by pro-democracy publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, reported China was considering a Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle by the end of the year. Since the protests began until now, Lam has avoided mention of the prospects of changes to her team. "My first priority now is really to restore law and order in Hong Kong and to ensure that Hong Kong could continue to move ahead, both economically and socially," Lam said during her weekly media address. "This is not an immediate task that I would accord a lot of attention to," she said, when asked about a potential reshuffle. Pro-democracy protests have rocked the Asian financial hub and former British colony almost daily for months. Sparked by a now-withdrawn bill allowing extradition to China, the protests have widened into calls for greater democratic freedoms and have have posed the starkest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. China has condemned the unrest and blamed foreign interference. In an editorial on Monday, the China Daily newspaper, which often reflects the views of Beijing, called on Hong Kong's government to uphold the rule of law. The protests are also taking an economic toll, pushing Hong Kong into recession and hitting the tourism and retail industries particularly hard. Nearly 11% of licensed retailers in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese territory say they will have to close in the next six months, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association said on Monday. Lam said she took comfort from the relatively peaceful protest on Sunday, although she condemned an arson attack on the city's courts. While the rally - which organisers said drew 800,000 people, while police estimated 183,000 - was largely peaceful, some protesters lit a fire outside court buildings and threw petrol bombs at government buildings. Such a large and peaceful demonstration by people from all walks of life piles pressure on Lam and Beijing which have said the protests are stoked by radicals and rioters. Activists plan another rally on Tuesday evening near the heart of the financial centre to mark International Human rights Day. Police said late on Monday bomb disposal officers had defused two home-made devices on the grounds of a school in the district of Wan Chai. It was not immediately clear if the devices were linked to the protests. More than 6,000 people have been arrested since the demonstrations escalated in June - nearly 40 per cent students - while police have fired around 16,000 rounds of teargas and about 10,000 rubber bullets.

Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle not an 'immediate task': Carrie Lam

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-gears-up-for-mass-rally-as-government-appeals-for-calm-266882">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;protesters</a> set fire outside court buildings, threw petrol bombs and spray-painted graffiti on government buildings, marring what was otherwise a "generally peaceful" march over the weekend, police said on Monday.

The comments came as protesters called for strikes across the city on Monday. Most railway and transport links ran smoothly during the morning rush hour and there were no initial reports of widespread disruptions.

Vast crowds of black-clad demonstrators thronged the streets of the Asian financial hub on Sunday, in the largest anti-government rally since local elections last month and a resounding show of continued support for the pro-democracy movement.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Protests Resume in Hong Kong-&nbsp;Protesters form a human chain of 2 Kilometres

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While the march appeared to be largely peaceful - in marked contrast to other mass demonstrations over the last six months, where protesters fought pitched battles with police - authorities said there was some damage after it ended.

"Although the event was generally peaceful, acts of breaching public peace happened afterwards," police said in a statement on Monday.

"Some rioters spray-painted the exterior walls of the High Court, threw petrol bombs and set fire outside the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal, damaging government properties and seriously challenging the spirit of the rule of law," police said, adding that shops and banks were vandalised in the Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas.

Protesters estimated the turnout at 800,000, while police said 183,000. In an editorial, the official China Daily newspaper called on the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government to uphold the rule of law.

"Many residents in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;are fed up with the violence and disruption that have plagued the city for months," said the newspaper, often used by Beijing to put out its message.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's new police commissioner had said he would take a "hard and soft approach" to the demonstrations, where acts of violence would be treated harshly but other issues more flexibly.

Two leaders of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;were denied entry over the weekend to the neighbouring Chinese city of Macau, without explanation.

Macau's security chief, Wong Sio Chak, on Monday said security concerns were the only reason for barring entry into the city, broadcaster RTHK reported.

AmCham Chairman Robert Grieves and President Tara Joseph had been traveling to Macau for an annual ball. The pair were told to sign a statement saying they "voluntarily agreed not to pursue entry to Macau".

Wong declined to comment specifically on their cases and said it was speculation that their refusal was linked to Beijing's response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-house-passes-hong-kong-democracy-act-256310">US&nbsp;legislation</a> backing pro-democracy protesters in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, RTHK said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump last month signed into law the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Human Rights and Democracy Act, linking the former British colony's special treatment under US&nbsp;law to its autonomy from Beijing.

The unrest in the city of about 7.4 million people started in June as demonstrations against a now-withdrawn bill allowing extradition to mainland China. It has since morphed into calls for greater democratic freedoms and sometimes violent protests.

Protesters have set out five demands, including universal suffrage and an investigation into alleged police brutality.

China has repeatedly blamed foreign powers, including the United States, for stirring up the unrest.

Hong Kong protesters set fire outside court buildings, threw petrol bombs and spray-painted graffiti on government buildings, marring what was otherwise a "generally peaceful" march over the weekend, police said on Monday.

Hong Kong protesters set fire outside court buildings, threw petrol bombs and spray-painted graffiti on government buildings, marring what was otherwise a "generally peaceful" march over the weekend, police said on Monday. The comments came as protesters called for strikes across the city on Monday. Most railway and transport links ran smoothly during the morning rush hour and there were no initial reports of widespread disruptions. Vast crowds of black-clad demonstrators thronged the streets of the Asian financial hub on Sunday, in the largest anti-government rally since local elections last month and a resounding show of continued support for the pro-democracy movement. Also Watch: Protests Resume in Hong Kong- Protesters form a human chain of 2 Kilometres × While the march appeared to be largely peaceful - in marked contrast to other mass demonstrations over the last six months, where protesters fought pitched battles with police - authorities said there was some damage after it ended. "Although the event was generally peaceful, acts of breaching public peace happened afterwards," police said in a statement on Monday. "Some rioters spray-painted the exterior walls of the High Court, threw petrol bombs and set fire outside the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal, damaging government properties and seriously challenging the spirit of the rule of law," police said, adding that shops and banks were vandalised in the Causeway Bay and Wan Chai areas. Protesters estimated the turnout at 800,000, while police said 183,000. In an editorial, the official China Daily newspaper called on the Hong Kong government to uphold the rule of law. "Many residents in Hong Kong are fed up with the violence and disruption that have plagued the city for months," said the newspaper, often used by Beijing to put out its message. Hong Kong's new police commissioner had said he would take a "hard and soft approach" to the demonstrations, where acts of violence would be treated harshly but other issues more flexibly. Two leaders of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Hong Kong were denied entry over the weekend to the neighbouring Chinese city of Macau, without explanation. Macau's security chief, Wong Sio Chak, on Monday said security concerns were the only reason for barring entry into the city, broadcaster RTHK reported. AmCham Chairman Robert Grieves and President Tara Joseph had been traveling to Macau for an annual ball. The pair were told to sign a statement saying they "voluntarily agreed not to pursue entry to Macau". Wong declined to comment specifically on their cases and said it was speculation that their refusal was linked to Beijing's response to US legislation backing pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, RTHK said. US President Donald Trump last month signed into law the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, linking the former British colony's special treatment under US law to its autonomy from Beijing. The unrest in the city of about 7.4 million people started in June as demonstrations against a now-withdrawn bill allowing extradition to mainland China. It has since morphed into calls for greater democratic freedoms and sometimes violent protests. Protesters have set out five demands, including universal suffrage and an investigation into alleged police brutality. China has repeatedly blamed foreign powers, including the United States, for stirring up the unrest.

Peaceful Hong Kong march marred by fire outside court, police say

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-series-of-week-long-lunchtime-protests-begin-265716">Hong Kong</a> authorities granted protesters permission to march this weekend, organisers said on Thursday, giving the green light to a rally seen as a gauge of the pro-democracy movement's support following its sweeping victory in local elections.

The Civil Human Right Front, the group that organised million-strong marches in the China-ruled city in June, said it had received permission from police for a planned Human Rights Day rally on Sunday.

During the past six months of increasingly violent anti-Beijing demonstrations, authorities had denied requests from the group to hold rallies. Some calm has descended since the November 24 district elections when pro-democracy candidates won nearly 90% of the seats.

Also on Thursday, a protester who was shot by police in an altercation two months ago appeared in court for the first time to face charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer.

Tsang Chi-kin, who had been hospitalised after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-flash-mob-rallies-erupt-as-anger-mounts-over-shot-protester-253229">October shooting incident</a>, walked into a Hong Kong court and left about an hour later after his case was adjourned until February.

An officer shot Tsang in the chest with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in self-defence.

Police say they have exercised restraint in the face of escalating violence, but they are facing accusations of excessive use of force.

A rally has been planned for Friday evening to protest the use of tear gas by police.

Demonstrators have repeatedly called for an independent inquiry into police use of force as one of their "five demands" on government. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for an investigation into allegations of an excessive police force.

Hong Kong's Commissioner of Police Chris Tang will visit Beijing on Friday to discuss the security situation, his first such visit since his appointment last month.

Tang will pay a "courtesy visit" to Beijing, where he will call on the Ministry of Public Security, meet with counterparts and discuss the security situation, the Hong Kong government said in a statement.

He is due to return early on Sunday morning, according to police, hours before the afternoon rally.

Tang took office in November with a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force.

He replaced Stephen Lo amid a police siege of anti-government protesters at a university that saw some of the shocking scenes of violence.

Tang has called for people across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-fresh-economic-support-measures-worth-511-million-266164">Hong Kong</a> to end the unrest that has plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades.

The protests were sparked by a controversial and since-withdrawn extradition bill and have swelled into broader calls for greater democratic freedoms.

Protesters accuse China of increasingly interfering in freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs.

Hong Kong authorities granted protesters permission to march this weekend, organisers said on Thursday, giving the green light to a rally seen as a gauge of the pro-democracy movement's support following its sweeping victory in local elections.

Hong Kong authorities granted protesters permission to march this weekend, organisers said on Thursday, giving the green light to a rally seen as a gauge of the pro-democracy movement's support following its sweeping victory in local elections. The Civil Human Right Front, the group that organised million-strong marches in the China-ruled city in June, said it had received permission from police for a planned Human Rights Day rally on Sunday. During the past six months of increasingly violent anti-Beijing demonstrations, authorities had denied requests from the group to hold rallies. Some calm has descended since the November 24 district elections when pro-democracy candidates won nearly 90% of the seats. Also on Thursday, a protester who was shot by police in an altercation two months ago appeared in court for the first time to face charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer. Tsang Chi-kin, who had been hospitalised after the October shooting incident, walked into a Hong Kong court and left about an hour later after his case was adjourned until February. An officer shot Tsang in the chest with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in self-defence. Police say they have exercised restraint in the face of escalating violence, but they are facing accusations of excessive use of force. A rally has been planned for Friday evening to protest the use of tear gas by police. Demonstrators have repeatedly called for an independent inquiry into police use of force as one of their "five demands" on government. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for an investigation into allegations of an excessive police force. Hong Kong's Commissioner of Police Chris Tang will visit Beijing on Friday to discuss the security situation, his first such visit since his appointment last month. Tang will pay a "courtesy visit" to Beijing, where he will call on the Ministry of Public Security, meet with counterparts and discuss the security situation, the Hong Kong government said in a statement. He is due to return early on Sunday morning, according to police, hours before the afternoon rally. Tang took office in November with a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force. He replaced Stephen Lo amid a police siege of anti-government protesters at a university that saw some of the shocking scenes of violence. Tang has called for people across Hong Kong to end the unrest that has plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades. The protests were sparked by a controversial and since-withdrawn extradition bill and have swelled into broader calls for greater democratic freedoms. Protesters accuse China of increasingly interfering in freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs.

