Embattled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-extradition-bills-withdrawal-will-help-solve-crisis-in-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-247672">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam</a> has promised to prioritise housing and people’s livelihoods to appease deep-rooted discontent about the way the Asian financial hub has been governed, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-call-on-donald-trump-to-liberate-the-city-248366">protesters</a> gear up for fresh demonstrations.

Lam, who said she caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis and would quit if she had a choice, said in a Facebook post late on Thursday her government would increase the supply of housing with more policies to be announced.

While the spark for the protests that have rocked Hong Kong was a now-withdrawn extradition bill and concern Beijing was eroding civil liberties, many young protesters are also angry at sky-high living costs and a lack of future job prospects.

Hong Kong has some of the world's most expensive real estate and many young people say the city's housing policy is unfair, benefiting the rich, while forcing them to live with their parents or rent "shoe box" apartments at exorbitant prices.

Lam's comments come as activists plan the latest in a series of protests in the former British colony, which is grappling with its biggest political crisis in decades.

Watch: Is Hong Kong China's Berlin?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-hong-kong-chinas-berlin-248921/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The demonstrations started more than three months ago in response to an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts, but have broadened into calls for greater democracy.

On Friday, demonstrators are set to carry lanterns and form human chains on the scenic Victoria Peak, popular with mainland tour groups, and on Lion Rock, separating the New Territories from the Kowloon peninsula.

Sit-ins at shopping malls and another "stress test" of the airport are also planned over the weekend. The international airport has in recent weeks seen the blocking of access roads, street fires and vandalism of a nearby subway station.

Activists also plan to gather outside the British consulate on Sunday to demand that China honours the Sino-British Joint Declaration that was signed in 1984, laying out the former British colony's future after its handover to China in 1997.

China says Hong Kong is now its internal affair. Britain says it has a legal responsibility to ensure China abides by its obligations under the Joint Declaration.

Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system.

China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

Police have responded to violence with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, water cannon and baton charges, as well as firing several live shots in the air, prompting complaints of excessive force.

On Thursday Hong Kong's government rejected a warning from a Canadian think tank that the city's position as one of the world's freest economies is threatened by China's "heavy hand" as anti-government protesters gear up for fresh protests.

Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade as a result of the protests.

The Fraser Institute, an independent public policy research organisation, said Hong Kong was one of the most economically free jurisdictions in the world but "interference from China including the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests - severely threatens Hong Kong's rule of law."

Hong Kong's government said the comments were "entirely ungrounded and not borne out by objective facts", with human rights and freedom fully protected, according to a statement released late on Thursday. 
&nbsp;

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has promised to prioritise housing and people’s livelihoods to appease deep-rooted discontent about the way the Asian financial hub has been governed, as protesters gear up for fresh demonstrations.

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has promised to prioritise housing and people’s livelihoods to appease deep-rooted discontent about the way the Asian financial hub has been governed, as protesters gear up for fresh demonstrations. Lam, who said she caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis and would quit if she had a choice, said in a Facebook post late on Thursday her government would increase the supply of housing with more policies to be announced. While the spark for the protests that have rocked Hong Kong was a now-withdrawn extradition bill and concern Beijing was eroding civil liberties, many young protesters are also angry at sky-high living costs and a lack of future job prospects. Hong Kong has some of the world's most expensive real estate and many young people say the city's housing policy is unfair, benefiting the rich, while forcing them to live with their parents or rent "shoe box" apartments at exorbitant prices. Lam's comments come as activists plan the latest in a series of protests in the former British colony, which is grappling with its biggest political crisis in decades. Watch: Is Hong Kong China's Berlin? × The demonstrations started more than three months ago in response to an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts, but have broadened into calls for greater democracy. On Friday, demonstrators are set to carry lanterns and form human chains on the scenic Victoria Peak, popular with mainland tour groups, and on Lion Rock, separating the New Territories from the Kowloon peninsula. Sit-ins at shopping malls and another "stress test" of the airport are also planned over the weekend. The international airport has in recent weeks seen the blocking of access roads, street fires and vandalism of a nearby subway station. Activists also plan to gather outside the British consulate on Sunday to demand that China honours the Sino-British Joint Declaration that was signed in 1984, laying out the former British colony's future after its handover to China in 1997. China says Hong Kong is now its internal affair. Britain says it has a legal responsibility to ensure China abides by its obligations under the Joint Declaration. Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. Police have responded to violence with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, water cannon and baton charges, as well as firing several live shots in the air, prompting complaints of excessive force. On Thursday Hong Kong's government rejected a warning from a Canadian think tank that the city's position as one of the world's freest economies is threatened by China's "heavy hand" as anti-government protesters gear up for fresh protests. Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade as a result of the protests. The Fraser Institute, an independent public policy research organisation, said Hong Kong was one of the most economically free jurisdictions in the world but "interference from China including the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests - severely threatens Hong Kong's rule of law." Hong Kong's government said the comments were "entirely ungrounded and not borne out by objective facts", with human rights and freedom fully protected, according to a statement released late on Thursday.

Hong Kong leader to prioritise housing, livelihoods to appease protesters

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to China but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist Party rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone.

"Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page on Tuesday alongside a picture of the attacks on the twin towers in New York.

"The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires," it said.

The Facebook post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms".

The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the city's autonomy. 
China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

"We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," protester Michael, 24, said of the China Daily post.

"The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away," he said.

The protesters called off action on Wednesday.

"In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September&nbsp;11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement.

Protester Karen, 23, said the China Daily report was worrying.

“When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me. They are predicting rather than reporting," she said. "I think people calling it off today is a nice move.

The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran.

Several peaceful protests are planned for the coming days, combining with festivities marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to China but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist Party rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone. "Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page on Tuesday alongside a picture of the attacks on the twin towers in New York. "The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires," it said. The Facebook post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms". The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the city's autonomy. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. "We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," protester Michael, 24, said of the China Daily post. "The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away," he said. The protesters called off action on Wednesday. "In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement. Protester Karen, 23, said the China Daily report was worrying. “When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me. They are predicting rather than reporting," she said. "I think people calling it off today is a nice move. The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran. Several peaceful protests are planned for the coming days, combining with festivities marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong protesters hit pause to mark September 11 attacks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-hit-pause-to-mark-september-11-attacks-248978">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;activists</a> called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone.

"Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;on&nbsp;September&nbsp;11," the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page, alongside a picture of the hijacked airliner attacks on the twin towers in New York.

"The 9/11&nbsp;terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires."

The post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in their online chat rooms".

The former British colony of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the autonomy of the Asian financial hub.

China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

"We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," said one protester, Michael, 24, referring to the China Daily post.

"The state media doesn’t care about its credibility.

Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away."

The&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;called off action on Wednesday.

"In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement.

The China Daily report was worrying, said another protester, Karen, 23. "When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me," she said.

"They are predicting rather than reporting. I think people calling it off today is a nice move."

&nbsp;

FAMILY FRICTIONS

The chairwoman of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Federation of Women, Pansy Ho, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of Macau casino operator Stanley Ho, said she was worried about violent extremism.

"Children of all ages are indoctrinated with police hatred and anti-establishment beliefs at school and online mobilised to conduct massive school strikes," she told the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;was grappling with significant challenges.

"My fervent hope is that we can bridge our divide by upholding the one country, two systems principle, and the Basic Law, and through the concerted efforts of the government and the people of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," she told business leaders.

The Basic Law is&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's mini-constitution.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has become the biggest corporate casualty of the unrest after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the protests.

Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday inbound traffic to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in August fell 38 per cent&nbsp;and outbound traffic 12 per cent&nbsp;compared with a year earlier, and that it did not anticipate&nbsp;September&nbsp;to be any less difficult.

Joshua Wong, one of the prominent leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy movement which brought key streets in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;to a standstill for 79 days, said in Berlin that the fight for democracy was an uphill battle.

"I hope one day not only&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people, but also people in mainland China, can enjoy freedom and democracy," he said.

The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran.

Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone. "Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page, alongside a picture of the hijacked airliner attacks on the twin towers in New York. "The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires." The post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms". The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the autonomy of the Asian financial hub. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. "We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," said one protester, Michael, 24, referring to the China Daily post. "The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away." The protesters called off action on Wednesday. "In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement. The China Daily report was worrying, said another protester, Karen, 23. "When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me," she said. "They are predicting rather than reporting. I think people calling it off today is a nice move." FAMILY FRICTIONS The chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Women, Pansy Ho, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of Macau casino operator Stanley Ho, said she was worried about violent extremism. "Children of all ages are indoctrinated with police hatred and anti-establishment beliefs at school and online mobilised to conduct massive school strikes," she told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that Hong Kong was grappling with significant challenges. "My fervent hope is that we can bridge our divide by upholding the one country, two systems principle, and the Basic Law, and through the concerted efforts of the government and the people of Hong Kong," she told business leaders. The Basic Law is Hong Kong's mini-constitution. Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has become the biggest corporate casualty of the unrest after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the protests. Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday inbound traffic to Hong Kong in August fell 38 per cent and outbound traffic 12 per cent compared with a year earlier, and that it did not anticipate September to be any less difficult. Joshua Wong, one of the prominent leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy movement which brought key streets in Hong Kong to a standstill for 79 days, said in Berlin that the fight for democracy was an uphill battle. "I hope one day not only Hong Kong people, but also people in mainland China, can enjoy freedom and democracy," he said. The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran. Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong protesters hit pause in memory of September 11

Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam said that the escalation of protest won't solve the the issues with the public. This anger of reignite public over Extradition Bill.

Hong Kong Protests: Chief Carrie Lam warns U.S. over interference

Hong Kong Protests: Fresh protests expected outside a stadium having a football qualifying match. WION speaks to Patrick Fok, WION correspondent from Hong Kong for more on this.

WION Dispatch: Fresh protests expected outside a football stadium in Hong Kong

Hundreds of uniformed school students, many wearing masks, formed human chains in districts across Hong Kong on Monday in support of anti-government protesters after another weekend of clashes in the Chinese-ruled city.

Metro stations which had closed on Sunday amid sometimes violent confrontations reopened, although the mood in the Asian financial hub remained tense.

Early on Monday, before school started, rows of students and alumni joined hands chanting "Hong Kong people, add oil", a which has become a cry of encouragement for the protest movement.

"The school-based human chain is the strongest showcase of how this protest is deep-rooted in society, so deep-rooted that it enters through the school students," said Alan Leong, alumni of Wah Yan College in the city's Kowloon district.

Three months of protests over a now withdrawn extradition bill have evolved into a broader backlash against the government and greater calls for democracy.

Activists had started fires in the street and vandalised a metro station in the main business district of Central on Sunday after thousands rallied peacefully at the US consulate, calling for help in bringing democracy to the special administrative region.

The students brandished posters with the protesters' five demands for the government, they called on authorities to respond to the promises of freedom, human rights and rule of law. University students were also expected to join the human chain protests during the day on their campuses.

One of the five demands - to formally withdraw the extradition bill - was announced last week by the city government leader, Carrie Lam, but protesters are angry about her failure to call an independent inquiry into accusations of police brutality during demonstrations.

The protesters' other demands include the retraction of the word "riot" to describe demonstrations, the release of all those arrested and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders.

'Coral values'

Following the demonstration at the US consulate on Sunday, Hong Kong's government warned foreign lawmakers not to interfere in the internal affairs of the former British colony after thousands of protesters called on US President Donald Trump to "liberate" the city.

Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy.

China denies the accusation of meddling in the city's affairs and says Hong Kong is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests, accusing the United States and Britain of fomenting unrest, and warned of the damage to the economy.

Chinese state media on Monday said Hong Kong was an inseparable part of China and any form of secessionism "will be crushed".

The China Daily newspaper said Sunday's rally was proof foreign forces were behind the protests and warned demonstrators should "stop trying the patience of the central government".

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States was monitoring events in Hong Kong.

"The freedoms of expression and assembly are core values that we share with the people of Hong Kong, and those freedoms must be vigorously protected. As the president has said, ‘They’re looking for democracy and I think most people want democracy’,” the official said.

Hundreds of uniformed school students, many wearing masks, formed human chains in districts across Hong Kong on Monday in support of anti-government protesters after another weekend of clashes in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hundreds of uniformed school students, many wearing masks, formed human chains in districts across Hong Kong on Monday in support of anti-government protesters after another weekend of clashes in the Chinese-ruled city. Metro stations which had closed on Sunday amid sometimes violent confrontations reopened, although the mood in the Asian financial hub remained tense. Early on Monday, before school started, rows of students and alumni joined hands chanting "Hong Kong people, add oil", a which has become a cry of encouragement for the protest movement. "The school-based human chain is the strongest showcase of how this protest is deep-rooted in society, so deep-rooted that it enters through the school students," said Alan Leong, alumni of Wah Yan College in the city's Kowloon district. Three months of protests over a now withdrawn extradition bill have evolved into a broader backlash against the government and greater calls for democracy. Activists had started fires in the street and vandalised a metro station in the main business district of Central on Sunday after thousands rallied peacefully at the US consulate, calling for help in bringing democracy to the special administrative region. The students brandished posters with the protesters' five demands for the government, they called on authorities to respond to the promises of freedom, human rights and rule of law. University students were also expected to join the human chain protests during the day on their campuses. One of the five demands - to formally withdraw the extradition bill - was announced last week by the city government leader, Carrie Lam, but protesters are angry about her failure to call an independent inquiry into accusations of police brutality during demonstrations. The protesters' other demands include the retraction of the word "riot" to describe demonstrations, the release of all those arrested and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders. 'Coral values' Following the demonstration at the US consulate on Sunday, Hong Kong's government warned foreign lawmakers not to interfere in the internal affairs of the former British colony after thousands of protesters called on US President Donald Trump to "liberate" the city. Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy. China denies the accusation of meddling in the city's affairs and says Hong Kong is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests, accusing the United States and Britain of fomenting unrest, and warned of the damage to the economy. Chinese state media on Monday said Hong Kong was an inseparable part of China and any form of secessionism "will be crushed". The China Daily newspaper said Sunday's rally was proof foreign forces were behind the protests and warned demonstrators should "stop trying the patience of the central government". A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States was monitoring events in Hong Kong. "The freedoms of expression and assembly are core values that we share with the people of Hong Kong, and those freedoms must be vigorously protected. As the president has said, ‘They’re looking for democracy and I think most people want democracy’,” the official said.

Hong Kong school students form human chain after weekend of protests

Riot police fanned out across Hong Kong on Saturday in a bid to thwart plans by pro-democracy protesters to target the airport in the movement's first mass mobilisation since the city's leader made a surprise concession earlier this week.

Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong Kong's streets for the past three months in the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city's handover from Britain in 1997.

On Wednesday, the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam surprised many by announcing she was scrapping a hugely unpopular extradition law that sparked the widespread and sometimes violent rallies.

The withdrawal was one of the protesters' key demands and both she and Beijing had previously refused to budge on the issue.

Lam, who was not directly elected but appointed by an overwhelmingly Beijing-friendly committee, portrayed the move as a bid to de-escalate tensions and start a dialogue.&nbsp;

But it has been widely dismissed by protesters as too little, too late after 14 weeks of clashes with more than 1,100 arrests and many facing lengthy jail sentences.

Online messaging forums used by the largely leaderless movement had called for protesters to "stress test" the airport on Saturday afternoon, filling up with suggestions for how to disrupt the road and rail links leading to the terminals.

Police maintained a heavy presence at key bus, ferry and rail terminals across the city, many already dressed in riot gear and searching mostly young people's bags or checking their IDs.

Some train and bus services to the airport were running a more restricted service in a bid to reduce the likelihood of large numbers of protesters getting to the airport, while officials advised travellers to leave extra time to catch flights.&nbsp;

At the airport on Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere was calm but passengers had to queue to have bags searched and boarding passes checked before being allowed to enter.&nbsp;

An AFP reporter saw one young man be detained and taken away.&nbsp;

Travel chaos

In recent weeks, the airport -- the world's eighth busiest -- has become a repeated target of pro-democracy protesters as they try to ramp up pressure on Beijing and city leaders by denting Hong Kong's reputation as a stable business hub.

But the tactic is controversial because of the travel misery it causes -- and the fact that the target is not the state but ordinary people.

Last month hundreds of flights were cancelled over two days when huge crowds of protesters staged a sit-in at the airport, with ugly scenes playing out as two men suspected of being Chinese spies were beaten.

Previous protests at the airport had been non-disruptive and peaceful, aimed at enlightening travellers about the movement's goals.&nbsp;

Since the violent scenes, security has been ramped up around the sprawling hub -- which lies on reclaimed land west of the main city -- and access to the terminals has been restricted to those with boarding passes.

But last Sunday protesters returned to the airport and showed they could still wreak havoc.

