Ukraine recently apprehended two Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia. This follows a broader intelligence report which identified 163 Chinese nationals believed to be involved in the war on Moscow&rsquo;s side.
&ldquo;We are collecting information, we believe that there are many more,&rdquo; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on 9 April.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-call-possible-says-kremlin-after-russian-leaders-talks-with-us-envoy-witkoff-on-ukraine-8951898" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Putin-Trump call &lsquo;possible&rsquo;, says Kremlin after Russian leader&rsquo;s talks with US envoy Witkoff on Ukraine</a>
<h2>Zelensky accuses Beijing of looking the other way</h2>
President Zelensky also pointed a finger at China, accusing its authorities of either supporting or failing to prevent the recruitment of Chinese citizens to fight in Ukraine.
&ldquo;Beijing knows about this. Russians distribute advertising videos about recruitment through Chinese social networks,&rdquo; he said.
Both sides in the war have relied on foreign fighters since it began. But the presence of Chinese mercenaries in particular has drawn comparisons to North Korean troops, who were reportedly deployed in large numbers to help Russia in its efforts to retake parts of Kursk Oblast.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
<h2>Chinese recruits promised big money online</h2>
Ukrainian intelligence says the first wave of Chinese fighters appeared in Russia in the summer of 2023. However, signs of recruitment efforts were visible much earlier.
One post from July 2022 on Douyin, China&rsquo;s version of TikTok, shows a man preparing to leave Beijing for Russia on 1 September. In the video, he says, &ldquo;Your daily salary will be 30,000 Russian rubles. Welcome to Russia!&rdquo; The claim suggests a salary of around $350 per day.
Recruitment videos have continued into this year, with some offering generous incentives. One video promises a sign-up bonus of 2.3 million rubles ($27,000) and an annual salary of 5.2 million rubles ($62,000) to new recruits.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/open-to-a-deal-trump-optimistic-about-striking-a-deal-with-china-amid-tariff-row-8952798" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Open to a deal': Trump 'optimistic' about striking a deal with China amid tariff row</a>
But the reality of life on the front line tells a very different story.
<h2>'Don&rsquo;t come. There is nothing good here'</h2>
Zhao Rui, from Chongqing, became the first known Chinese casualty of the war in December after he was reportedly killed by a Ukrainian drone.
&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t come. There is nothing good here to come to,&rdquo; Zhao had said, according to Chinese media.
A documentary released in March featured a Chinese assault soldier known as &ldquo;Macron&rdquo; speaking to journalist Chai Jing from near Bakhmut.
&ldquo;I realised I might die here someday, so I decided to share some real experiences,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Since Chinese people haven&rsquo;t been at war in a long time, I wanted to show what a regular soldier, especially a foreign one, really goes through in war,&rdquo; he added.
Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-develops-anti-drone-barrage-system-to-beat-wartime-swarms-8954369">China develops anti-drone barrage system to beat wartime swarms</a>
Macron described harsh treatment and prejudice during training. &ldquo;There has been severe racial discrimination since training camp, discriminating against Black people, Arabs, and Chinese,&rdquo; he said.
He added, &ldquo;Russia is reluctant to send their regular Slavic troops to charge on the front lines, so they spend money to recruit mercenaries for front-line charges, where survival chances are extremely low.&rdquo;
Some of the Chinese recruits have ended up in units like Storm-Z, known for sending fighters into high-risk missions. Reports from August showed two young Chinese men dying on their very first deployment with Storm-Z.
Families of Chinese fighters killed in action are reportedly owed 400,000 renminbi, just over $50,000. But reports say those payments are often delayed.
<h2>Contracts that never end</h2>
There are also claims that the Russian military has refused to release Chinese fighters at the end of their contracts.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll terminate your contract only after winning the war,&rdquo; one Chinese soldier recalled being told, during an interview with blogger Lei&rsquo;s Real World in July.
He added, &ldquo;Two of my men deserted. They are making every effort to capture them. If they are caught, they won&rsquo;t live for sure. So I can only wish the two deserters good luck.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Zhao Rui, from Chongqing, became the first known Chinese casualty of the war in December after he was reportedly killed by a Ukrainian drone. “Don’t come. There is nothing good here to come to,” Zhao had said, according to Chinese media.