Hong Kong gives protesters green light for big march on Sunday

4th Round of Targeted relief measures to be introduced.

WION Dispatch: Carrie Lam closes ranks with China

Carrie Lam, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-series-of-week-long-lunchtime-protests-begin-265716">Hong Kong's</a> leader today said that her administration is planning to introduce a ''fourth round of relief measures'' soon to revive the city's economy owing to six months of violent protests.

After the long stint at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the protests were refuelled yesterday during day time. Lam was speaking after a mass demonstration over the weekend in the Asian financial hub that saw police fire tear gas to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters, ending a rare lull in violence.

Hundreds of office workers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-new-rallies-to-take-place-today-after-weekend-of-unrest-265688">Hong Kong's</a> business district gathered on Monday for the first in a week of lunchtime protests backing the pro-democracy movement after its resounding victory in district polls held last week in the Chinese-ruled city.

Lam said on Tuesday US&nbsp;legislation supporting protesters may damage business confidence in the financial hub.

Lam told reporters the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act signed into US&nbsp;law last week was "wholly unnecessary", as the former British colony grapples with its first recession in a decade.

The act requires the US&nbsp;State Department to certify at least annually that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to justify favourable US&nbsp;trading terms, and threatens sanctions for human rights violations.

"The impact currently is on confidence ... because corporates will be worried about the actions the US&nbsp;government may take in the future after they review this legislation," Lam said.

On Sunday, police again resorted to firing tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters as they marched past the city's Kowloon waterfront, after first going to the US consulate on Hong Kong island to show gratitude for Washington's support.

There was no such confrontation at the two-hour rally in the central business district on Monday, as some people went back to their offices after their demonstration of solidarity. Others said they would be striking for the full five days.

Watch: Protesters march for 'five demands'

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The gathering in Chater Garden probably drew Hong Kong's best-dressed protesters, and organisers have called on them to come out every day this week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-turn-to-taiwan-in-search-of-new-lives-265669">Protests over the last six months</a> have drawn a wide swathe of Hong Kong society, from students to pensioners. Even white-collar professionals, like those in Chater park, have sometimes blocked roads in recent weeks, leading to face-offs with police.

Protests that have paralysed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-anti-government-protesters-265558">Hong Kong for nearly six months</a>&nbsp;are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home.

Taiwan has long attracted Hong Kongers seeking an alternative to their city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents.

But the number granted short-term and permanent residency in Taiwan rose nearly 30 per cent to over 4,000 between January and September from a year earlier, with investment from Hong Kong almost doubling.

(With inputs from agencies)

Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's leader today said that her administration is planning to introduce a ''fourth round of relief measures'' soon to revive the city's economy owing to six months of violent protests.

Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's leader today said that her administration is planning to introduce a ''fourth round of relief measures'' soon to revive the city's economy owing to six months of violent protests. After the long stint at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the protests were refuelled yesterday during day time. Lam was speaking after a mass demonstration over the weekend in the Asian financial hub that saw police fire tear gas to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters, ending a rare lull in violence. Hundreds of office workers in Hong Kong's business district gathered on Monday for the first in a week of lunchtime protests backing the pro-democracy movement after its resounding victory in district polls held last week in the Chinese-ruled city. Lam said on Tuesday US legislation supporting protesters may damage business confidence in the financial hub. Lam told reporters the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act signed into US law last week was "wholly unnecessary", as the former British colony grapples with its first recession in a decade. The act requires the US State Department to certify at least annually that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to justify favourable US trading terms, and threatens sanctions for human rights violations. "The impact currently is on confidence ... because corporates will be worried about the actions the US government may take in the future after they review this legislation," Lam said. On Sunday, police again resorted to firing tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters as they marched past the city's Kowloon waterfront, after first going to the US consulate on Hong Kong island to show gratitude for Washington's support. There was no such confrontation at the two-hour rally in the central business district on Monday, as some people went back to their offices after their demonstration of solidarity. Others said they would be striking for the full five days. Watch: Protesters march for 'five demands' The gathering in Chater Garden probably drew Hong Kong's best-dressed protesters, and organisers have called on them to come out every day this week. Protests over the last six months have drawn a wide swathe of Hong Kong society, from students to pensioners. Even white-collar professionals, like those in Chater park, have sometimes blocked roads in recent weeks, leading to face-offs with police. Protests that have paralysed Hong Kong for nearly six months are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home. Taiwan has long attracted Hong Kongers seeking an alternative to their city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents. But the number granted short-term and permanent residency in Taiwan rose nearly 30 per cent to over 4,000 between January and September from a year earlier, with investment from Hong Kong almost doubling. (With inputs from agencies)

Fourth round of relief measures to be introduced in Hong Kong, US bill 'wholly unnecessary': Carrie Lam

Hong Kong Airlines, controlled by cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, must shore up its financial position by December&nbsp;7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence, a Hong Kong air transport regulator said on Monday.

The Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) said in a statement that it attached new conditions to the licence of the city's second-largest airline, requiring it to raise money and maintain certain cash levels.

It said if the conditions are not met, a decision on whether to suspend or revoke the airline's licence will be announced by December&nbsp;7.

Hong Kong Airlines said in a statement posted on its website it is actively communicating with shareholders and other stakeholders to meet the new requirements from ATLA as requested.

"Our operation is still running normally and we remain committed to flying our passengers to their destinations safely," it said.

The airline is not publicly listed and does not disclose financial data, but in April, it told shareholders that it needed at least HK$2 billion ($256 million) in fresh funds or it would lose its operating license.

The carrier told them at the time it had lost HK$3 billion in 2018 and an infusion was crucial, according to people present.

Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Board said in a separate statement on Monday it met with the airline on November&nbsp;27 and expressed "grave dissatisfaction and deep concern" that the carrier's financial position had not improved.

Several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-new-zealand-named-top-carrier-globally-in-annual-airline-awards-264722">airlines</a> have collapsed in 2019 because of financial problems, including India's Jet Airways Ltd, Britain's Thomas Cook and Iceland's WOW.

Hong Kong Airlines was struggling financially even before months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-series-of-week-long-lunchtime-protests-begin-265716">anti-government protests</a> led to a plunge in visitors to the Asian financial capital.

"As weak travel demand resulting from the social unrest in Hong Kong has continued to affect our business and revenue, Hong Kong Airlines has reduced its capacity and flights in the coming months as well as further consolidated its network under the challenging business environment," it said in its statement.

The airline said on Friday it would further reduce capacity, suspending flights to Vancouver, Ho Chi Minh City and Tianjin.

On Saturday, the carrier said on its website that its in-flight entertainment system would be out of service until further notice.

Hong Kong Airlines, controlled by cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, must shore up its financial position by December 7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence, a Hong Kong air transport regulator said on Monday.

Hong Kong Airlines, controlled by cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, must shore up its financial position by December 7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence, a Hong Kong air transport regulator said on Monday. The Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) said in a statement that it attached new conditions to the licence of the city's second-largest airline, requiring it to raise money and maintain certain cash levels. It said if the conditions are not met, a decision on whether to suspend or revoke the airline's licence will be announced by December 7. Hong Kong Airlines said in a statement posted on its website it is actively communicating with shareholders and other stakeholders to meet the new requirements from ATLA as requested. "Our operation is still running normally and we remain committed to flying our passengers to their destinations safely," it said. The airline is not publicly listed and does not disclose financial data, but in April, it told shareholders that it needed at least HK$2 billion ($256 million) in fresh funds or it would lose its operating license. The carrier told them at the time it had lost HK$3 billion in 2018 and an infusion was crucial, according to people present. Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Board said in a separate statement on Monday it met with the airline on November 27 and expressed "grave dissatisfaction and deep concern" that the carrier's financial position had not improved. Several airlines have collapsed in 2019 because of financial problems, including India's Jet Airways Ltd, Britain's Thomas Cook and Iceland's WOW. Hong Kong Airlines was struggling financially even before months of anti-government protests led to a plunge in visitors to the Asian financial capital. "As weak travel demand resulting from the social unrest in Hong Kong has continued to affect our business and revenue, Hong Kong Airlines has reduced its capacity and flights in the coming months as well as further consolidated its network under the challenging business environment," it said in its statement. The airline said on Friday it would further reduce capacity, suspending flights to Vancouver, Ho Chi Minh City and Tianjin. On Saturday, the carrier said on its website that its in-flight entertainment system would be out of service until further notice.

Hong Kong Airlines told to improve finances or risk losing licence

Hong Kong police entered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-polytechnic-university-searched-one-protester-found-264625">Polytechnic University</a> on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

It was unclear whether any protesters remained at the site as a team of about 100 plain-clothed police moved into the sprawling campus to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said any protesters found would receive medical treatment and arrests were not a priority.

The university <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-seige-8-students-arrested-as-protests-fizzle-out-263764">became a battleground</a> in mid-November, when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week, some while trying to escape.

Reuters witnesses at the university said garbage and abandoned gear including sleeping bags, helmets and gas masks were strewn everywhere, but no protesters could be seen.

More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers increasing exponentially in October and November as violence escalated.

Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary.

China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at the handover and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation repeated on Thursday in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">US&nbsp;law</a>.

"This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;plot is doomed," the Chinese foreign ministry statement said.

Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could prove self-defeating for the United States, which has benefited from the business-friendly conditions in the territory of 7.4 million residents.

Trade between Hong Kong and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-overtakes-united-states-in-number-of-diplomatic-missions-264784">United States</a> was estimated to be worth $67.3 billion in 2018, with the United States running a $33.8 billion surplus - its biggest with any country or territory, according to the Office of the US&nbsp;Trade Representative.

Li Ka-shing, the city’s most prominent tycoon, told Reuters he was getting used to “the unfounded verbal and text punches” thrown at him by both sides of the political divide in Hong Kong.

Li and his fellow Hong Kong tycoons are under mounting pressure from Beijing to speak out against the protests, which present the most serious challenge to Communist Party rule since Tiananmen.

Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces. It was unclear whether any protesters remained at the site as a team of about 100 plain-clothed police moved into the sprawling campus to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said any protesters found would receive medical treatment and arrests were not a priority. The university became a battleground in mid-November, when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week, some while trying to escape. Reuters witnesses at the university said garbage and abandoned gear including sleeping bags, helmets and gas masks were strewn everywhere, but no protesters could be seen. More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers increasing exponentially in October and November as violence escalated. Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary. China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at the handover and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation repeated on Thursday in response to the US law. "This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US. The US plot is doomed," the Chinese foreign ministry statement said. Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could prove self-defeating for the United States, which has benefited from the business-friendly conditions in the territory of 7.4 million residents. Trade between Hong Kong and the United States was estimated to be worth $67.3 billion in 2018, with the United States running a $33.8 billion surplus - its biggest with any country or territory, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. Li Ka-shing, the city’s most prominent tycoon, told Reuters he was getting used to “the unfounded verbal and text punches” thrown at him by both sides of the political divide in Hong Kong. Li and his fellow Hong Kong tycoons are under mounting pressure from Beijing to speak out against the protests, which present the most serious challenge to Communist Party rule since Tiananmen.