Operators of the express train that links the airport and the city suspended services after the station was besieged and objects were thrown onto the rail line.&nbsp;

Black-clad protesters also built barricades at the bus terminus and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to the facility.

Stranded travellers were forced to abandon their vehicles and drag their luggage along the airport road for many kilometres.

Protesters have said their movement will only end when other key demands are met such as an amnesty for those arrested, an independent inquiry into police use of force and the granting of fully free elections, all of which Lam and Beijing have rejected.

At a peaceful rally on Friday night in the city's commercial district, many protesters said they planned to continue hitting the streets.

"It's too late now. In these three months, a lot of people have sacrificed themselves and been arrested," said a retiree who gave his surname as Cheng, bursting into tears as he spoke.

The same night, tear gas was fired at small groups of more hardline protesters who were shining laser pens at a police station in the district of Mongkok, an area that has seen repeated clashes.&nbsp;

They later built barricades and vandalised a nearby subway station.&nbsp;

Riot police fanned out across Hong Kong on Saturday in a bid to thwart plans by pro-democracy protesters to target the airport in the movement's first mass mobilisation since the city's leader made a surprise concession earlier this week.

Riot police fanned out across Hong Kong on Saturday in a bid to thwart plans by pro-democracy protesters to target the airport in the movement's first mass mobilisation since the city's leader made a surprise concession earlier this week. Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong Kong's streets for the past three months in the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city's handover from Britain in 1997. On Wednesday, the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam surprised many by announcing she was scrapping a hugely unpopular extradition law that sparked the widespread and sometimes violent rallies. The withdrawal was one of the protesters' key demands and both she and Beijing had previously refused to budge on the issue. Lam, who was not directly elected but appointed by an overwhelmingly Beijing-friendly committee, portrayed the move as a bid to de-escalate tensions and start a dialogue. But it has been widely dismissed by protesters as too little, too late after 14 weeks of clashes with more than 1,100 arrests and many facing lengthy jail sentences. Online messaging forums used by the largely leaderless movement had called for protesters to "stress test" the airport on Saturday afternoon, filling up with suggestions for how to disrupt the road and rail links leading to the terminals. Police maintained a heavy presence at key bus, ferry and rail terminals across the city, many already dressed in riot gear and searching mostly young people's bags or checking their IDs. Some train and bus services to the airport were running a more restricted service in a bid to reduce the likelihood of large numbers of protesters getting to the airport, while officials advised travellers to leave extra time to catch flights. At the airport on Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere was calm but passengers had to queue to have bags searched and boarding passes checked before being allowed to enter. An AFP reporter saw one young man be detained and taken away. Travel chaos In recent weeks, the airport -- the world's eighth busiest -- has become a repeated target of pro-democracy protesters as they try to ramp up pressure on Beijing and city leaders by denting Hong Kong's reputation as a stable business hub. But the tactic is controversial because of the travel misery it causes -- and the fact that the target is not the state but ordinary people. Last month hundreds of flights were cancelled over two days when huge crowds of protesters staged a sit-in at the airport, with ugly scenes playing out as two men suspected of being Chinese spies were beaten. Previous protests at the airport had been non-disruptive and peaceful, aimed at enlightening travellers about the movement's goals. Since the violent scenes, security has been ramped up around the sprawling hub -- which lies on reclaimed land west of the main city -- and access to the terminals has been restricted to those with boarding passes. But last Sunday protesters returned to the airport and showed they could still wreak havoc. Operators of the express train that links the airport and the city suspended services after the station was besieged and objects were thrown onto the rail line. Black-clad protesters also built barricades at the bus terminus and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to the facility. Stranded travellers were forced to abandon their vehicles and drag their luggage along the airport road for many kilometres. Protesters have said their movement will only end when other key demands are met such as an amnesty for those arrested, an independent inquiry into police use of force and the granting of fully free elections, all of which Lam and Beijing have rejected. At a peaceful rally on Friday night in the city's commercial district, many protesters said they planned to continue hitting the streets. "It's too late now. In these three months, a lot of people have sacrificed themselves and been arrested," said a retiree who gave his surname as Cheng, bursting into tears as he spoke. The same night, tear gas was fired at small groups of more hardline protesters who were shining laser pens at a police station in the district of Mongkok, an area that has seen repeated clashes. They later built barricades and vandalised a nearby subway station.

Riot police deployed as Hong Kong protesters target airport

Hong Kong protesters plan to block one of the world's busiest airports on Saturday after a night of violence in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-in-beijing-says-hong-kong-freedoms-must-be-guaranteed-248048">police used tear gas and rubber bullets</a> to break up crowds, the latest clashes in 14 weeks of unrest in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hundreds of demonstrators, many masked and dressed in black, attacked metro stations on Kowloon peninsula on Friday night, targeted because of televised scenes of police beating protesters on a metro train on Aug. 31 as they cowered on the floor.

Activists tore down signs, broke turnstiles, set fires on the street and daubed graffiti on the walls on Friday.

"The behaviour was outrageous," the government said in a statement.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced concessions this week to try to end the protests, including formally scrapping a hugely unpopular extradition bill, but many said they were too little, too late.

The bill would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, despite Hong Kong having an independent judiciary dating back to British colonial rule.

Watch: Exposing China's lies on Hong Kong

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-exposing-chinas-lies-on-hong-kong-248101/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But the demonstrations, which began in June, have long since broadened into calls for more democracy and many protesters have pledged to fight on.

Demonstrations have at times paralysed parts of the city, a major Asian financial hub, amid running street battles between protesters and police who have responded with tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon. Violent arrests of protesters have drawn international attention.

Saturday's planned demonstrations include yet another "stress test" of the airport aiming to disrupt transport links to Chek Lap Kok, built in the dying days of British rule on reclaimed land around a tiny island of the same name and reached by a series of gleaming bridges.

The airport announced that only passengers with tickets would be allowed to use the Airport Express train service on Saturday, boarding in downtown Hong Kong. The train would not stop en route, on the Kowloon peninsula. Bus services could also be hit, it said.

The measures are aimed at avoiding the chaos of last weekend, when protesters blocked airport approach roads, threw debris on the train track and trashed the MTR subway station in the nearby new town of Tung Chung in running clashes with police.

Protesters also occupied the arrival hall last month, halting and delaying flights, amid a series of clashes with police.

Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy.

China denies the accusation of meddling and says Hong Kong is its internal affair. It has denounced the protests, warning of the damage to the economy and the possible use of force to quell the unrest.

In addition to calling for a withdrawal of the extradition bill and the release of those arrested for violence, protesters want an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality, retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders.

The protests have presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with his greatest popular challenge since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong protesters plan to block one of the world's busiest airports on Saturday after a night of violence in which police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up crowds, the latest clashes in 14 weeks of unrest in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong protesters plan to block one of the world's busiest airports on Saturday after a night of violence in which police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up crowds, the latest clashes in 14 weeks of unrest in the Chinese-ruled city. Hundreds of demonstrators, many masked and dressed in black, attacked metro stations on Kowloon peninsula on Friday night, targeted because of televised scenes of police beating protesters on a metro train on Aug. 31 as they cowered on the floor. Activists tore down signs, broke turnstiles, set fires on the street and daubed graffiti on the walls on Friday. "The behaviour was outrageous," the government said in a statement. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced concessions this week to try to end the protests, including formally scrapping a hugely unpopular extradition bill, but many said they were too little, too late. The bill would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, despite Hong Kong having an independent judiciary dating back to British colonial rule. Watch: Exposing China's lies on Hong Kong × But the demonstrations, which began in June, have long since broadened into calls for more democracy and many protesters have pledged to fight on. Demonstrations have at times paralysed parts of the city, a major Asian financial hub, amid running street battles between protesters and police who have responded with tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon. Violent arrests of protesters have drawn international attention. Saturday's planned demonstrations include yet another "stress test" of the airport aiming to disrupt transport links to Chek Lap Kok, built in the dying days of British rule on reclaimed land around a tiny island of the same name and reached by a series of gleaming bridges. The airport announced that only passengers with tickets would be allowed to use the Airport Express train service on Saturday, boarding in downtown Hong Kong. The train would not stop en route, on the Kowloon peninsula. Bus services could also be hit, it said. The measures are aimed at avoiding the chaos of last weekend, when protesters blocked airport approach roads, threw debris on the train track and trashed the MTR subway station in the nearby new town of Tung Chung in running clashes with police. Protesters also occupied the arrival hall last month, halting and delaying flights, amid a series of clashes with police. Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy. China denies the accusation of meddling and says Hong Kong is its internal affair. It has denounced the protests, warning of the damage to the economy and the possible use of force to quell the unrest. In addition to calling for a withdrawal of the extradition bill and the release of those arrested for violence, protesters want an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality, retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders. The protests have presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with his greatest popular challenge since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong protests to target airport after night of violence

Hong Kong is bracing for its latest weekend of unrest, despite the government announcing Wednesday that it will officially withdraw the extradition bill that kicked off the summer of dissent.