Ukraine recently apprehended two Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia. This follows a broader intelligence report which identified 163 Chinese nationals believed to be involved in the war on Moscow’s side. “We are collecting information, we believe that there are many more,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on 9 April. Also read: Putin-Trump call ‘possible’, says Kremlin after Russian leader’s talks with US envoy Witkoff on Ukraine Zelensky accuses Beijing of looking the other way President Zelensky also pointed a finger at China, accusing its authorities of either supporting or failing to prevent the recruitment of Chinese citizens to fight in Ukraine. “Beijing knows about this. Russians distribute advertising videos about recruitment through Chinese social networks,” he said. Both sides in the war have relied on foreign fighters since it began. But the presence of Chinese mercenaries in particular has drawn comparisons to North Korean troops, who were reportedly deployed in large numbers to help Russia in its efforts to retake parts of Kursk Oblast. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war Chinese recruits promised big money online Ukrainian intelligence says the first wave of Chinese fighters appeared in Russia in the summer of 2023. However, signs of recruitment efforts were visible much earlier. One post from July 2022 on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, shows a man preparing to leave Beijing for Russia on 1 September. In the video, he says, “Your daily salary will be 30,000 Russian rubles. Welcome to Russia!” The claim suggests a salary of around $350 per day. Recruitment videos have continued into this year, with some offering generous incentives. One video promises a sign-up bonus of 2.3 million rubles ($27,000) and an annual salary of 5.2 million rubles ($62,000) to new recruits. Also read: 'Open to a deal': Trump 'optimistic' about striking a deal with China amid tariff row But the reality of life on the front line tells a very different story. 'Don’t come. There is nothing good here' Zhao Rui, from Chongqing, became the first known Chinese casualty of the war in December after he was reportedly killed by a Ukrainian drone. “Don’t come. There is nothing good here to come to,” Zhao had said, according to Chinese media. A documentary released in March featured a Chinese assault soldier known as “Macron” speaking to journalist Chai Jing from near Bakhmut. “I realised I might die here someday, so I decided to share some real experiences,” he said. “Since Chinese people haven’t been at war in a long time, I wanted to show what a regular soldier, especially a foreign one, really goes through in war,” he added. Watch: China develops anti-drone barrage system to beat wartime swarms Macron described harsh treatment and prejudice during training. “There has been severe racial discrimination since training camp, discriminating against Black people, Arabs, and Chinese,” he said. He added, “Russia is reluctant to send their regular Slavic troops to charge on the front lines, so they spend money to recruit mercenaries for front-line charges, where survival chances are extremely low.” Some of the Chinese recruits have ended up in units like Storm-Z, known for sending fighters into high-risk missions. Reports from August showed two young Chinese men dying on their very first deployment with Storm-Z. Families of Chinese fighters killed in action are reportedly owed 400,000 renminbi, just over $50,000. But reports say those payments are often delayed. Contracts that never end There are also claims that the Russian military has refused to release Chinese fighters at the end of their contracts. “We’ll terminate your contract only after winning the war,” one Chinese soldier recalled being told, during an interview with blogger Lei’s Real World in July. He added, “Two of my men deserted. They are making every effort to capture them. If they are caught, they won’t live for sure. So I can only wish the two deserters good luck.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Don’t come, there’s nothing good here’: Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia warn of death, racism, and endless contracts

The Chinese Army has released propaganda showing soldiers preparing for a conflict in what appears to be the Taiwan Strait. According to a report by The Guardian on Thursday (August 17), the video titled "Reading the Strait" was published on the Eastern Theatre Command's official WeChat account.

The Chinese Army has released propaganda showing soldiers preparing for a conflict in what appears to be the Taiwan Strait. According to a report by The Guardian on Thursday (August 17), the video titled "Reading the Strait" was published on the Eastern Theatre Command's official WeChat account. The video showed soldiers in combat gear doing press-ups under crashing waves, a tank battalion driving into the sunset and troops running up sandy shores past anti-landing barricades. The video was accompanied by a catchy ballad, with lyrics such as “Go over the city gate and the high wall and take the freest way.” The post had a poem with similar lines. “You, no matter how dark it is, don’t be afraid. Fireflies and moonlight as the guiding light, we ride the wind with our dreams, chase and win the warmest years,” the poem says. The Eastern Theatre Command is based on China's eastern coast and has responsibility for the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, has repeatedly complained of Chinese military activity near it over the past three years, as Beijing steps up pressure to try to force the island to accept its sovereignty. China opposes US allowing Taiwan VP's transit Meanwhile, China on Friday said that it opposed the United States allowing Taiwan's Vice President William Lai to stop over in the country on his way to Paraguay for the inauguration of its new president. Lai returned on Friday from a sensitive visit to the US, a trip China has condemned and which has brought warnings from Taiwanese officials it could prompt more Chinese military drills near the island. "The United States insisted on arranging for (Taiwan Vice President) William Lai to stop over twice in the country, which seriously violated the one-China principle and undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and sent out a seriously wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces. China firmly opposes it and strongly condemns this," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. "William Lai, as deputy leader of the Taiwan region, described himself as a pragmatic Taiwan independence worker. What he said and did during the stop-over in the United States proved once again that he is an outright Taiwan independence separatist," Wenbin added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese Army releases video showing soldiers preparing for war in Taiwan Strait

A new investigative report has nailed China's lies on the clashes in Galwan valley. It claims that 38 PLA soldiers died in action, while China acknowledges only 4 deaths. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: 38 Chinese soldiers died in Galwan valley?