Hong Kong police enter Polytechnic University as siege ends

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-summons-us-ambassador-over-hong-kong-rights-bill-264512">Hong Kong Human Rights</a> and Democracy Act after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress.

In a statement, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while reiterating his "respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

As the US president signed the bill, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-elections-young-voters-attributed-to-landslide-gains-for-pro-democracy-campaigners-264414">China threatened</a>&nbsp;"firm countermeasures"&nbsp;over the Hong Kong bill while expressing "extreme regret".

The US Congress also passed legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment to Hong Kong which was widely used by authorities against protesters in the city.

Hong Kong has witnessed months of anti-government protests with citizens of the city primarily students clashing regularly with police. In recent weeks, Hong Kong's Polytechnic University has become the epicentre of violent protests between authorities and students with the siege being lifted recently.

The passing of the Democracy act comes amid the US-China trade war with Trump eager to make a deal with the Xi government.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry said Trump's backing of protesters in Hong Kong was a serious interference in Chinese affairs and US efforts were "doomed to fail".

"The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

China's foreign minister, Wang Yi had said earlier that the bill was as "naked interference in China's internal affairs" as China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to raise strong objections over the bill.

China's vice foreign minister told the US ambassador that the United States would bear "bear all the consequences" if the bill went through.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress. In a statement, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while reiterating his "respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act after it was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress. In a statement, Trump said he "hoped the leaders and representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences," while reiterating his "respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping. As the US president signed the bill, China threatened "firm countermeasures" over the Hong Kong bill while expressing "extreme regret". The US Congress also passed legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment to Hong Kong which was widely used by authorities against protesters in the city. Hong Kong has witnessed months of anti-government protests with citizens of the city primarily students clashing regularly with police. In recent weeks, Hong Kong's Polytechnic University has become the epicentre of violent protests between authorities and students with the siege being lifted recently. The passing of the Democracy act comes amid the US-China trade war with Trump eager to make a deal with the Xi government. Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry said Trump's backing of protesters in Hong Kong was a serious interference in Chinese affairs and US efforts were "doomed to fail". "The nature of this is extremely abominable, and harbours absolutely sinister intentions," the foreign ministry said in a statement. China's foreign minister, Wang Yi had said earlier that the bill was as "naked interference in China's internal affairs" as China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to raise strong objections over the bill. China's vice foreign minister told the US ambassador that the United States would bear "bear all the consequences" if the bill went through.

Trump signs Hong Kong Democracy act; China threatens 'firm countermeasures'

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that it had summoned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-carrie-lam-thanks-residents-for-orderly-voting-after-district-elections-264504">US ambassador Terry Branstad </a>and asked the US administration&nbsp;to scrap the Hong Kong Democracy Act or "bear all the consequences".

Last month the US House of Representatives had passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-matter-what-happens-hong-kong-is-part-of-china-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-on-local-elections-264287">Hong Kong Human Rights</a> and Democracy Act in a rare example of bipartisan support. Last week, the US Senate had passed the act. The proposed bill&nbsp;has provisions to demand sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials identified by the US government for&nbsp;carrying out alleged human rights abuses.

The bill is now awaiting US President Trump's approval.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-local-body-polls-big-victory-for-pro-democracy-candidates-264492/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US ambassador Terry Branstad was summoned by Chinese vice foreign minister Zheng Zeguang as he voiced "strong protest" over the Hong Kong Democracy bill, the foreign ministry informed.

"The legislation brazenly interferes in China's internal affairs and indulges and supports the violent criminal behaviour by 'anti-China disrupting Hong Kong' forces," the ministry said, as it urged the US to "immediately correct its mistakes, prevent the above-mentioned Hong Kong-related bill from becoming law, and stop any words and deeds that interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs."

"Otherwise, the US side must bear all the consequences," it said.

Hong Kong has seen months of massive protests turning violent as students have openly rebelled against Chinese officials and called for greater accountability and freedom. China has repeatedly said Hong Kong is a part of China and the protests are its internal matter.

On Monday, after Hong Kong's local elections, China's foreign minister referring to the polls said no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China.

"Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, or even damage its prosperity and stability, will not succeed," Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam thanked Hong Kong residents for orderly voting on Sunday, while adding that her government would "seriously reflect" on the result of the community-level elections in which her pro-Beijing establishment took a severe drubbing, and would "improve governance".

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that it had summoned the US ambassador Terry Branstad and asked the US administration to scrap the Hong Kong Democracy Act or "bear all the consequences".

The Chinese foreign ministry said today that it had summoned the US ambassador Terry Branstad and asked the US administration to scrap the Hong Kong Democracy Act or "bear all the consequences". Last month the US House of Representatives had passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in a rare example of bipartisan support. Last week, the US Senate had passed the act. The proposed bill has provisions to demand sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials identified by the US government for carrying out alleged human rights abuses. The bill is now awaiting US President Trump's approval. Watch Video: US ambassador Terry Branstad was summoned by Chinese vice foreign minister Zheng Zeguang as he voiced "strong protest" over the Hong Kong Democracy bill, the foreign ministry informed. "The legislation brazenly interferes in China's internal affairs and indulges and supports the violent criminal behaviour by 'anti-China disrupting Hong Kong' forces," the ministry said, as it urged the US to "immediately correct its mistakes, prevent the above-mentioned Hong Kong-related bill from becoming law, and stop any words and deeds that interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs." "Otherwise, the US side must bear all the consequences," it said. Hong Kong has seen months of massive protests turning violent as students have openly rebelled against Chinese officials and called for greater accountability and freedom. China has repeatedly said Hong Kong is a part of China and the protests are its internal matter. On Monday, after Hong Kong's local elections, China's foreign minister referring to the polls said no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China. "Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, or even damage its prosperity and stability, will not succeed," Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam thanked Hong Kong residents for orderly voting on Sunday, while adding that her government would "seriously reflect" on the result of the community-level elections in which her pro-Beijing establishment took a severe drubbing, and would "improve governance".

China summons US ambassador over Hong Kong rights bill

As local election results came in on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-matter-what-happens-hong-kong-is-part-of-china-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-on-local-elections-264287">Hong Kong's chief executive </a>Carrie Lam said the city government will "certainly listen humbly to citizens' opinions and reflect on them seriously."

On Sunday, Hong Kong citizens voted in council elections in the backdrop of anti-government protests with reports indicating pro-democracy parties making huge gains.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democrats-romp-to-local-election-landslide-after-months-of-protests-264272">council seats </a>which were dominated by pro-China candidates have swung decisively in favour of city's pro-democracy parties, reports said.&nbsp;

As results poured in, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi speaking to reporters in Tokyo said, "It is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China."

"Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, or even damage its prosperity and stability, will not succeed," the Chinese foreign minister added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-election-pro-democracy-parties-ahead-in-12-out-of-18-districts-264282/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Elections were held in 18 district councils with 452 seats in contention.

"The government will certainly listen humbly to citizens' opinions and reflect on them seriously," Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam said in a statement as results were declared in the city.

"The government respects the election results," Lam added, while saying that "citizens are dissatisfied with the current social situation and... deep-seated problems."

Hong Kong has witnessed large scale anti-government protests with activists calling for more accountability and freedom.

"The voters used the most peaceful way to tell the government that we won't accept Hong Kong becoming a police state, and an authoritarian regime," said Wu Chi-wai, the chairman of the Democratic Party,&nbsp;adding, "the government must squarely face... public opinion." 
&nbsp;

As local election results came in on Monday, Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam said the city government will "certainly listen humbly to citizens' opinions and reflect on them seriously.

As local election results came in on Monday, Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam said the city government will "certainly listen humbly to citizens' opinions and reflect on them seriously." On Sunday, Hong Kong citizens voted in council elections in the backdrop of anti-government protests with reports indicating pro-democracy parties making huge gains. The council seats which were dominated by pro-China candidates have swung decisively in favour of city's pro-democracy parties, reports said. As results poured in, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi speaking to reporters in Tokyo said, "It is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China." "Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, or even damage its prosperity and stability, will not succeed," the Chinese foreign minister added. Watch Video: Elections were held in 18 district councils with 452 seats in contention. "The government will certainly listen humbly to citizens' opinions and reflect on them seriously," Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam said in a statement as results were declared in the city. "The government respects the election results," Lam added, while saying that "citizens are dissatisfied with the current social situation and... deep-seated problems." Hong Kong has witnessed large scale anti-government protests with activists calling for more accountability and freedom. "The voters used the most peaceful way to tell the government that we won't accept Hong Kong becoming a police state, and an authoritarian regime," said Wu Chi-wai, the chairman of the Democratic Party, adding, "the government must squarely face... public opinion."

Will listen humbly to citizens' opinions: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on local election results

Hong Kong Election: Pro-Democracy parties ahead in 12 out of 18 districts. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong Election: Pro-Democracy parties ahead in 12 out of 18 districts

'We will continue to fight': Hong Kongers react to record turnout in local body elections

More than a million voters thronged polling stations across Hong Kong on Sunday in district elections viewed as a key barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, besieged by nearly six months of often violent pro-democracy protests.

The turnout in the first four hours matched a figure only reached at 6.30 pm in the last election four years ago, government data showed, as concern grew in the city of 7.4 million that polling could be halted if violence erupts.

Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence as voting began, in contrast to reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost the entire force of 31,000 would be on duty.

"Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," said Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker, adding that he had come to vote early in a bid to escape any disruptions later.

A record 1,104 candidates are vying for 452 seats and a record 4.1 million people in the Chinese-ruled city have enrolled to vote for district councillors who control some spending and decide issues such as recycling and public health.

If the pro-democracy campaigners gain control, they could secure six seats on Hong Kong's Legislative Council or parliament, and 117 seats on the 1,200-member panel that selects its chief executive.

Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot in front of television cameras and pledged that her government, widely seen as out of touch with the population, would listen "more intensively" to the views of district councils.

She also expressed hope that a rare lull in violence over the past few days would endure.

"I hope this kind of stability and calm is not only for today's election, but to show that everyone does not want Hong Kong to fall into a chaotic situation again, hoping to get out of this dilemma and let us have a fresh start," Lam said.

The anti-China protests have at times forced the closure of government, businesses and schools in the city's worst political crisis in decades, as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon in response to petrol bombs and bows and arrows.

Restaurant manager Jeremy Chan saw the elections in the Asian financial hub as offering protest opponents a chance to share their opinions without fear.

"They believe they are fighting for democracy, fighting for Hong Kong, but the rioters only listen to what they want to hear," said the 55-year-old, citing vandalism of businesses seen as pro-Beijing. "Freedom of speech is lost."

The protests started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial but rapidly evolved into calls for full democracy.

The unrest now poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

University siege staggers on

Sunday was the seventh day of a stand-off at Polytechnic University, its campus surrounded by police as some protesters hid out on the sprawling grounds roamed by first-aid workers.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are also responding to excessive use of force by police.

China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula for the autonomy of Hong Kong, where police deny accusations of brutality and say they have shown restraint.