Fresh demonstrations hits Hong Kong; Protestors planning to block airport

Hong Kong is bracing for more demonstrations this weekend, with protesters threatening to disrupt transport links to the airport as embattled leader Carrie Lam's <a href="The Airport Authority, in an advert in the South China Morning Post newspaper on Friday, urged protesters &quot;not to disrupt the journey of tens of thousands of travellers who use the airport every day&quot;.">withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill</a> fails to appease some activists.

Protesters plan to block traffic to the city's international airport on Saturday, a week after thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/protests-trade-war-push-hk-aug-business-activity-to-lowest-since-feb-2009-report-247491">demonstrators disrupted transport links</a>, which saw some of the worst violence since the unrest escalated three months ago.

The Airport Authority, in an advert in the South China Morning Post newspaper on Friday, urged protesters "not to disrupt the journey of tens of thousands of travellers who use the airport every day".

In a pre-recorded televised address on Wednesday, Lam said the extradition bill had been withdrawn, conceding to one of the protesters' five demands, although many said the move was too little, too late.

Watch: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters -&nbsp;extradition bill withdrawn

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fashion-brand-zara-seeks-to-distance-itself-from-hong-kong-controversy-247638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party, triggered mass protests that have now evolved into a broader backlash against the Hong Kong government and its political masters in Beijing.

The massive and some times violent protests present Chinese President Xi Jinping with his greatest popular challenge since he came to power in 2012.

Many protesters remain angry over Lam's refusal to grant an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality against protesters. Police have fired tear gas and bean bag rounds at protesters, who in turn have thrown petrol bombs and bricks at police in running battles across the Asian financial hub.

The protesters' three other demands are, retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, the release of all demonstrators arrested and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders.

Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding the autonomy granted to the former British colony when it was handed back to China in 1997.

China denies the charge of meddling and says Hong Kong is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests and warned of the damage to the economy and the possible use of force to quell the unrest. Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade.

Legislation addressing China's actions in Hong Kong will be among the top priorities pushed by US Senate Democrats when Congress returns to work after a recess next week, their leader said on Thursday.

Hong Kong is bracing for more demonstrations this weekend, with protesters threatening to disrupt transport links to the airport as embattled leader Carrie Lam's withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill fails to appease some activists.

Hong Kong is bracing for more demonstrations this weekend, with protesters threatening to disrupt transport links to the airport as embattled leader Carrie Lam's withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill fails to appease some activists. Protesters plan to block traffic to the city's international airport on Saturday, a week after thousands of demonstrators disrupted transport links, which saw some of the worst violence since the unrest escalated three months ago. The Airport Authority, in an advert in the South China Morning Post newspaper on Friday, urged protesters "not to disrupt the journey of tens of thousands of travellers who use the airport every day". In a pre-recorded televised address on Wednesday, Lam said the extradition bill had been withdrawn, conceding to one of the protesters' five demands, although many said the move was too little, too late. Watch: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters - extradition bill withdrawn × The extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party, triggered mass protests that have now evolved into a broader backlash against the Hong Kong government and its political masters in Beijing. The massive and some times violent protests present Chinese President Xi Jinping with his greatest popular challenge since he came to power in 2012. Many protesters remain angry over Lam's refusal to grant an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality against protesters. Police have fired tear gas and bean bag rounds at protesters, who in turn have thrown petrol bombs and bricks at police in running battles across the Asian financial hub. The protesters' three other demands are, retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, the release of all demonstrators arrested and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding the autonomy granted to the former British colony when it was handed back to China in 1997. China denies the charge of meddling and says Hong Kong is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests and warned of the damage to the economy and the possible use of force to quell the unrest. Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade. Legislation addressing China's actions in Hong Kong will be among the top priorities pushed by US Senate Democrats when Congress returns to work after a recess next week, their leader said on Thursday.

Hong Kong braces for weekend protests as leader fails to appease activists

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Friday, measures put forward by the government this week to solve the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-weekend-protests-as-leader-fails-to-appease-activists-247879">city's political turmoil</a> are a first step, but will not solve the crisis immediately.

Lam withdrew a controversial extradition bill this week as part of four measures aimed at appeasing activists, but many people said it was too little, too late.

The Beijing-backed leader, speaking during a trip to Guangxi region in mainland China, also said she disagreed with credit rating agency Fitch Ratings' downgrade of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is bracing for more demonstrations this weekend, with protesters threatening to disrupt transport links to the airport as embattled Lam's withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill fails to appease some activists.

Protesters plan to block traffic to the city's international airport on Saturday, a week after thousands of demonstrators disrupted transport links, which saw some of the worst violence since the unrest escalated three months ago.

The Airport Authority, in an advert in the South China Morning Post newspaper on Friday, urged protesters "not to disrupt the journey of tens of thousands of travellers who use the airport every day".

In a pre-recorded televised address on Wednesday, Lam said the extradition bill had been withdrawn, conceding to one of the protesters' five demands, although many said the move was too little, too late.

The extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party, triggered mass protests that have now evolved into a broader backlash against the Hong Kong government and its political masters in Beijing.

The massive and some times violent protests present Chinese President Xi Jinping with his greatest popular challenge since he came to power in 2012.

Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding the autonomy granted to the former British colony when it was handed back to China in 1997.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Friday, measures put forward by the government this week to solve the city's political turmoil are a first step, but will not solve the crisis immediately.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Friday, measures put forward by the government this week to solve the city's political turmoil are a first step, but will not solve the crisis immediately. Lam withdrew a controversial extradition bill this week as part of four measures aimed at appeasing activists, but many people said it was too little, too late. The Beijing-backed leader, speaking during a trip to Guangxi region in mainland China, also said she disagreed with credit rating agency Fitch Ratings' downgrade of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is bracing for more demonstrations this weekend, with protesters threatening to disrupt transport links to the airport as embattled Lam's withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill fails to appease some activists. Protesters plan to block traffic to the city's international airport on Saturday, a week after thousands of demonstrators disrupted transport links, which saw some of the worst violence since the unrest escalated three months ago. The Airport Authority, in an advert in the South China Morning Post newspaper on Friday, urged protesters "not to disrupt the journey of tens of thousands of travellers who use the airport every day". In a pre-recorded televised address on Wednesday, Lam said the extradition bill had been withdrawn, conceding to one of the protesters' five demands, although many said the move was too little, too late. The extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party, triggered mass protests that have now evolved into a broader backlash against the Hong Kong government and its political masters in Beijing. The massive and some times violent protests present Chinese President Xi Jinping with his greatest popular challenge since he came to power in 2012. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding the autonomy granted to the former British colony when it was handed back to China in 1997.

Hong Kong leader says measures announced this week are a 'first step'

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday that China "understands, respects and supports" her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-announces-withdrawal-of-extradition-bill-report-247563">government's move to formally withdraw</a> an extradition bill, part of measures she hoped would help the city "move forward" from months of unrest.

In a press conference, Lam was repeatedly questioned on why it took her so long to withdraw the bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China despite increasingly violent protests, but she skirted the questions.

"It is not exactly correct to describe this as a change of mind,"&nbsp;she said.

She added that this full withdrawal of the bill was a decision made by her government with Beijing's backing.

"Throughout the whole process, the Central People's Government took the position that they understood why we have to do it. They respect my view, and they support me all the way," said Lam, dressed in white and looking less tense than a televised appearance the day before.

Watch: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters: Extradition bill withdrawn

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-big-victory-for-hong-kongs-protesters-extradition-bill-withdrawn-247643/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She withdrew the bill, which has plunged the Chinese-ruled territory into its worst political crisis in decades, on Wednesday.

She also announced other measures including opening a platform for dialogue with society to try to address other deep-rooted economic, social and political problems that she said were contributing to the current impasse.

“We must find ways to address the discontent in society and look for solutions,” she said.

The withdrawal was one of the pro-democracy protesters' five demands, although many demonstrators and lawmakers said the move was too little, too late.

The four other demands are,&nbsp;retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, release of all demonstrators, an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders.