7 months after the clashes at Galwan, Indian and Chinese troops have clashed again. Both sides have held 9 rounds of talks. But China is yet to commit to a complete withdrawal of troops. WION's Palki Sharma tells you where the relationship stands today.

Gravitas: After 7 months and 9 rounds of talks, China yet to commit to a full withdrawal

U.S. Intel Chief John Ratcliffe has warned that China could be breeding genetically-modified soldiers. Ratcliffe says the Chinese regime is conducting human-tests in the hopes of developing soldiers with biologically-enhanced capabilities. Molly Gambhir gets you the story.

Gravitas: Is China breeding genetically-modified soldiers?

Indian security personnel captured a Chinese soldier in the Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh.&nbsp;

"Chinese soldier apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. He might have entered Indian territory inadvertently. He will be returned to Chinese Army as per established protocol after following due procedure," as sources told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-issues-clarification-following-backlash-for-showing-jk-in-china-336376">Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&amp;K in China</a>

Initial reports suggest People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was carrying civil and military documents when he was caught by the Indian Army, reports India Today.&nbsp;

It also said the Chinese soldier is of corporal-rank and from Shangxizhen town of the central Chinese province of Zhejiang.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian security personnel captured a Chinese soldier in the Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. "Chinese soldier apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh.

Indian security personnel captured a Chinese soldier in the Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. "Chinese soldier apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. He might have entered Indian territory inadvertently. He will be returned to Chinese Army as per established protocol after following due procedure," as sources told news agency ANI. Also read | Twitter issues clarification following backlash for showing J&K in China Initial reports suggest People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was carrying civil and military documents when he was caught by the Indian Army, reports India Today. It also said the Chinese soldier is of corporal-rank and from Shangxizhen town of the central Chinese province of Zhejiang.

Indian Army captures Chinese soldier in Ladakh

A war of words has broken out between Chinese and Taiwanese media over a recent video of Chinese soldiers being sent to the Sino-India Border.

In the video, which surfaced on social media a week ago, a group of People's Liberation Army soldiers can be seen sobbing.&nbsp;

The recruits were reportedly heading towards the India-China border at Ladakh to face the Indian army.

The video, published last week by a local Chinese network, showed the young soldiers inside a bus and singing a popular Chinese military song.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-and-taiwan-media-war-chinese-troops-tear-up-singing-military-songs-329569/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nearly all of them seemed emotional, with some crying. Some Taiwanese media houses seemed to mock the soldiers for crying, interpreting it as a sign of fear against deployment at the border with India, amid the ongoing tension in Ladakh.

The video was shared online in china, as well as on Facebook by a Pakistani comedian. 
Taiwan news reported, that the troops were struggling to sing the words to a military song.

According to Taiwanese media, the video was reportedly shot at Fuyang railway station while the troops were preparing to head to a military camp in Hebei province.&nbsp;

The fresh recruits were reportedly college students.

In a rebuttal to the mockery of its soldiers, the Chinese media slammed Taiwan news, saying they had deliberately misinterpreted the emotional video.

China's newspaper global times, stated that the soldiers were emotional as they had just bid farewell to their parents.&nbsp;

It further added that the soldiers were singing two military songs - 'green flowers in the army', and 'go home when you celebrate your work'.

Tensions between India and china have been high since the standoff between Indian and Chinese armies Galwan valley in June.&nbsp;

At least 20 Indian soldiers had died in the faceoff. While china has not officially released the number of its casualties, US intelligence revealed that 35 Chinese soldiers had lost their lives in the bloody clash.

(With inputs from agencies)

A war of words has broken out between Chinese and Taiwanese media over a recent video of Chinese soldiers being sent to the Sino-India Border. In the video, which surfaced on social media a week ago, a group of People's Liberation Army soldiers can be seen sobbing.