Brutal attacks on election candidates have thrust Hong Kong's lowest tier of governance into the world spotlight as the government struggles to rein in protests.

"I'm so proud to see so many people out here," said bank dealing manager Wong, 32, as he waited to vote in Yuen Long, near the Chinese border. "I hate the government so much. July 21 is four months ago, but there is so much anger here."

He was referring to an attack that day by suspected triad gangsters on anti-government protesters and commuters at a nearby railway station.

Young pro-democracy activists are now battling in some seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates.

But Joshua Wong, one of the most prominent activists, whom authorities barred from running, on Sunday urged people to vote to show "our discontent with Beijing".

Jimmy Sham, a candidate of the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised some of the mass anti-government rallies of recent months, was beaten by men with hammers in October.

"We can see Hongkongers are longing for a chance to express their stand," said Sham. "We don’t know yet, at the end of the day, if the democrats can win a majority. But I hope our Hong Kong citizens can vote for the future of Hong Kong."

More than a million voters thronged polling stations across Hong Kong on Sunday in district elections viewed as a key barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, besieged by nearly six months of often violent pro-democracy protests.

More than a million voters thronged polling stations across Hong Kong on Sunday in district elections viewed as a key barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, besieged by nearly six months of often violent pro-democracy protests. The turnout in the first four hours matched a figure only reached at 6.30 pm in the last election four years ago, government data showed, as concern grew in the city of 7.4 million that polling could be halted if violence erupts. Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence as voting began, in contrast to reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost the entire force of 31,000 would be on duty. "Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," said Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker, adding that he had come to vote early in a bid to escape any disruptions later. A record 1,104 candidates are vying for 452 seats and a record 4.1 million people in the Chinese-ruled city have enrolled to vote for district councillors who control some spending and decide issues such as recycling and public health. If the pro-democracy campaigners gain control, they could secure six seats on Hong Kong's Legislative Council or parliament, and 117 seats on the 1,200-member panel that selects its chief executive. Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot in front of television cameras and pledged that her government, widely seen as out of touch with the population, would listen "more intensively" to the views of district councils. She also expressed hope that a rare lull in violence over the past few days would endure. "I hope this kind of stability and calm is not only for today's election, but to show that everyone does not want Hong Kong to fall into a chaotic situation again, hoping to get out of this dilemma and let us have a fresh start," Lam said. The anti-China protests have at times forced the closure of government, businesses and schools in the city's worst political crisis in decades, as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon in response to petrol bombs and bows and arrows. Restaurant manager Jeremy Chan saw the elections in the Asian financial hub as offering protest opponents a chance to share their opinions without fear. "They believe they are fighting for democracy, fighting for Hong Kong, but the rioters only listen to what they want to hear," said the 55-year-old, citing vandalism of businesses seen as pro-Beijing. "Freedom of speech is lost." The protests started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial but rapidly evolved into calls for full democracy. The unrest now poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. University siege staggers on Sunday was the seventh day of a stand-off at Polytechnic University, its campus surrounded by police as some protesters hid out on the sprawling grounds roamed by first-aid workers. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are also responding to excessive use of force by police. China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula for the autonomy of Hong Kong, where police deny accusations of brutality and say they have shown restraint. Brutal attacks on election candidates have thrust Hong Kong's lowest tier of governance into the world spotlight as the government struggles to rein in protests. "I'm so proud to see so many people out here," said bank dealing manager Wong, 32, as he waited to vote in Yuen Long, near the Chinese border. "I hate the government so much. July 21 is four months ago, but there is so much anger here." He was referring to an attack that day by suspected triad gangsters on anti-government protesters and commuters at a nearby railway station. Young pro-democracy activists are now battling in some seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. But Joshua Wong, one of the most prominent activists, whom authorities barred from running, on Sunday urged people to vote to show "our discontent with Beijing". Jimmy Sham, a candidate of the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised some of the mass anti-government rallies of recent months, was beaten by men with hammers in October. "We can see Hongkongers are longing for a chance to express their stand," said Sham. "We don’t know yet, at the end of the day, if the democrats can win a majority. But I hope our Hong Kong citizens can vote for the future of Hong Kong."

More than a million turn out in Hong Kong test of support for China-backed leader

Hong Kong voters at some polling stations for district council elections were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democrats-seek-to-hit-government-at-district-polls-264145">queuing up by the hundreds on Sunday morning</a>, citing concerns voting could be halted later in the day after six months of sometimes violent unrest in the Chinese-controlled city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barred-election-candidate-joshua-wong-urges-hong-kong-to-vote-to-show-discontent-264141">Brutal attacks on candidates</a> have thrust Hong Kong's lowest-tier government onto the international stage, with the district elections seen as an important barometer of support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's embattled administration.

Many see the polls as a "referendum" on support for the anti-government protest movement, coming as the city grapples with its biggest political crisis in decades.

A stand-off at Polytechnic University on Sunday entered its seventh day, with the campus surrounded by police as some protesters remained in classrooms and first-aid workers roamed the campus.

As voting got underway at 7:30 am (2330 GMT on Saturday), Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence, in contrast to earlier reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost all officers in the 31,000 strong force would be on duty.

Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker near the front of the line outside Wong Tai Sin primary school in Kowloon, said he came early over fears he wouldn't be able to vote later.

"Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," he said as hundreds of voters in the landlocked neighbourhood of housing estates wound around a block waiting their turn.

"We have to show we stand with Hong Kong," Lai said. "Most of the councillors stand with the government and are not helping Hong Kong."

Chan, 31, who was in front of the queue at the Fung Kam Sports Centre in Yuen Long, a rural district near the Chinese border, said she came early because she was expecting a big turnout.

"I have not seen an election like this before, but because of the situation it is important to vote .. .and I know many people feel like me," said Chan, who works in sales.

She said she grew up in Yuen Long but did not want to reveal any political allegiances. As she spoke, election officials prepared the ballot box in the middle of a basketball court. A lone police officer watched them.

The Fung Kam polling station is one of the closest to the Yuen Long railway station where suspected triad gangsters attacked anti-government protesters and commuters on July 21.

A record 1,104 people are running for 452 district seats and a record 4.1 million Hong Kong people have enrolled to vote for district councillors, who control some local spending, and whose daily decisionmaking spans a range of neighbourhood issues including recycling, transport and public healthcare.

Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot at 8:30 a.m. in front of television cameras.

Some of the seats that were once uncontested, and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates, are now being fought for by young pro-democracy activists.

One of the candidates running in Sha Tin is Jimmy Sham of Civil Human Rights Front, organiser of some of the mass anti-government rallies in recent months who was beaten by men with hammers in October.

The protests started over a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial, but which soon evolved into calls for full democracy, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong voters at some polling stations for district council elections were queuing up by the hundreds on Sunday morning, citing concerns voting could be halted later in the day after six months of sometimes violent unrest in the Chinese-controlled city.

Hong Kong voters at some polling stations for district council elections were queuing up by the hundreds on Sunday morning, citing concerns voting could be halted later in the day after six months of sometimes violent unrest in the Chinese-controlled city. Brutal attacks on candidates have thrust Hong Kong's lowest-tier government onto the international stage, with the district elections seen as an important barometer of support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's embattled administration. Many see the polls as a "referendum" on support for the anti-government protest movement, coming as the city grapples with its biggest political crisis in decades. A stand-off at Polytechnic University on Sunday entered its seventh day, with the campus surrounded by police as some protesters remained in classrooms and first-aid workers roamed the campus. As voting got underway at 7:30 am (2330 GMT on Saturday), Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence, in contrast to earlier reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost all officers in the 31,000 strong force would be on duty. Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker near the front of the line outside Wong Tai Sin primary school in Kowloon, said he came early over fears he wouldn't be able to vote later. "Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," he said as hundreds of voters in the landlocked neighbourhood of housing estates wound around a block waiting their turn. "We have to show we stand with Hong Kong," Lai said. "Most of the councillors stand with the government and are not helping Hong Kong." Chan, 31, who was in front of the queue at the Fung Kam Sports Centre in Yuen Long, a rural district near the Chinese border, said she came early because she was expecting a big turnout. "I have not seen an election like this before, but because of the situation it is important to vote .. .and I know many people feel like me," said Chan, who works in sales. She said she grew up in Yuen Long but did not want to reveal any political allegiances. As she spoke, election officials prepared the ballot box in the middle of a basketball court. A lone police officer watched them. The Fung Kam polling station is one of the closest to the Yuen Long railway station where suspected triad gangsters attacked anti-government protesters and commuters on July 21. A record 1,104 people are running for 452 district seats and a record 4.1 million Hong Kong people have enrolled to vote for district councillors, who control some local spending, and whose daily decisionmaking spans a range of neighbourhood issues including recycling, transport and public healthcare. Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot at 8:30 a.m. in front of television cameras. Some of the seats that were once uncontested, and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates, are now being fought for by young pro-democracy activists. One of the candidates running in Sha Tin is Jimmy Sham of Civil Human Rights Front, organiser of some of the mass anti-government rallies in recent months who was beaten by men with hammers in October. The protests started over a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial, but which soon evolved into calls for full democracy, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong voters queue up early over fears of later clashes

Many protesters holed up in university as Hong Kong protests simmer down

Chinese online retail titan<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kongs-future-is-bright-says-alibaba-262275"> Alibaba</a> could raise almost $13 billion in Hong Kong's biggest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-ai-start-up-megvii-seeks-approval-for-hong-kong-ipo-of-at-least-500-million-sources-263183">IPO</a> for nearly a decade after pricing its shares for the mega sale, reports said on Wednesday.

Asia's biggest company has called the listing a multi-billion-dollar vote of confidence in the city's markets as it is wracked by months of violent protests and the China-US trade war, which have sent its economy into recession.

Alibaba will sell 500 million shares to investors at HK$176, according to Bloomberg News, below the maximum HK$188 of its indicative price range. The number eight is considered auspicious in China.

That could rake in $11 billion but if it chooses to use its over-allotment option to sell a further 75 million shares, the firm could make HK$101.2 billion ($12.9 billion), the South China Morning Post said.&nbsp;

Even at the low end, the listing would still be Hong Kong's largest initial public offering since&nbsp;insurance giant AIA raised $20.5 billion in 2010.

The company had planned to list in the summer but called it off owing to the city's long-running pro-democracy protests and the China-US trade war.

The firm's shares are already traded in New York. The second listing in Hong Kong is expected to curry favour with Beijing, which has sought to encourage its current and future big tech firms to list nearer to home after the loss of companies such as Baidu to Wall Street.

Mainland authorities have also stepped up moves to attract such listings, including launching a new technology board in Shanghai in July.

The listing comes after the city's exchange tweaked the rules to allow double listings, while Chief Executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-carrie-lam-says-violence-exceeded-calls-for-democracy-police-defend-officers-who-shot-at-protesters-261394">Carrie Lam</a> had also been pushing Alibaba's billionaire founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas?page=8">Jack Ma</a> to sell shares in the city.

Chinese online retail titan Alibaba could raise almost $13 billion in Hong Kong's biggest IPO for nearly a decade after pricing its shares for the mega sale, reports said on Wednesday.