The official China Daily said on Thursday that the withdrawal of the bill was an olive branch that leaves demonstrators with no excuse to continue violence.

The announcement came after Reuters reports on Friday and Monday revealed that Beijing had thwarted Lam’s earlier proposals to withdraw the bill and that she had said privately that she would resign if she could, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters.

Lam leaves for China's Guangxi province on Thursday afternoon.

Skirmishes broke out in some districts including Po Lam late on Wednesday after Lam's announcement, which came after a weekend of some of the most violent protests the city has seen in the past three months.

Police said a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at a luxury property in Kowloon district in the early hours of Thursday and the suspects fled on a motorbike. Local newspaper Apple Daily said the house belonged to Jimmy Lai, the newspaper's owner, who was in the property at the time. Pro-democracy publishing tycoon Lai is an outspoken critic of Beijing.

The bill was seen as the latest example of what many residents see as ever-tighter control by Beijing, despite the promise of autonomy.

The former British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" administration which gave the city of more than 7 million people more freedoms than mainland cities, such as an independent judiciary.

China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and accuses Western countries of fuelling the protests.

Images of some of the fiercest clashes have been beamed live on television screens across the world, sending jitters across the international business community and leading to a large drop in tourism.

The Hong Kong government took out a full-page advert in the Australian Financial Review on Thursday saying it is "determined to achieve a peaceful, rational and reasonable resolution" and is resolutely committed to "one country, two systems”.

It ends the advert by saying: “We will no doubt bounce back. We always do.”

More than 1,100 people have been arrested since the violence escalated in June and Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade.

China has strongly denounced the violence and warned it could use force to restore order.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday that China "understands, respects and supports" her government's move to formally withdraw an extradition bill, part of measures she hoped would help the city "move forward" from months of unrest.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Thursday that China "understands, respects and supports" her government's move to formally withdraw an extradition bill, part of measures she hoped would help the city "move forward" from months of unrest. In a press conference, Lam was repeatedly questioned on why it took her so long to withdraw the bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China despite increasingly violent protests, but she skirted the questions. "It is not exactly correct to describe this as a change of mind," she said. She added that this full withdrawal of the bill was a decision made by her government with Beijing's backing. "Throughout the whole process, the Central People's Government took the position that they understood why we have to do it. They respect my view, and they support me all the way," said Lam, dressed in white and looking less tense than a televised appearance the day before. Watch: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters: Extradition bill withdrawn × She withdrew the bill, which has plunged the Chinese-ruled territory into its worst political crisis in decades, on Wednesday. She also announced other measures including opening a platform for dialogue with society to try to address other deep-rooted economic, social and political problems that she said were contributing to the current impasse. “We must find ways to address the discontent in society and look for solutions,” she said. The withdrawal was one of the pro-democracy protesters' five demands, although many demonstrators and lawmakers said the move was too little, too late. The four other demands are, retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, release of all demonstrators, an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality and the right for Hong Kong people to choose their own leaders. The official China Daily said on Thursday that the withdrawal of the bill was an olive branch that leaves demonstrators with no excuse to continue violence. The announcement came after Reuters reports on Friday and Monday revealed that Beijing had thwarted Lam’s earlier proposals to withdraw the bill and that she had said privately that she would resign if she could, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters. Lam leaves for China's Guangxi province on Thursday afternoon. Skirmishes broke out in some districts including Po Lam late on Wednesday after Lam's announcement, which came after a weekend of some of the most violent protests the city has seen in the past three months. Police said a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at a luxury property in Kowloon district in the early hours of Thursday and the suspects fled on a motorbike. Local newspaper Apple Daily said the house belonged to Jimmy Lai, the newspaper's owner, who was in the property at the time. Pro-democracy publishing tycoon Lai is an outspoken critic of Beijing. The bill was seen as the latest example of what many residents see as ever-tighter control by Beijing, despite the promise of autonomy. The former British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" administration which gave the city of more than 7 million people more freedoms than mainland cities, such as an independent judiciary. China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and accuses Western countries of fuelling the protests. Images of some of the fiercest clashes have been beamed live on television screens across the world, sending jitters across the international business community and leading to a large drop in tourism. The Hong Kong government took out a full-page advert in the Australian Financial Review on Thursday saying it is "determined to achieve a peaceful, rational and reasonable resolution" and is resolutely committed to "one country, two systems”. It ends the advert by saying: “We will no doubt bounce back. We always do.” More than 1,100 people have been arrested since the violence escalated in June and Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade. China has strongly denounced the violence and warned it could use force to restore order.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says China backs her 'all the way'

Pro-Democracy Protesters Of Hong Kong Force China To Give In. Extradition Bill Has Been Withdrawn. This is unprecedented. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam has withdrawn the controversial extradition bill in a huge victory for the peaceful protesters. They have forced the authoritarian communist regime in Beijing to give in. But the protesters are not done yet. Pro-democracy protesters have the momentum and they want the Hong Kong government to meet their five demands. Palki summarises the huge development from Hong Kong.

Gravitas: Big victory for Hong Kong's protesters: Extradition bill withdrawn

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam addressed media a day after the formal declaration of withdrawal of controversial extradition bill that sparked months of anti-government protests.

Carrie Lam addresses media a day after withdrawal of extradition bill

How important is Hong Kong to the rest of China?

Asian shares extended gains on Thursday and US stock futures jumped after China said it will hold trade talks with the United States in early October, raising hopes they can de-escalate their trade war before it inflicts further damage on the global economy.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.8%, while the Shanghai composite index surged 1.8%. Japan's Nikkei added 2.4%.

US stock futures reversed early losses and rose 1%.

The Chinese yuan jumped versus the dollar in offshore trade, while safe-haven assets such as gold and the yen fell.

China's confirmation of trade talks added to upbeat geopolitical news overnight. A parliamentary vote in Britain put the brakes on the nation's no-deal exit from the European Union, Hong Kong withdrew a contentious extradition bill that sparked recent protests and political turmoil in Italy appeared to be easing.

China's Commerce Ministry said its trade team will consult with their US counterparts in mid-September&nbsp;in preparation for negotiations in early October, hinting at progress in reducing trade friction.

Both sides had agreed to take actual actions to create favourable conditions, the ministry added, without giving more details.

"Since yesterday, there has been a limited downside in markets because of what happened in Hong Kong, but now the US-China talks are the story," said Masayuki Kichikawa, chief macro strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management Co in Tokyo.

"It's the same about Brexit, which means less downside risk."

Hong Kong shares erased early losses to rise 0.5%. They had jumped in afternoon trade on Wednesday after leader Carrie Lam said she was withdrawing an extradition bill that had triggered months of often violent protests in the Asian financial hub.

In currency markets, sterling held onto gains against the dollar in Asia after rallying the most in more than five months on Wednesday after lawmakers voted to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal on Oct. 31.

But, more than three years since the United Kingdom voted narrowly to leave the EU, the outcome of Brexit is still unclear, with possible outcomes ranging from a crash out of the EU to abandoning the whole endeavour.

Against the offshore yuan, the dollar fell 0.2% to 7.1324 yuan.

US Treasury yields extended gains in Asia and the yield curve steepened, both signs that investors were willing to take on riskier assets.

The 10-year yield rose to 1.4758%, while two-year yields rose to 1.4519%.

The spread between two- and 10-year Treasury yields, the most commonly used measure of the yield curve, rose to its highest since Aug&nbsp;21 on Wednesday but narrowed slightly in Asian trade.

The curve inverted on Aug 14 for the first time since 2007 when long-term yields traded below short-term yields, which is a widely accepted indicator of the coming recession.

US West Texas Intermediate crude also reversed losses to trade up 0.2%.

Asian shares extended gains on Thursday and US stock futures jumped after China said it will hold trade talks with the United States in early October, raising hopes they can de-escalate their trade war before it inflicts further damage on the global economy.