A war of words has broken out between Chinese and Taiwanese media over a recent video of Chinese soldiers being sent to the Sino-India Border. In the video, which surfaced on social media a week ago, a group of People's Liberation Army soldiers can be seen sobbing. The recruits were reportedly heading towards the India-China border at Ladakh to face the Indian army. The video, published last week by a local Chinese network, showed the young soldiers inside a bus and singing a popular Chinese military song. Nearly all of them seemed emotional, with some crying. Some Taiwanese media houses seemed to mock the soldiers for crying, interpreting it as a sign of fear against deployment at the border with India, amid the ongoing tension in Ladakh. The video was shared online in china, as well as on Facebook by a Pakistani comedian. Taiwan news reported, that the troops were struggling to sing the words to a military song. According to Taiwanese media, the video was reportedly shot at Fuyang railway station while the troops were preparing to head to a military camp in Hebei province. The fresh recruits were reportedly college students. In a rebuttal to the mockery of its soldiers, the Chinese media slammed Taiwan news, saying they had deliberately misinterpreted the emotional video. China's newspaper global times, stated that the soldiers were emotional as they had just bid farewell to their parents. It further added that the soldiers were singing two military songs - 'green flowers in the army', and 'go home when you celebrate your work'. Tensions between India and china have been high since the standoff between Indian and Chinese armies Galwan valley in June. At least 20 Indian soldiers had died in the faceoff. While china has not officially released the number of its casualties, US intelligence revealed that 35 Chinese soldiers had lost their lives in the bloody clash. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Sobbing’ Chinese soldiers on way to India border cause China-Taiwan media war

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-accuses-indian-soldiers-of-crossing-lac-and-firing-warning-shots-325855">Also read | China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’</a> 
 
Indian Army has issued a statement on the firing incident in Ladakh and said, "India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the Indian Army said.

Earlier, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.&nbsp;

Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao Mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday."

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management.

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management. Also read | China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’ Indian Army has issued a statement on the firing incident in Ladakh and said, "India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing." "It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the Indian Army said. Earlier, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake. Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao Mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday." (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims

The Ministry of Defence has officially acknowledged that Chinese soldiers intruded into Indian territory in eastern Ladakh in May.

'China's PLA intruded into Indian Territory in May' reveals MoD document

Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June, reported news agency ANI. 17 Indian troops, who were critically injured in the line of duty at stand-off location, succumbed to their injuries after being exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain, the report said quoting the Indian Army.

Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June, reported news agency ANI. 17 Indian troops, who were critically injured in the line of duty at stand-off location, succumbed to their injuries after being exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain, the report said quoting the Indian Army. India lost 20 soldiers including 3 who martyred during the face-off. Meanwhile, the ANI report quoting sources said that an increase in the Chinese chopper activity was observed along the LAC to airlift casualties suffered by them during the face-off with Indian troops in Galwan valley. Indian intercepts also revealed that Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in a face-off in the Galwan valley, sources confirmed to ANI

Increase in Chinese chopper activity along LAC to airlift casualties suffered in face-off: Report

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petrol-bombs-and-tear-gas-rock-hong-kong-as-thousands-defy-mask-ban-254076">shone lasers at their barracks in the city</a>, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Kowloon district warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its troops and barracks walls with laser lights.

One officer shouted through a loudhailer in broken Cantonese - the main language of Hong Kong - "Bear consequences for your actions."

The stand-off with the PLA came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell.

Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban.

Police made their first arrests under the new rules, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons.

Hong Kong protests: Protesters brave rain to defy face mask ban

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"The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island.

"We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny."

Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the PLA's Osborn Barracks in Kowloon Tong district held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted."

The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters, several thousand of whom passed the barracks, eventually dispersed.

In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”.

But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub.

The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible".

More violence

Authorities had braced for major protests on Sunday, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day.

Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police.

The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong Island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police moved to disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately.

Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago.

What started as an opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment.

Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers.

Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway.

A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward train station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. A metro station in the nightlife district of Wan Chai had a sheet draped over it which read: "This way to HELL".

Protesters set a fire at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us".

The current "precarious situation", which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for November&nbsp;24.

Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well.

"Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Kowloon district warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its troops and barracks walls with laser lights. One officer shouted through a loudhailer in broken Cantonese - the main language of Hong Kong - "Bear consequences for your actions." The stand-off with the PLA came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell. Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban. Police made their first arrests under the new rules, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons. Hong Kong protests: Protesters brave rain to defy face mask ban "The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island. "We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny." Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the PLA's Osborn Barracks in Kowloon Tong district held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted." The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters, several thousand of whom passed the barracks, eventually dispersed. In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”. But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub. The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible". More violence Authorities had braced for major protests on Sunday, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day. Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police. The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong Island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police moved to disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately. Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago. What started as an opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment. Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers. Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway. A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward train station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. A metro station in the nightlife district of Wan Chai had a sheet draped over it which read: "This way to HELL". Protesters set a fire at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us". The current "precarious situation", which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for November 24. Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well. "Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

'Bear consequences for your actions': Chinese soldiers issues warning to Hong Kong protesters

Ahead of a massive military exercise planned along the China border by India, soldiers of Indian and Chinese Army were engaged in a face-off near the northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh but disengaged after talks between the two sides there.

Ladakh: Indian, Chinese soldiers engage in face-off near Pangong lake