Chinese online retail titan Alibaba could raise almost $13 billion in Hong Kong's biggest IPO for nearly a decade after pricing its shares for the mega sale, reports said on Wednesday. Asia's biggest company has called the listing a multi-billion-dollar vote of confidence in the city's markets as it is wracked by months of violent protests and the China-US trade war, which have sent its economy into recession. Alibaba will sell 500 million shares to investors at HK$176, according to Bloomberg News, below the maximum HK$188 of its indicative price range. The number eight is considered auspicious in China. That could rake in $11 billion but if it chooses to use its over-allotment option to sell a further 75 million shares, the firm could make HK$101.2 billion ($12.9 billion), the South China Morning Post said. Even at the low end, the listing would still be Hong Kong's largest initial public offering since insurance giant AIA raised $20.5 billion in 2010. The company had planned to list in the summer but called it off owing to the city's long-running pro-democracy protests and the China-US trade war. The firm's shares are already traded in New York. The second listing in Hong Kong is expected to curry favour with Beijing, which has sought to encourage its current and future big tech firms to list nearer to home after the loss of companies such as Baidu to Wall Street. Mainland authorities have also stepped up moves to attract such listings, including launching a new technology board in Shanghai in July. The listing comes after the city's exchange tweaked the rules to allow double listings, while Chief Executive Carrie Lam had also been pushing Alibaba's billionaire founder Jack Ma to sell shares in the city.

Alibaba eyes $12.9 billion Hong Kong IPO after setting price: Reports

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/university-protesters-in-hong-kong-must-surrender-to-resolve-stand-off-peacefully-carrie-lam-263037">Hong Kong</a> appointed their new police chief, Chris Tang, today. He took office with&nbsp;a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force.

Tang replaced Commissioner Stephen Lo in the face of major anti-government protests in the city, which have now escalated into a scuffle at a university. The protests have been ongoing for the last five months&nbsp;against the government of Hong Kong and the influence of China on the city.

"First of all, regarding our relationship with the community, I understand that there is a certain segment of the community (that) have different views of about police enforcement. But you have to understand that as a law enforcement agency, we have to enforce the law. And we have to maintain the law and order in Hong Kong'', Tang said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-overreached-only-we-can-rule-on-constitution-china-263023">Even though the size of demonstrations</a> has dwindled in recent weeks, clashes have become violent and angry after a protestor was shot by the police. Another man, who was set alight is contributing to the agitation of the people. The city of Hong Kong continues to be on lockdown with tear gas serenading otherwise calm streets.

Watch: Hong Kong continues to be on the boil

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-continues-to-be-on-the-boil-universities-turned-into-the-fortress-262819/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''We also realise that there is a lot of fake news, which may undermine the credibility of the police force, which is obviously not true. So what we are trying to do is first of all, for any false accusation, we have to rebut those false accusations, and we have to let the community know that the purpose of our action is only to maintain law and order, so that we (can) dispel any misunderstandings", Tang added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-overreached-only-we-can-rule-on-constitution-china-263023">Hong Kong</a>'s chief executive said Tuesday that protesters occupying a city-centre university had to surrender if the three-day stand-off was to be resolved peacefully.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-not-sit-back-if-hong-kong-demonstrations-get-uncontrollable-envoy-263010">China insisted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;it held the sole authority to rule on constitutional matters in Hong Kong, as it condemned a decision by the city's high court to overturn a ban on face masks worn by pro-democracy protesters.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong appointed their new police chief, Chris Tang, today. He took office with a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force.

Hong Kong appointed their new police chief, Chris Tang, today. He took office with a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force. Tang replaced Commissioner Stephen Lo in the face of major anti-government protests in the city, which have now escalated into a scuffle at a university. The protests have been ongoing for the last five months against the government of Hong Kong and the influence of China on the city. "First of all, regarding our relationship with the community, I understand that there is a certain segment of the community (that) have different views of about police enforcement. But you have to understand that as a law enforcement agency, we have to enforce the law. And we have to maintain the law and order in Hong Kong'', Tang said. Even though the size of demonstrations has dwindled in recent weeks, clashes have become violent and angry after a protestor was shot by the police. Another man, who was set alight is contributing to the agitation of the people. The city of Hong Kong continues to be on lockdown with tear gas serenading otherwise calm streets. Watch: Hong Kong continues to be on the boil ''We also realise that there is a lot of fake news, which may undermine the credibility of the police force, which is obviously not true. So what we are trying to do is first of all, for any false accusation, we have to rebut those false accusations, and we have to let the community know that the purpose of our action is only to maintain law and order, so that we (can) dispel any misunderstandings", Tang added. Hong Kong's chief executive said Tuesday that protesters occupying a city-centre university had to surrender if the three-day stand-off was to be resolved peacefully. China insisted Tuesday it held the sole authority to rule on constitutional matters in Hong Kong, as it condemned a decision by the city's high court to overturn a ban on face masks worn by pro-democracy protesters. (With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong appoints new police chief Chris Tang, says fake news undermining reputation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-overreached-only-we-can-rule-on-constitution-china-263023">Hong Kong</a>'s chief executive said Tuesday that protesters occupying a city-centre university had to surrender if the three-day stand-off was to be resolved peacefully.

In her first public comments on the siege at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Carrie Lam said she believed around 100 people remained at the campus, surrounded by police who were trying to quell the unrest.

"This objective could only be achieved with the full cooperation of the protesters, including of course the rioters that they have to stop violence, give up the weapons and come out peacefully and take the instructions from the police," she told a press conference.

Watch: Gravitas - Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-unprecedented-violence-in-hong-kong-263019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hundreds of mainly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-not-sit-back-if-hong-kong-demonstrations-get-uncontrollable-envoy-263010">young protesters</a> took over the campus at the weekend, holding off police assaults with a barrage of Molotov cocktails, bricks and arrows, in the most extreme expression of a popular protest movement that is now in its sixth month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-not-sit-back-if-hong-kong-demonstrations-get-uncontrollable-envoy-263010">China insisted Tuesday</a>&nbsp;it held the sole authority to rule on constitutional matters in Hong Kong, as it condemned a decision by the city's high court to overturn a ban on face masks worn by pro-democracy protesters.

The statement could further fan the flames in Hong Kong after months of violent protests over concerns that Beijing is chipping away at the autonomy of the financial hub.

Hong Kong's chief executive said Tuesday that protesters occupying a city-centre university had to surrender if the three-day stand-off was to be resolved peacefully.

Hong Kong's chief executive said Tuesday that protesters occupying a city-centre university had to surrender if the three-day stand-off was to be resolved peacefully. In her first public comments on the siege at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Carrie Lam said she believed around 100 people remained at the campus, surrounded by police who were trying to quell the unrest. "This objective could only be achieved with the full cooperation of the protesters, including of course the rioters that they have to stop violence, give up the weapons and come out peacefully and take the instructions from the police," she told a press conference. Watch: Gravitas - Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong Hundreds of mainly young protesters took over the campus at the weekend, holding off police assaults with a barrage of Molotov cocktails, bricks and arrows, in the most extreme expression of a popular protest movement that is now in its sixth month. China insisted Tuesday it held the sole authority to rule on constitutional matters in Hong Kong, as it condemned a decision by the city's high court to overturn a ban on face masks worn by pro-democracy protesters. The statement could further fan the flames in Hong Kong after months of violent protests over concerns that Beijing is chipping away at the autonomy of the financial hub.

University protesters in Hong Kong must surrender to resolve stand-off peacefully: Carrie Lam

The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-defy-lams-surrender-warning-as-authorities-struggle-to-free-university-campus-263094">Hong Kong demonstrators'</a> resorting to extreme violence, including against police, was "deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned" and voiced concern that the situation could deteriorate further.

Spokesman Rupert Colville urged Hong Kong authorities to de-escalate the situation at the Polytechnic University - where about 100 protesters are holed up - and address the humanitarian situation of those inside "which is clearly deteriorating".

Hong Kong's embattled leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/university-protesters-in-hong-kong-must-surrender-to-resolve-stand-off-peacefully-carrie-lam-263037">Carrie Lam said</a> on Tuesday she hoped the standoff between police and a group of anti-government protesters at the university could be resolved and she had told police to handle it humanely.

Dozens of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;protesters staged a dramatic escape from a university campus sealed off by police on Monday by shimmying down plastic hosing from a bridge and fleeing on waiting motorbikes as the police fired projectiles.

Many more anti-government protesters remained trapped inside the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Polytechnic University, and two prominent figures were allowed by police onto the campus late on Monday to mediate, a sign that there is a growing risk of bloodshed.

Polytechnic University in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's Kowloon district is at the centre of a standoff in the past week that has seen the most intense violence in five months of anti-government demonstrations.

Some of the protesters who escaped on Monday lowered themselves several metres from a bridge they had occupied on the campus to a flyover below. They then sped off on the back of motorcycles that were already waiting or arrived quickly.

A number of them appeared subsequently to have been arrested, a Reuters witness said.

Other protesters, hurling petrol bombs, tried repeatedly to break into the campus but police fired tear gas and water cannon to push them back.

The United States expressed concern about the situation but China's ambassador to London accused Western countries of interfering.

The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that some Hong Kong demonstrators' resorting to extreme violence, including against police, was "deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned" and voiced concern that the situation could deteriorate further.

The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that some Hong Kong demonstrators' resorting to extreme violence, including against police, was "deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned" and voiced concern that the situation could deteriorate further. Spokesman Rupert Colville urged Hong Kong authorities to de-escalate the situation at the Polytechnic University - where about 100 protesters are holed up - and address the humanitarian situation of those inside "which is clearly deteriorating". Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday she hoped the standoff between police and a group of anti-government protesters at the university could be resolved and she had told police to handle it humanely. Dozens of Hong Kong protesters staged a dramatic escape from a university campus sealed off by police on Monday by shimmying down plastic hosing from a bridge and fleeing on waiting motorbikes as the police fired projectiles. Many more anti-government protesters remained trapped inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and two prominent figures were allowed by police onto the campus late on Monday to mediate, a sign that there is a growing risk of bloodshed. Polytechnic University in Hong Kong's Kowloon district is at the centre of a standoff in the past week that has seen the most intense violence in five months of anti-government demonstrations. Some of the protesters who escaped on Monday lowered themselves several metres from a bridge they had occupied on the campus to a flyover below. They then sped off on the back of motorcycles that were already waiting or arrived quickly. A number of them appeared subsequently to have been arrested, a Reuters witness said. Other protesters, hurling petrol bombs, tried repeatedly to break into the campus but police fired tear gas and water cannon to push them back. The United States expressed concern about the situation but China's ambassador to London accused Western countries of interfering.

U.N. decries Hong Kong protesters' violence, calls for calm

What role do Chinese troops play in Hong Kong unrest?

A police officer was struck by an arrow fired by a Hong Kong protester on Sunday and an armoured vehicle set ablaze, as fierce clashes raged into the night around a campus which has turned into a base for a pro-democracy movement whose protests have plunged the city into turmoil.

Protests have tremored through the global financial hub since June with many in the city of 7.5 million people venting fury at eroding freedoms under Chinese rule.

China has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate the dissent, and there have been concerns that Beijing could send in troops to put an end to the unrest.