Asian shares extended gains on Thursday and US stock futures jumped after China said it will hold trade talks with the United States in early October, raising hopes they can de-escalate their trade war before it inflicts further damage on the global economy. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.8%, while the Shanghai composite index surged 1.8%. Japan's Nikkei added 2.4%. US stock futures reversed early losses and rose 1%. The Chinese yuan jumped versus the dollar in offshore trade, while safe-haven assets such as gold and the yen fell. China's confirmation of trade talks added to upbeat geopolitical news overnight. A parliamentary vote in Britain put the brakes on the nation's no-deal exit from the European Union, Hong Kong withdrew a contentious extradition bill that sparked recent protests and political turmoil in Italy appeared to be easing. China's Commerce Ministry said its trade team will consult with their US counterparts in mid-September in preparation for negotiations in early October, hinting at progress in reducing trade friction. Both sides had agreed to take actual actions to create favourable conditions, the ministry added, without giving more details. "Since yesterday, there has been a limited downside in markets because of what happened in Hong Kong, but now the US-China talks are the story," said Masayuki Kichikawa, chief macro strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management Co in Tokyo. "It's the same about Brexit, which means less downside risk." Hong Kong shares erased early losses to rise 0.5%. They had jumped in afternoon trade on Wednesday after leader Carrie Lam said she was withdrawing an extradition bill that had triggered months of often violent protests in the Asian financial hub. In currency markets, sterling held onto gains against the dollar in Asia after rallying the most in more than five months on Wednesday after lawmakers voted to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the European Union without a deal on Oct. 31. But, more than three years since the United Kingdom voted narrowly to leave the EU, the outcome of Brexit is still unclear, with possible outcomes ranging from a crash out of the EU to abandoning the whole endeavour. Against the offshore yuan, the dollar fell 0.2% to 7.1324 yuan. US Treasury yields extended gains in Asia and the yield curve steepened, both signs that investors were willing to take on riskier assets. The 10-year yield rose to 1.4758%, while two-year yields rose to 1.4519%. The spread between two- and 10-year Treasury yields, the most commonly used measure of the yield curve, rose to its highest since Aug 21 on Wednesday but narrowed slightly in Asian trade. The curve inverted on Aug 14 for the first time since 2007 when long-term yields traded below short-term yields, which is a widely accepted indicator of the coming recession. US West Texas Intermediate crude also reversed losses to trade up 0.2%.

Confirmation of US: China trade talks buoys global shares, investor spirit

The Ongoing Protests In Hong Kong Is Likely To Be China's Achilles Heel At The UNGA Meeting

Gravitas: Time for India to call out China's Police Brutality in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will announce on Wednesday the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered months of unrest and has thrown the Chinese-controlled city into its worst crisis in decades.

Historic Hong Kong protests bring results

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has announced that the controversial extradition bill that sparked months of anti-government protests will be withdrawn.

Hong Kong's Lam declares formal withdrawal of extradition bill

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered months of unrest and threw the Chinese-ruled city into its worst crisis in decades, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered months of unrest and threw the Chinese-ruled city into its worst crisis in decades, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The announcement, in an internal meeting with pro- establishment lawmakers and Hong Kong delegates of China's National People's Congress, came just two days after Reuters revealed that Lam told business leaders last week she had caused "unforgivable havoc" by introducing the bill. If she had a choice she would apologise and resign, according to a leaked audio recording.. The protests against the bill in the former British colony began in March but snowballed in June and have since evolved into a push for greater democracy. The bill would have allowed extraditions to mainland China where courts are controlled by the Communist Party, It was not immediately clear if the bill's withdrawal would help end the unrest. The immediate reaction appeared sceptical and the real test will be how many people take to the streets. Many are furious at perceived police brutality and the number of arrests - 1,183 at the latest count - and want an independent inquiry. "This won't appease the protesters," said Boris Chen, 37 who works in financial services. "In any kind of time, people will find something they can get angry about." Pearl, 69, said the protests were no longer about the bill. "Some of those guys may change their minds, maybe, but just a minority," she said of the protesters. "Some of them just want to create trouble and they will continue to do so." "Too little, too late," said Joshua Wong, a leader of the 2014 pro-democracy protests which were the precursor to the current unrest, on his Facebook page. At the closed-door meeting of business leaders last week, Lam said she now had "very limited" room to resolve the crisis because the unrest had become a national security and sovereignty issue for China amid rising tensions with the United States. Lam's remarks are consistent with a Reuters report published on Friday that revealed how leaders in Beijing were effectively calling the shots on handling the crisis. The chief executive's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill's withdrawal. Nor did China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index jumped after the report of the bill's imminent withdrawal, trading up about 4%. The property index also jumped. The withdrawal was one of the protesters' key demands. Lam has said before that the bill was "dead" but she did not withdraw it. The other demands are: the retraction of the word "riot" to describe rallies, the release of all arrested demonstrators, an independent inquiry into the police perceived brutality and the right for Hong Kong people to democratically choose their own leaders. Michael Tien, a member of Hong Kong’s legislature and a deputy to China’s national parliament, said the government should withdraw the bill and that he would support an inquiry commission. "If the government mentioned (a withdrawal) in June it would have stopped already," he told reporters, referring to the protests. China's warnings Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that allows it to keep freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, like the freedom to protest and an independent legal system, hence the anger at the extradition bill and perceived creeping influence by Beijing. The Chinese government rejected a recent proposal by Lam to defuse the conflict that included withdrawing the bill altogether, three people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Asked about that report, China's foreign ministry said the central government "supports, respects and understands" Lam's decision to suspend the bill. The Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid published by the Communist Party's official People's Daily, denounced it as "fake". China has regularly denounced the protests and warned about the impact on Hong Kong's economy China denies it is meddling in Hong Kong's affairs but warned again on Tuesday that it would not sit idly by if the unrest threatened Chinese security and sovereignty. It has also expressed concern about the damage to the city's economy, which is on the verge of a recession. Cathay Pacific Airways has been one of the biggest corporate casualties. China’s aviation regulator demanded it suspend staff from flying over its airspace if they were involved in, or supported, the demonstrations. The airline has laid off at least 20 including pilots and cabin crew. The airline on Wednesday announced the resignation of chairman John Slosar, following the departure of CEO Rupert Hogg last month. The unrest has shown no sign of easing. Riot police fired beanbag guns and used pepper spray - both anti-riot weapons - to clear demonstrators from outside the Mong Kok police station and in Prince Edward metro station, with one man taken out on a stretcher with an oxygen mask over his face, television footage showed. Videos showing the man being apprehended by the police in the station have been widely shared on social media with protest groups and activists saying it is evidence of the police brutality they say is widespread and needs to be investigated. The police, who have repeatedly denied using excessive force, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hong Kong police are due to hold a news conference at 4 p.m. (0800 GMT). Three men, aged between 21 and 42, were taken to Kwong Wa Hospital late on Tuesday, a hospital authority spokeswoman said. Two, including the man stretchered out of Prince Edward station, were in a stable condition and one had been discharged, she said.

Hong Kong leader announces withdrawal of controversial extradition bill after mass protests

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday, September 3 that she has never asked the Chinese government to let her resign to end the city's political crisis, responding to a Reuters report about a voice recording of her saying she would step down if she could. Watch this video to know more.

Carrie Lam: Never tendered a resignation to Beijing

Hong Kong's embattled leader insisted Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down, after an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-she-would-quit-if-she-could-fears-her-ability-to-resolve-crisis-now-very-limited-247207">audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit</a> and apologise for causing the unrest that has rocked the southern Chinese city.

Hong Kong has endured three months of violent pro-democracy protests, triggered by opposition to Chief Executive Carrie Lam's bid to push through a law allowing extraditions to mainland China.

The protests evolved into a wider democracy campaign involving violent clashes between protesters and police, in the biggest challenge to China's rule of Hong Kong since its 1997 handover from the British.&nbsp;

"I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong," Lam told a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Watch: Hong Kong Chief Executive: Would Quit If I had choice

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-chief-executive-would-quit-if-i-had-choice-247219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lam said she had "not even contemplated" discussing resigning with the Chinese government, which gives Hong Kong a restricted form of autonomy but ultimately is in charge of the territory.

Lam was speaking after the Reuters news agency released an audio recording of her telling business leaders last week she wanted to step down and take responsibility for the unrest.

"For a chief executive to have caused this huge havoc to Hong Kong is unforgivable," Lam said in the audio recording.

"If I have a choice," she said, speaking in English, "the first thing is to quit, having made a deep apology."

Lam told the business leaders she had "very limited" room to resolve the crisis because it had become a national security and sovereignty issue for Beijing.

Lam described the leaking of the audio recording as "quite unacceptable", and denied accusations that she or her government had orchestrated it.

"The conflict that I myself want to quit but cannot quit does not exist," she said.&nbsp;

Rallies over the weekend saw some of the worst violence of the crisis, with protesters throwing bricks and petrol bombs at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges.

More than 1,100 people have been arrested since June when the unrest began, including a swoop of key pro-democracy leaders and politicians late last week.&nbsp;

China has responded to the crisis by ramping up threats and intimidation, including by warning its security forces could intervene.