Chinese President Xi Jinping this week issued his most strident comments on the crisis, saying it threatened the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 handover from Britain.

On Sunday activists dug in at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) vowing to defend it from police and to maintain a blockade on the nearby Cross Harbour Tunnel, which has been closed for several days.

As dusk fell, police tried to retake a footbridge over the tunnel but were met by a barrage of petrol bombs that caused a huge fire.

Later an armoured vehicle edged towards protesters encamped on a flyover near the university, who met it with a flurry of petrol bombs setting the vehicle alight, according to a live-streamed video of the incident shown by several local media.

The driver was forced to retreat and the fire was extinguished as protesters appeared resolute in their desire to turn the campus into a hub -- a twist in tactics by a leaderless movement so far defined by its fluid, unpredictable nature.

"We need a base to keep our gear and have some rest at night before another fight in the morning," said a 23-year-old PolyU student called Kason.

Earlier, activists parried attempts by police to break through into the PolyU campus, firing rocks from a homemade catapult from the university roof.

An AFP reporter saw a team of masked archers -- several carrying sports bows -- patrolling the campus.

Police shared images of an arrow embedded in the calf of an officer outside the campus and decried the use of "lethal weapons," declaring the campus a "riot scene" -- a rioting conviction carries up to 10 years in jail.

Activists have vowed to wreak further havoc on Monday, in a follow-up to a week of chaos which left city streets strewn with debris and saw white-collar workers take to the streets in support of the frontline protesters.

'Squeeze the economy'

Demonstrators last week engineered a "Blossom Everywhere" campaign of blockades and vandalism, which forced the police to draft in prison officers, shut down large chunks of Hong Kong's train network and closed schools and shopping malls.

The movement, characterised by its fluidity and unpredictability, has started to coagulate in fixed locations, showing their ability to switch tactics.

The protests started against a now shelved bill to allow extradition to China but have billowed to encompass wider issues such as perceived police brutality and calls for universal suffrage in the former British colony.

Two people have died this month as the violence worsened, while the financial hub has been pushed into a recession by the turmoil.

Hong Kong's airport authority on Sunday said October traffic figures were down 13 per cent on last year with 5.4 million passengers as the economy takes a battering.

A poster circulating on social media called for the "dawn action" to continue on Monday.&nbsp;

"Get up early, directly target the regime, squeeze the economy to increase pressure," it said.

The education bureau said schools will remain closed again on Monday.

Divided city

Earlier on Sunday, dozens of pro-government supporters gathered to clear barricades near the university campus -- a sign of the divisions slicing through the city.

Many residents are wearied by the sapping protests. Others support the Chinese-backed city government.

Some applauded a Saturday cameo in a clean-up by Chinese troops from a garrison of the People's Liberation Army in Kowloon, who burst from the barracks in a rare and highly symbolic appearance on Hong Kong's streets.

The garrison is usually confined to the barracks under Hong Kong's mini-constitution, although it can be deployed under the request of the city's government to help with public order breakdown or natural disasters.

Hong Kong government, which presides over a city that enjoys greater freedoms than the mainland, said it did not ask the PLA for help on Saturday.

The choreographed troop movement "has only compounded the impression that Beijing has simply ignored" Hong Kong's unique political system, said analyst Dixon Sing. 
&nbsp;

A police officer was struck by an arrow fired by a Hong Kong protester on Sunday and an armoured vehicle set ablaze, as fierce clashes raged into the night around a campus which has turned into a base for a pro-democracy movement whose protests have plunged the city into turmoil.

A police officer was struck by an arrow fired by a Hong Kong protester on Sunday and an armoured vehicle set ablaze, as fierce clashes raged into the night around a campus which has turned into a base for a pro-democracy movement whose protests have plunged the city into turmoil. Protests have tremored through the global financial hub since June with many in the city of 7.5 million people venting fury at eroding freedoms under Chinese rule. China has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate the dissent, and there have been concerns that Beijing could send in troops to put an end to the unrest. Chinese President Xi Jinping this week issued his most strident comments on the crisis, saying it threatened the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 handover from Britain. On Sunday activists dug in at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) vowing to defend it from police and to maintain a blockade on the nearby Cross Harbour Tunnel, which has been closed for several days. As dusk fell, police tried to retake a footbridge over the tunnel but were met by a barrage of petrol bombs that caused a huge fire. Later an armoured vehicle edged towards protesters encamped on a flyover near the university, who met it with a flurry of petrol bombs setting the vehicle alight, according to a live-streamed video of the incident shown by several local media. The driver was forced to retreat and the fire was extinguished as protesters appeared resolute in their desire to turn the campus into a hub -- a twist in tactics by a leaderless movement so far defined by its fluid, unpredictable nature. "We need a base to keep our gear and have some rest at night before another fight in the morning," said a 23-year-old PolyU student called Kason. Earlier, activists parried attempts by police to break through into the PolyU campus, firing rocks from a homemade catapult from the university roof. An AFP reporter saw a team of masked archers -- several carrying sports bows -- patrolling the campus. Police shared images of an arrow embedded in the calf of an officer outside the campus and decried the use of "lethal weapons," declaring the campus a "riot scene" -- a rioting conviction carries up to 10 years in jail. Activists have vowed to wreak further havoc on Monday, in a follow-up to a week of chaos which left city streets strewn with debris and saw white-collar workers take to the streets in support of the frontline protesters. 'Squeeze the economy' Demonstrators last week engineered a "Blossom Everywhere" campaign of blockades and vandalism, which forced the police to draft in prison officers, shut down large chunks of Hong Kong's train network and closed schools and shopping malls. The movement, characterised by its fluidity and unpredictability, has started to coagulate in fixed locations, showing their ability to switch tactics. The protests started against a now shelved bill to allow extradition to China but have billowed to encompass wider issues such as perceived police brutality and calls for universal suffrage in the former British colony. Two people have died this month as the violence worsened, while the financial hub has been pushed into a recession by the turmoil. Hong Kong's airport authority on Sunday said October traffic figures were down 13 per cent on last year with 5.4 million passengers as the economy takes a battering. A poster circulating on social media called for the "dawn action" to continue on Monday. "Get up early, directly target the regime, squeeze the economy to increase pressure," it said. The education bureau said schools will remain closed again on Monday. Divided city Earlier on Sunday, dozens of pro-government supporters gathered to clear barricades near the university campus -- a sign of the divisions slicing through the city. Many residents are wearied by the sapping protests. Others support the Chinese-backed city government. Some applauded a Saturday cameo in a clean-up by Chinese troops from a garrison of the People's Liberation Army in Kowloon, who burst from the barracks in a rare and highly symbolic appearance on Hong Kong's streets. The garrison is usually confined to the barracks under Hong Kong's mini-constitution, although it can be deployed under the request of the city's government to help with public order breakdown or natural disasters. Hong Kong government, which presides over a city that enjoys greater freedoms than the mainland, said it did not ask the PLA for help on Saturday. The choreographed troop movement "has only compounded the impression that Beijing has simply ignored" Hong Kong's unique political system, said analyst Dixon Sing.

Hong Kong protest: Armoured vehicle set ablaze as fierce clashes continue

A police officer was struck in the leg by an arrow shot by a Hong Kong protester on Sunday, an AFP report said quoting city's force. Graphic images showed the arrow embedded in the calf of the police officer, who was working at the scene of fierce clashes at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the force's media liaison team.

A police officer was struck in the leg by an arrow shot by a Hong Kong protester on Sunday, an AFP report said quoting city's force. Graphic images showed the arrow embedded in the calf of the police officer, who was working at the scene of fierce clashes at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the force's media liaison team. The incident took place during a standoff between anti-government protesters and Hong Kong police around a barricaded university. Activists hurled petrol bombs, some by catapult, and shot arrows with bows at police who fired tear gas and water cannon in response in the standoff at the Polytechnic University in Kowloon. Clashes between protesters and police have become increasingly violent in the Chinese-ruled city, which is grappling with its biggest political crisis in decades. The demonstrations pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Xi has said he is confident the Hong Kong government can resolve the crisis. Until Saturday, Chinese troops in the city had remained inside their base during the protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Arrow fired by Hong Kong protester hits police officer: Report 

Pro-democracy protesters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-expected-to-announce-weekend-curfew-report-262029">paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fourth day</a> on Thursday, forcing schools to close and blocking highways as students built barricades and stockpiled makeshift weapons, setting the stage for campus showdowns.

China's Global Times tabloid, owned by the state-run People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party, briefly said on Twitter that the Hong Kong government was expected to announce a weekend curfew after some of the worst violence in decades in the Chinese-ruled city.

It deleted the post after a short time. Its editor said there was "not sufficient" information to back it up.

Thousands of students hunkered down inside several campuses, surrounded by piles of food, bricks, petrol bombs, arrows with heads wrapped in cladding, catapults and other homemade weapons.

Police said Chinese University, in the New Territories, had become a "weapons factory and an arsenal" with bows and arrows and catapults.

"It is also evident that it has become a manufacturing base for petrol bombs," police said.

Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings, hurled petrol bombs at police stations and trains, dropped debris from bridges on to traffic below and vandalised shopping malls and campuses, raising questions about how and when more than five months of unrest can be brought to an end.

"I am not prepared to fire the arrows unless there’s no other resort," student Cheung, 18, told Reuters. "I am also new in learning how to use arrows. I think arrows can't really hit them but if the police fire live rounds, we will die."

Police said arrows were fired at officers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the morning.

Several universities announced there would be no classes on campuses for the rest of the year.

Baptist University, next to a Chinese People's Liberation Army base in Kowloon Tong, issued an "urgent appeal", telling students to stay away from campus.

"Your safety is so dear to our hearts and to your parents' and friends’ hearts," it said. "Please stay away from harm’s way."

The Global Times' short-lived announcement about a curfew cited unnamed sources. It did not elaborate but, but online rumours have swirled along those lines.

"We don’t want to see a curfew, but we think it will happen sooner or later," Polytechnic University student Alex, 19, told Reuters. "We think it will be twinned with the postponement of the district council elections.”

The elections are due on November&nbsp;24

Police gather

Hundreds of protesters occupied roads in the city's business district, home to some of the world's most expensive real estate, in the middle of the day.

Across the harbour, black-clad protesters and university students maintained their blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area, and a highway between Kowloon and the rural New Territories.

Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early on Thursday to try to clear the protesters. Roads were strewn with bricks and other debris, leading to widespread traffic jams.

Dozens of riot police gathered outside several universities early in the day as students fortified their positions with metal poles, bricks and chairs.

At the Polytechnic University, near the Kowloon entrance of the Cross Harbour tunnel, hundreds of students wearing gas masks readied for confrontation.

Boxes of petrol bombs were placed at vantage points overlooking roads, including the tunnel, which has been blocked since Wednesday evening.

Students also poured litres of cooking oil across the ground in an attempt to thwart police should they try to enter.

Violence has escalated in recent days, with police shooting and wounding one protester at close range and one man described as a "rioter" dousing a man with petrol before setting him on fire.

The man who was shot was in stable condition in hospital. The man who was lit on fire suffered burns to his torso and head, and was in critical condition.