Chinese state media have released videos showing mainland security forces deployed just across the border.

An editorial by China's state news agency on Sunday warned the protesters that "the end is coming".

Hong Kong's embattled leader insisted Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down, after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit and apologise for causing the unrest that has rocked the southern Chinese city.

Hong Kong's embattled leader insisted Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down, after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit and apologise for causing the unrest that has rocked the southern Chinese city. Hong Kong has endured three months of violent pro-democracy protests, triggered by opposition to Chief Executive Carrie Lam's bid to push through a law allowing extraditions to mainland China. The protests evolved into a wider democracy campaign involving violent clashes between protesters and police, in the biggest challenge to China's rule of Hong Kong since its 1997 handover from the British. "I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong," Lam told a press conference on Tuesday morning. Watch: Hong Kong Chief Executive: Would Quit If I had choice × Lam said she had "not even contemplated" discussing resigning with the Chinese government, which gives Hong Kong a restricted form of autonomy but ultimately is in charge of the territory. Lam was speaking after the Reuters news agency released an audio recording of her telling business leaders last week she wanted to step down and take responsibility for the unrest. "For a chief executive to have caused this huge havoc to Hong Kong is unforgivable," Lam said in the audio recording. "If I have a choice," she said, speaking in English, "the first thing is to quit, having made a deep apology." Lam told the business leaders she had "very limited" room to resolve the crisis because it had become a national security and sovereignty issue for Beijing. Lam described the leaking of the audio recording as "quite unacceptable", and denied accusations that she or her government had orchestrated it. "The conflict that I myself want to quit but cannot quit does not exist," she said. Rallies over the weekend saw some of the worst violence of the crisis, with protesters throwing bricks and petrol bombs at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges. More than 1,100 people have been arrested since June when the unrest began, including a swoop of key pro-democracy leaders and politicians late last week. China has responded to the crisis by ramping up threats and intimidation, including by warning its security forces could intervene. Chinese state media have released videos showing mainland security forces deployed just across the border. An editorial by China's state news agency on Sunday warned the protesters that "the end is coming".

'Not even contemplated', Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam insists she will stay on

Audio-Recording Of Carrie Lam Shows The Hong Kong Executive Apologises For The Huge Havoc To Hong Kong

Gravitas: Hong Kong Chief Executive: Would Quit If I had choice

Hong Kong's status as a Chinese territory is not up for discussion and Beijing will not sit idly by if the situation there endangers national security, China's Hong Kong affairs office said on Tuesday.

Xu Luying, spokeswoman of the central Chinese government's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, told reporters the central government is confident that Hong Kong's government has the will and ability to end the violence as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Beijing also threw its backing behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-firmly-support-carrie-lam-in-leading-hong-kong-china-247307">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam</a> after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit over three months of unrest in the semi-autonomous city.

"We firmly support Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam in leading the SAR (Special Administrative Region) government," Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's central government, said at a press conference.

Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to Lam's bid to push through a law allowing extraditions to mainland China.

The demonstrations have evolved into a wider democracy campaign involving clashes between protesters and police, in the biggest challenge to China's rule over Hong Kong since the city's 1997 handover from the British.

The Chinese government expressed its support for Lam after Reuters news agency released an audio recording of her telling business leaders last week that she wanted to step down and take responsibility for the unrest.

Lam herself insisted earlier on Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down.

"I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong," Lam told a press conference in the city.

Lam said she had "not even contemplated" discussing her resignation with the Chinese government, which gives Hong Kong a restricted form of autonomy.

Hong Kong's status as a Chinese territory is not up for discussion and Beijing will not sit idly by if the situation there endangers national security, China's Hong Kong affairs office said on Tuesday.

Hong Kong's status as a Chinese territory is not up for discussion and Beijing will not sit idly by if the situation there endangers national security, China's Hong Kong affairs office said on Tuesday. Xu Luying, spokeswoman of the central Chinese government's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, told reporters the central government is confident that Hong Kong's government has the will and ability to end the violence as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Beijing also threw its backing behind Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit over three months of unrest in the semi-autonomous city. "We firmly support Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam in leading the SAR (Special Administrative Region) government," Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's central government, said at a press conference. Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to Lam's bid to push through a law allowing extraditions to mainland China. The demonstrations have evolved into a wider democracy campaign involving clashes between protesters and police, in the biggest challenge to China's rule over Hong Kong since the city's 1997 handover from the British. The Chinese government expressed its support for Lam after Reuters news agency released an audio recording of her telling business leaders last week that she wanted to step down and take responsibility for the unrest. Lam herself insisted earlier on Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down. "I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong," Lam told a press conference in the city. Lam said she had "not even contemplated" discussing her resignation with the Chinese government, which gives Hong Kong a restricted form of autonomy.

Hong Kong's status not up for discussion: China

Beijing on Tuesday threw its backing behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-even-contemplated-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-insists-she-will-stay-on-247240">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam</a> after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit over three months of unrest in the semi-autonomous city.

"We firmly support Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam in leading the SAR (Special Administrative Region) government," Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's central government, said at a press conference.

Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to Lam's bid to push through a law allowing extraditions to mainland China.

Watch: Carrie Lam - never tendered a resignation to Beijing

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/carrie-lam-never-tendered-a-resignation-to-beijing-247250/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The demonstrations have evolved into a wider democracy campaign involving clashes between protesters and police, in the biggest challenge to China's rule over Hong Kong since the city's 1997 handover from the British.

The Chinese government expressed its support for Lam after Reuters news agency released an audio recording of her telling business leaders last week that she wanted to step down and take responsibility for the unrest.

Lam herself insisted earlier on Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down.

"I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong," Lam told a press conference in the city.

Lam said she had "not even contemplated" discussing her resignation with the Chinese government, which gives Hong Kong a restricted form of autonomy.

Beijing on Tuesday threw its backing behind Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit over three months of unrest in the semi-autonomous city.

Beijing on Tuesday threw its backing behind Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam after an audio recording emerged of her saying she wanted to quit over three months of unrest in the semi-autonomous city. "We firmly support Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam in leading the SAR (Special Administrative Region) government," Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's central government, said at a press conference. Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to Lam's bid to push through a law allowing extraditions to mainland China. Watch: Carrie Lam - never tendered a resignation to Beijing × The demonstrations have evolved into a wider democracy campaign involving clashes between protesters and police, in the biggest challenge to China's rule over Hong Kong since the city's 1997 handover from the British. The Chinese government expressed its support for Lam after Reuters news agency released an audio recording of her telling business leaders last week that she wanted to step down and take responsibility for the unrest. Lam herself insisted earlier on Tuesday she had no intention of stepping down. "I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong," Lam told a press conference in the city. Lam said she had "not even contemplated" discussing her resignation with the Chinese government, which gives Hong Kong a restricted form of autonomy.

We firmly support Carrie Lam in leading Hong Kong: China

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said she has caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis engulfing the city and would quit if she had a choice, according to an audio recording of remarks she made last week to a group of business people.

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said she has caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis engulfing the city and would quit if she had a choice, according to an audio recording of remarks she made last week to a group of business people. At the closed-door meeting, Lam told the group that she now has "very limited" room to resolve the crisis because the unrest has become a national security and sovereignty issue for China amid rising tensions with the United States. "If I have a choice," she said, speaking in English, "the first thing is to quit, having made a deep apology." Lam's dramatic and at times anguished remarks offer the clearest view yet into the thinking of the Chinese leadership as it navigates the unrest in Hong Kong, the biggest political crisis to grip the country since the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Hong Kong has been convulsed by sometimes violent protests and mass demonstrations since June, in response to a proposed law by Lam's administration that would allow people suspected of crimes on the mainland to be extradited to face trial in Chinese courts. The law has been shelved, but Lam has been unable to end the upheaval. Protesters have expanded their demands to include complete withdrawal of the proposal, a concession her administration has so far refused. Large demonstrations wracked the city again over the weekend. Lam suggested that Beijing had not yet reached a turning point. She said Beijing had not imposed any deadline for ending the crisis ahead of National Day celebrations scheduled for October 1. And she said China had "absolutely no plan" to deploy People's Liberation Army troops on Hong Kong streets. World leaders have been closely watching whether China will send in the military to quell the protests, as it did a generation ago in the bloody Tiananmen crackdown in Beijing. Lam noted, however, that she had few options once an issue had been elevated "to a national level," a reference to the leadership in Beijing, "to a sort of sovereignty and security level, let alone in the midst of this sort of unprecedented tension between the two big economies in the world." In such a situation, she added, "the room, the political room for the chief executive who, unfortunately, has to serve two masters by constitution, that is the central people's government and the people of Hong Kong, that political room for manoeuvring is very, very, very limited." Three people who attended the meeting confirmed that Lam had made the comments in a talk that lasted about half an hour. The meeting was one of a number of "closed-door sessions" that Lam said she has been doing "with people from all walks of life" in Hong Kong. A spokesman for Lam said she attended two events last week that included business people, and that both were effectively private. "We are therefore not in a position to comment on what the Chief Executive has said at those events," the spokesman said. China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, a high-level agency under China's cabinet, the State Council, did not respond to questions submitted by Reuters. China's State Council Information Office did not immediately respond to questions.