The demonstrations were initially spurred by what many residents see as the stifling by Beijing of freedoms guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula put in place when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Anger grew about what many see as police brutality as the protests intensified. Police deny brutality and say they have shown restraint in the face of potentially deadly attacks.

Police said on Thursday they would appoint 100 Correctional Services Department staff, who look after prisons, to reinforce the streets.

“I cannot see how adding 100 special police will help much," democratic lawmaker Tanya Chan told Reuters. "I don't know why the government doesn't adopt measures that can soften the tension rather than intensify conflict.”

China denies interfering and has blamed Western countries, including Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble. Police deny using excessive force.

Pro-democracy protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fourth day on Thursday, forcing schools to close and blocking highways as students built barricades and stockpiled makeshift weapons, setting the stage for campus showdowns.

Pro-democracy protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fourth day on Thursday, forcing schools to close and blocking highways as students built barricades and stockpiled makeshift weapons, setting the stage for campus showdowns. China's Global Times tabloid, owned by the state-run People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party, briefly said on Twitter that the Hong Kong government was expected to announce a weekend curfew after some of the worst violence in decades in the Chinese-ruled city. It deleted the post after a short time. Its editor said there was "not sufficient" information to back it up. Thousands of students hunkered down inside several campuses, surrounded by piles of food, bricks, petrol bombs, arrows with heads wrapped in cladding, catapults and other homemade weapons. Police said Chinese University, in the New Territories, had become a "weapons factory and an arsenal" with bows and arrows and catapults. "It is also evident that it has become a manufacturing base for petrol bombs," police said. Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings, hurled petrol bombs at police stations and trains, dropped debris from bridges on to traffic below and vandalised shopping malls and campuses, raising questions about how and when more than five months of unrest can be brought to an end. "I am not prepared to fire the arrows unless there’s no other resort," student Cheung, 18, told Reuters. "I am also new in learning how to use arrows. I think arrows can't really hit them but if the police fire live rounds, we will die." Police said arrows were fired at officers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the morning. Several universities announced there would be no classes on campuses for the rest of the year. Baptist University, next to a Chinese People's Liberation Army base in Kowloon Tong, issued an "urgent appeal", telling students to stay away from campus. "Your safety is so dear to our hearts and to your parents' and friends’ hearts," it said. "Please stay away from harm’s way." The Global Times' short-lived announcement about a curfew cited unnamed sources. It did not elaborate but, but online rumours have swirled along those lines. "We don’t want to see a curfew, but we think it will happen sooner or later," Polytechnic University student Alex, 19, told Reuters. "We think it will be twinned with the postponement of the district council elections.” The elections are due on November 24 Police gather Hundreds of protesters occupied roads in the city's business district, home to some of the world's most expensive real estate, in the middle of the day. Across the harbour, black-clad protesters and university students maintained their blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area, and a highway between Kowloon and the rural New Territories. Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early on Thursday to try to clear the protesters. Roads were strewn with bricks and other debris, leading to widespread traffic jams. Dozens of riot police gathered outside several universities early in the day as students fortified their positions with metal poles, bricks and chairs. At the Polytechnic University, near the Kowloon entrance of the Cross Harbour tunnel, hundreds of students wearing gas masks readied for confrontation. Boxes of petrol bombs were placed at vantage points overlooking roads, including the tunnel, which has been blocked since Wednesday evening. Students also poured litres of cooking oil across the ground in an attempt to thwart police should they try to enter. Violence has escalated in recent days, with police shooting and wounding one protester at close range and one man described as a "rioter" dousing a man with petrol before setting him on fire. The man who was shot was in stable condition in hospital. The man who was lit on fire suffered burns to his torso and head, and was in critical condition. The demonstrations were initially spurred by what many residents see as the stifling by Beijing of freedoms guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula put in place when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Anger grew about what many see as police brutality as the protests intensified. Police deny brutality and say they have shown restraint in the face of potentially deadly attacks. Police said on Thursday they would appoint 100 Correctional Services Department staff, who look after prisons, to reinforce the streets. “I cannot see how adding 100 special police will help much," democratic lawmaker Tanya Chan told Reuters. "I don't know why the government doesn't adopt measures that can soften the tension rather than intensify conflict.” China denies interfering and has blamed Western countries, including Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble. Police deny using excessive force.

Hong Kong students arm themselves for showdown amid talk of curfew

Hong Kong is expected to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mainland-china-students-flee-hong-kong-over-protest-violence-fears-261827">announce weekend curfew</a>, China state-run Global Times said in a tweet citing unnamed sources.

"#HKSAR government is expected to announce curfew for the weekend," the Global Times said in a post.

Hong Kong witnessed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-central-hong-kong-streets-as-chaos-grips-city-261782">large scale violent protests</a> in its universities as authorities struggled to control the student-led demonstrations.

Hong Kong authorities had ordered schools and universities closed due to the violence in the city. Authorities have ordered schools and universities to closed until next week.

Earlier in the week, Hong Kong Polytechnic University saw largescale student violence as police opened fire which hit a student who was later sent to a hospital. The government said nearly 70 people were hospitalised on Wednesday as the violence continued unabated.

Protesters have been calling for greater accountability from the Hong Kong government and steps to be taken towards police reforms.

There were clashes between students and authorities throughout the week as protesters set up barricades and students set up blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the cross-harbour tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area.

Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early on Thursday to try to clear the protesters. Several students barricaded themselves inside campuses and hurled petrol bombs as police tried to take control.

Students wearing facemasks clashed in various parts of the city as riot police confronted them at various points.

Amid the crisis, Carrie Lam&nbsp;met senior officials late on Wednesday, local media reported. Lam had said earlier in the week that protesters in the city were "selfish" and were now the enemy of the people. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hong Kong is expected to announce weekend curfew, China state-run Global Times said in a tweet citing unnamed sources. "#HKSAR government is expected to announce curfew for the weekend," the Global Times said in a post.

Hong Kong is expected to announce weekend curfew, China state-run Global Times said in a tweet citing unnamed sources. "#HKSAR government is expected to announce curfew for the weekend," the Global Times said in a post. Hong Kong witnessed large scale violent protests in its universities as authorities struggled to control the student-led demonstrations. Hong Kong authorities had ordered schools and universities closed due to the violence in the city. Authorities have ordered schools and universities to closed until next week. Earlier in the week, Hong Kong Polytechnic University saw largescale student violence as police opened fire which hit a student who was later sent to a hospital. The government said nearly 70 people were hospitalised on Wednesday as the violence continued unabated. Protesters have been calling for greater accountability from the Hong Kong government and steps to be taken towards police reforms. There were clashes between students and authorities throughout the week as protesters set up barricades and students set up blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the cross-harbour tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area. Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early on Thursday to try to clear the protesters. Several students barricaded themselves inside campuses and hurled petrol bombs as police tried to take control. Students wearing facemasks clashed in various parts of the city as riot police confronted them at various points. Amid the crisis, Carrie Lam met senior officials late on Wednesday, local media reported. Lam had said earlier in the week that protesters in the city were "selfish" and were now the enemy of the people.

Hong Kong government expected to announce weekend curfew: Report

Anti-government protesters dug in at several university campuses across Hong Kong on Wednesday, setting the stage for further confrontations as police said violence in the Chinese-ruled city had reached a "very dangerous and even deadly level".

Protesters - many of them young students - spent much of Wednesday fortifying barricades and stockpiling food and makeshift weapons, as other roving bands of masked protesters disrupted transport and businesses in many areas.

As night fell without more of the large on-campus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-central-hong-kong-streets-as-chaos-grips-city-261782">clashes seen the previous day</a>, protesters manning the barricades and checkpoints around the universities arranged to sleep in shifts to watch for any approaching police.

Demonstrators have been protesting since June about what they see as meddling by Beijing in the freedoms guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula put in place when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Allegations of police brutality have fuelled protesters' anger.

China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and has blamed Western countries, including Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble.

In the heart of the city's Central business district on Wednesday night, police used an armoured vehicle with an officer firing less-than-lethal rounds from the roof to ram a barricade and disperse protesters who had been blocking traffic.

Nearby, protesters also blocked the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area, according to the city's Transport Department.

Earlier in the day, about 1,000 protesters blocked roads in the Central district at lunchtime. Wearing now-banned face masks and dressed in office wear, they marched and hurled bricks on to roads lined with some of the world's most expensive real estate and luxury flagship stores.

Scores of riot police tried to disperse the crowds near the stock exchange, wrestling some people to the ground and beating others with batons.

At the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where multiple people were injured in clashes between riot police and protesters on Tuesday, police accused protesters of running a "weapons factory" making hundreds of petrol bombs that were thrown at officers.

"A university is supposed to be a breeding ground for future leaders, but it became a battlefield for criminals and rioters," Hong Kong police spokesman Tse Chun-chung told reporters.

&nbsp;Police confirmed that they had evacuated a number of mainland Chinese university students from Hong Kong by boat, while Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said dozens of Taiwanese students were also due to leave the city due to safety concerns.

"The youngsters are really the future of Hong Kong so even though I'm worried about being checked by the police I still want to come and support them," said Cheung, a 30-year-old alumni bringing supplies including food to one campus.

Protesters and police had battled through Tuesday night at university campuses only hours after a senior police officer said the city had been pushed to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-brings-hong-kong-to-brink-of-total-breakdown-metro-suspends-operations-261570"> "brink of a total breakdown".</a>

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam met with city government officials late on Wednesday, according to public broadcaster RTHK, though the exact details of the meeting were not released.

Hong Kong's Education Bureau said all schools would shut on Thursday. Several universities said they would be introducing online learning and other assessment methods for the remaining weeks of the term.

The flare-ups came after police shot a protester at close range on Monday and police said "rioters" doused a man with petrol and set him on fire in some of the worst violence so far.

"Rioters' violence reached a very dangerous and even deadly level," police spokesman Tse told a media briefing. "Nowhere in Hong Kong is a lawless land."

The turmoil caused delays for thousands of commuters who queued at metro stations across the city early on Wednesday, after some railway services were suspended and roads closed.

"It is very painful to watch my city turn into this. Look at everyone, how angry they are," said Alexandra, a 42-year-old insurance executive who had been trying to get to work.

"We all want to return to normal, but how can the government do that if they don't listen to what Hong Kongers have been asking for."

Police said 142 people had been arrested since Tuesday, bringing the total number of arrests to more than 4,000.

Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said 81 people had been injured since Monday, with two in serious condition.

Police used tear gas and other equipment to clear protests in several areas of the city in the evening.

Many banks and shops in bustling commercial areas shut on Wednesday, while Hong Kong's Jockey Club cancelled its evening races.

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines announced on Wednesday it would cancel the Assembly of Presidents meeting scheduled to take place in Hong Kong later in November. The decision comes a week after major back-to-back conferences on air finance, a key growth area for Hong Kong.

Anti-government protesters dug in at several university campuses across Hong Kong on Wednesday, setting the stage for further confrontations as police said violence in the Chinese-ruled city had reached a "very dangerous and even deadly level".