Hong Kong leader says she would 'quit' if she could, fears her ability to resolve crisis now 'very limited'

Hong Kong protest has entered 14th week where At least 10,000 students have joined the protests

WION Exclusive on HK Protest: 'We need India's support' says Andy Chan

Hong Kong is a long way from having to declare emergency powers or to ask the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-crisis-china-rejected-hong-kong-plan-to-appease-protesters-report-246541">Chinese military to intervene</a>, a senior official with China's parliament and pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician told Reuters, as months of protests show no sign of abating.

Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activist-joshua-wong-arrested-party-says-246501"> sometimes violent protests</a> against the government since mid-June, sparked by a now-suspended extradition bill and concerns that Beijing was trying to bring the territory under greater mainland control.

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators on Sunday, and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned later that authorities would be forced to stamp down on the escalating violence.

Maria Tam, deputy director of the Chinese parliament's Basic Law Committee, told Reuters in Beijing late on Thursday emergency legislation was not something for which Hong Kong's government would have to ask Beijing's permission.

"The emergency legislation is something that is left behind by the colonial British government. It's nothing to do with the Basic Law. It's entirely in the power of the highly autonomous region," Tam said, referring to the mini-constitution under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 return to China.

"At the moment there are still plenty of tools. We have different articles in the police force ordinance and articles in the public order ordinance which we can still invoke to control the situation. We haven't got to the stage when we really have to engage in enacted laws by the chief executive with the executive council to, for example, enact anti-mask or interception of internet messages. We're quite a distance from that," she said.

However, there may come a stage when Hong Kong has to do this, Tam said.

"I think if its come to the stage when all the other ordinances I have mentioned have failed to work, then I suppose the chief executive may have to consider it," she said.

Troop rotation

The Basic Law enshrines rights and freedoms - including freedom of speech, assembly and an independent judiciary - inherent in the "one country, two systems" formula that underpinned the agreement between Beijing and London.

Those freedoms remain far greater than those that exist on the mainland, where the Communist Party ultimately controls many aspects of society, including the media and the courts.

China rotated troops in its People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong on Thursday, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy in the Asian financial hub. [nL3N25P0EH]

Chinese state media described the troop movement as routine and Asian and Western diplomats watching PLA movements in the former British colony had been expecting it.

Tam said, under Article 14 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong government can make a request for the Chinese military in the event of natural disaster or extreme cases of disorder.

Any request would have to go first to China's Cabinet and then to the Guangzhou military command that is in charge of the Hong Kong garrison, she said.

However, Tam said she did not think Hong Kong had reached that stage yet. "Oh no, no, we are a long way from that."

The central government in Beijing has repeatedly expressed support for Lam and her administration, a message Tam said she had gotten from officials in the capital.

"I'm not important enough to see President Xi, but I have seen some senior government officials consistently saying, 'yes, (we) support Carrie Lam'," she said.

"There's one more question that I will ask you - who will replace her? She should carry on and put right whatever has gone wrong," Tam said.

Pressed on whether Lam would be replaced, she said that was not likely. "I don't see it happening."

Hong Kong is a long way from having to declare emergency powers or to ask the Chinese military to intervene, a senior official with China's parliament and pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician told Reuters, as months of protests show no sign of abating.

Hong Kong is a long way from having to declare emergency powers or to ask the Chinese military to intervene, a senior official with China's parliament and pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician told Reuters, as months of protests show no sign of abating. Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and sometimes violent protests against the government since mid-June, sparked by a now-suspended extradition bill and concerns that Beijing was trying to bring the territory under greater mainland control. Police fired water cannon and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators on Sunday, and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned later that authorities would be forced to stamp down on the escalating violence. Maria Tam, deputy director of the Chinese parliament's Basic Law Committee, told Reuters in Beijing late on Thursday emergency legislation was not something for which Hong Kong's government would have to ask Beijing's permission. "The emergency legislation is something that is left behind by the colonial British government. It's nothing to do with the Basic Law. It's entirely in the power of the highly autonomous region," Tam said, referring to the mini-constitution under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 return to China. "At the moment there are still plenty of tools. We have different articles in the police force ordinance and articles in the public order ordinance which we can still invoke to control the situation. We haven't got to the stage when we really have to engage in enacted laws by the chief executive with the executive council to, for example, enact anti-mask or interception of internet messages. We're quite a distance from that," she said. However, there may come a stage when Hong Kong has to do this, Tam said. "I think if its come to the stage when all the other ordinances I have mentioned have failed to work, then I suppose the chief executive may have to consider it," she said. Troop rotation The Basic Law enshrines rights and freedoms - including freedom of speech, assembly and an independent judiciary - inherent in the "one country, two systems" formula that underpinned the agreement between Beijing and London. Those freedoms remain far greater than those that exist on the mainland, where the Communist Party ultimately controls many aspects of society, including the media and the courts. China rotated troops in its People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong on Thursday, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy in the Asian financial hub. [nL3N25P0EH] Chinese state media described the troop movement as routine and Asian and Western diplomats watching PLA movements in the former British colony had been expecting it. Tam said, under Article 14 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong government can make a request for the Chinese military in the event of natural disaster or extreme cases of disorder. Any request would have to go first to China's Cabinet and then to the Guangzhou military command that is in charge of the Hong Kong garrison, she said. However, Tam said she did not think Hong Kong had reached that stage yet. "Oh no, no, we are a long way from that." The central government in Beijing has repeatedly expressed support for Lam and her administration, a message Tam said she had gotten from officials in the capital. "I'm not important enough to see President Xi, but I have seen some senior government officials consistently saying, 'yes, (we) support Carrie Lam'," she said. "There's one more question that I will ask you - who will replace her? She should carry on and put right whatever has gone wrong," Tam said. Pressed on whether Lam would be replaced, she said that was not likely. "I don't see it happening."

No need yet for Hong Kong to use emergency powers: Senior parliamentary official

Hong Kong protest: China asked Lam not to withdraw extradition bill. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong protest: China urges Lam not to withdraw extradition bill

Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam has urged rioters to stop illegal violent acts. At a press conference, she said that the region's government will resort to lawful measures to restore social order.

WION Dispatch: Carrie Lam says government is open to dialogue

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-becoming-more-serious-but-government-in-control-carrie-lam-245949"> crackdown on violent terrorist activities</a> and firmly safeguard its political security.

Zhao, in a statement issued by his ministry, was quoted as saying China would rigorously fend off and crackdown on all subversive and terrorism activities to ensure the security and stability of the country.

Hong Kong has seen weeks of at times violent protests, the city's biggest crisis since its handover from colonial ruler Britain to China in 1997.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-tensions-intensify-245866/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control.

More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1.

Beijing warned again on Tuesday against foreign governments interfering in the Hong Kong protests, after the G7 summit of leaders of seven industrialised nations called for violence to be avoided.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the G7 "making thoughtless remarks and gesticulating" about Hong Kong matters.

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will crackdown on violent terrorist activities and firmly safeguard its political security.

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will crackdown on violent terrorist activities and firmly safeguard its political security. Zhao, in a statement issued by his ministry, was quoted as saying China would rigorously fend off and crackdown on all subversive and terrorism activities to ensure the security and stability of the country. Hong Kong has seen weeks of at times violent protests, the city's biggest crisis since its handover from colonial ruler Britain to China in 1997. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters. "We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control. More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1. Beijing warned again on Tuesday against foreign governments interfering in the Hong Kong protests, after the G7 summit of leaders of seven industrialised nations called for violence to be avoided. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the G7 "making thoughtless remarks and gesticulating" about Hong Kong matters.

Will rigorously fend off & crackdown on terrorist activities: China minister

carrie-lam

Carrie Lam, News on Carrie Lam, stories on Carrie Lam, articles on Carrie Lam, Carrie Lam stories at Wion, Carrie Lam news, Carrie Lam latest news

carrie lam