Anti-government protesters dug in at several university campuses across Hong Kong on Wednesday, setting the stage for further confrontations as police said violence in the Chinese-ruled city had reached a "very dangerous and even deadly level". Protesters - many of them young students - spent much of Wednesday fortifying barricades and stockpiling food and makeshift weapons, as other roving bands of masked protesters disrupted transport and businesses in many areas. As night fell without more of the large on-campus clashes seen the previous day, protesters manning the barricades and checkpoints around the universities arranged to sleep in shifts to watch for any approaching police. Demonstrators have been protesting since June about what they see as meddling by Beijing in the freedoms guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula put in place when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Allegations of police brutality have fuelled protesters' anger. China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and has blamed Western countries, including Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble. In the heart of the city's Central business district on Wednesday night, police used an armoured vehicle with an officer firing less-than-lethal rounds from the roof to ram a barricade and disperse protesters who had been blocking traffic. Nearby, protesters also blocked the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area, according to the city's Transport Department. Earlier in the day, about 1,000 protesters blocked roads in the Central district at lunchtime. Wearing now-banned face masks and dressed in office wear, they marched and hurled bricks on to roads lined with some of the world's most expensive real estate and luxury flagship stores. Scores of riot police tried to disperse the crowds near the stock exchange, wrestling some people to the ground and beating others with batons. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where multiple people were injured in clashes between riot police and protesters on Tuesday, police accused protesters of running a "weapons factory" making hundreds of petrol bombs that were thrown at officers. "A university is supposed to be a breeding ground for future leaders, but it became a battlefield for criminals and rioters," Hong Kong police spokesman Tse Chun-chung told reporters. Police confirmed that they had evacuated a number of mainland Chinese university students from Hong Kong by boat, while Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said dozens of Taiwanese students were also due to leave the city due to safety concerns. "The youngsters are really the future of Hong Kong so even though I'm worried about being checked by the police I still want to come and support them," said Cheung, a 30-year-old alumni bringing supplies including food to one campus. Protesters and police had battled through Tuesday night at university campuses only hours after a senior police officer said the city had been pushed to the "brink of a total breakdown". Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam met with city government officials late on Wednesday, according to public broadcaster RTHK, though the exact details of the meeting were not released. Hong Kong's Education Bureau said all schools would shut on Thursday. Several universities said they would be introducing online learning and other assessment methods for the remaining weeks of the term. The flare-ups came after police shot a protester at close range on Monday and police said "rioters" doused a man with petrol and set him on fire in some of the worst violence so far. "Rioters' violence reached a very dangerous and even deadly level," police spokesman Tse told a media briefing. "Nowhere in Hong Kong is a lawless land." The turmoil caused delays for thousands of commuters who queued at metro stations across the city early on Wednesday, after some railway services were suspended and roads closed. "It is very painful to watch my city turn into this. Look at everyone, how angry they are," said Alexandra, a 42-year-old insurance executive who had been trying to get to work. "We all want to return to normal, but how can the government do that if they don't listen to what Hong Kongers have been asking for." Police said 142 people had been arrested since Tuesday, bringing the total number of arrests to more than 4,000. Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said 81 people had been injured since Monday, with two in serious condition. Police used tear gas and other equipment to clear protests in several areas of the city in the evening. Many banks and shops in bustling commercial areas shut on Wednesday, while Hong Kong's Jockey Club cancelled its evening races. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines announced on Wednesday it would cancel the Assembly of Presidents meeting scheduled to take place in Hong Kong later in November. The decision comes a week after major back-to-back conferences on air finance, a key growth area for Hong Kong.

Protesters blockade universities, stockpile makeshift weapons as chaos grips Hong Kong

Another day of chaos in Hong Kong; Fires lit near Chinese university. Watch video to know more.

Another day of chaos in Hong Kong; Fires lit near Chinese university

Hong Kong anti-government protesters paralysed parts of the Asian financial hub for a third day, with some transport links, schools and many businesses closing after an escalation of violence.

Around 1,000 protesters blocked roads in the heart of the city's Central business district during the lunchtime rush hour. Wearing now-banned face masks and dressed in office wear, they marched and hurled bricks onto roads lined with some of the world's most expensive real estate and luxury flagship stores.

Scores of riot police tried to disperse the crowds, grappling some people to the ground and beating others with batons near the city's stock exchange.

Protesters and police had battled through the night at university campuses only hours after a senior police officer said on Tuesday the Chinese-ruled city had been pushed to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-brings-hong-kong-to-brink-of-total-breakdown-metro-suspends-operations-261570">"brink of a total breakdown"</a>. Many campuses remained tense.

Activists had blocked roads, torched several vehicles, hurled petrol bombs at a police station and smashed part of a major shopping mall in various districts the previous night.

The flare-ups came after police shot an unarmed protester at close range on Monday and police said "rioters" doused a man with petrol and set him on fire in some of the worst violence since protests began more than five months ago. Police are still investigating.

Protesters also planned demonstrations across the harbour from Central on the Kowloon peninsula and in the outlying New Territories, according to notices circulated on social media.

The disruptions caused delays for thousands of commuters who queued at metro stations across the city early on Wednesday after some railway services were suspended and roads closed.

Hong Kong's Education Bureau said all schools would shut on Thursday for transport and safety reasons.

Protesters are angry about what they see as police brutality and meddling by Beijing in the freedoms guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula put in place when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

China denies interfering and has blamed Western countries, including Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble.

"We just want to affect the Hong Kong economy to let the government know we are serious about our demands," said a 21- year-old student named Lee, who had spent the night making petrol <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/another-day-of-chaos-in-hong-kong-fires-lit-near-chinese-university-261697">bombs at City University</a>.

"Every day, everywhere, people are getting hurt."

There were chaotic scenes through the night at the prestigious Chinese University, with explosions, plumes of smoke, yelling and sustained firing of tear gas and rubber bullets during which scores were injured. Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said 81 people had been injured since Monday, with two in serious condition.

The youngest was 10 months old but the cause of the infant's injuries was not known.

Dozens of commuters scrambling to get to work tried to stop a rural metro station in the eastern part of the city from shutting after the metro operator, MTR Corp, announced it was stopping services there.

Several train lines, stations and bus routes were shut because of damaged facilities, the operator said, adding that its whole train network would shut by 10 p.m. (1400 GMT), more than two hours early.

"It is very painful to watch my city turn into this. Look at everyone, how angry they are," said Alexandra, a 42-year-old insurance executive who had been trying to get to work.

"We all want to return to normal, but how can the government do that if they don't listen to what Hong Kongers have been asking for," she said.

Police rammed barricades with buses to clear them outside Baptist University campus on the Kowloon peninsula. At least two people were arrested before police made a quick retreat.

Protesters later regrouped to build new roadblocks, reinforcing them with bricks dug up from the sidewalk.

"We are trying to tell the grown-ups that we can do something to stop the injustice and violence," a Baptist University student, who gave her name as Emily, told Reuters.

"Most of us are young and we are fighting for our future. This is our way of showing how much we care," she said.

Many banks and retail stores in bustling commercial areas shut on Wednesday, while Hong Kong's Jockey Club cancelled its evening races. Many recreational clubs said they were also shut for the day or planned to close early.

Hong Kong's stock market dropped 2 per cent&nbsp;to a three-week low in early trade, outpacing falls elsewhere in Asia. The drop came after the city's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, said protesters trying to paralyse the city were being "extremely selfish".

Chinese state media condemned the violence, with the China Daily newspaper saying young protesters were revelling in a "hormone-fuelled 'rebellion'".

"It is foolish and naive to believe that Hong Kong would be better off by eliminating all mainland factors. Particularly, since the mainland is the main source of fresh water, electricity and the largest supplier of food to the city," it said.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters paralysed parts of the Asian financial hub for a third day, with some transport links, schools and many businesses closing after an escalation of violence.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters paralysed parts of the Asian financial hub for a third day, with some transport links, schools and many businesses closing after an escalation of violence. Around 1,000 protesters blocked roads in the heart of the city's Central business district during the lunchtime rush hour. Wearing now-banned face masks and dressed in office wear, they marched and hurled bricks onto roads lined with some of the world's most expensive real estate and luxury flagship stores. Scores of riot police tried to disperse the crowds, grappling some people to the ground and beating others with batons near the city's stock exchange. Protesters and police had battled through the night at university campuses only hours after a senior police officer said on Tuesday the Chinese-ruled city had been pushed to the "brink of a total breakdown". Many campuses remained tense. Activists had blocked roads, torched several vehicles, hurled petrol bombs at a police station and smashed part of a major shopping mall in various districts the previous night. The flare-ups came after police shot an unarmed protester at close range on Monday and police said "rioters" doused a man with petrol and set him on fire in some of the worst violence since protests began more than five months ago. Police are still investigating. Protesters also planned demonstrations across the harbour from Central on the Kowloon peninsula and in the outlying New Territories, according to notices circulated on social media. The disruptions caused delays for thousands of commuters who queued at metro stations across the city early on Wednesday after some railway services were suspended and roads closed. Hong Kong's Education Bureau said all schools would shut on Thursday for transport and safety reasons. Protesters are angry about what they see as police brutality and meddling by Beijing in the freedoms guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula put in place when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering and has blamed Western countries, including Britain and the United States, for stirring up trouble. "We just want to affect the Hong Kong economy to let the government know we are serious about our demands," said a 21- year-old student named Lee, who had spent the night making petrol bombs at City University. "Every day, everywhere, people are getting hurt." There were chaotic scenes through the night at the prestigious Chinese University, with explosions, plumes of smoke, yelling and sustained firing of tear gas and rubber bullets during which scores were injured. Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said 81 people had been injured since Monday, with two in serious condition. The youngest was 10 months old but the cause of the infant's injuries was not known. Dozens of commuters scrambling to get to work tried to stop a rural metro station in the eastern part of the city from shutting after the metro operator, MTR Corp, announced it was stopping services there. Several train lines, stations and bus routes were shut because of damaged facilities, the operator said, adding that its whole train network would shut by 10 p.m. (1400 GMT), more than two hours early. "It is very painful to watch my city turn into this. Look at everyone, how angry they are," said Alexandra, a 42-year-old insurance executive who had been trying to get to work. "We all want to return to normal, but how can the government do that if they don't listen to what Hong Kongers have been asking for," she said. Police rammed barricades with buses to clear them outside Baptist University campus on the Kowloon peninsula. At least two people were arrested before police made a quick retreat. Protesters later regrouped to build new roadblocks, reinforcing them with bricks dug up from the sidewalk. "We are trying to tell the grown-ups that we can do something to stop the injustice and violence," a Baptist University student, who gave her name as Emily, told Reuters. "Most of us are young and we are fighting for our future. This is our way of showing how much we care," she said. Many banks and retail stores in bustling commercial areas shut on Wednesday, while Hong Kong's Jockey Club cancelled its evening races. Many recreational clubs said they were also shut for the day or planned to close early. Hong Kong's stock market dropped 2 per cent to a three-week low in early trade, outpacing falls elsewhere in Asia. The drop came after the city's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, said protesters trying to paralyse the city were being "extremely selfish". Chinese state media condemned the violence, with the China Daily newspaper saying young protesters were revelling in a "hormone-fuelled 'rebellion'". "It is foolish and naive to believe that Hong Kong would be better off by eliminating all mainland factors. Particularly, since the mainland is the main source of fresh water, electricity and the largest supplier of food to the city," it said.

Protesters block central Hong Kong streets as chaos grips city

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