As violence flares in Hong Kong, a look at controversial anti-mask ban

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged US President Donald Trump on Friday to include a "human rights clause" in any trade agreement with China, and sought Washington's backing for the city's democracy movement.

The 22-year-old called on American politicians to pass a bill expressing support for the pro-democracy campaign during a speaking engagement in New York, a few hours after arriving in the United States.

"It's significant to add a human rights clause in the trade negotiations and put Hong Kong protests under the agenda of the trade negotiations," Wong told AFP afterwards.&nbsp;

The world's two biggest economies have been locked in a bitter trade war for the past year, resulting in tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.

Trade talks between Beijing and Washington are scheduled for October.

Wong said it was crucial Hong Kong was factored into the negotiations, saying it faced the threat of emergency laws "similar to martial law" and feared that China would send troops to the semi-autonomous region.&nbsp;

"If China has no intention to safeguard Hong Kong's economic freedom and open business it will also affect and damage the world economy," he said.

Wong arrived in the US after visiting Germany as he seeks global support for Hong Kong's widening pro-democracy protests that have crippled parts of the Asian financial hub in recent months, including its airport.

Millions have taken to Hong Kong's streets over the last 14 weeks in the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city's handover from Britain in 1997.

'Year of discontent'&nbsp;

Beijing summoned the German ambassador this week after Wong, one of the most prominent faces in the city's leaderless pro-democracy demonstrations, met Germany's foreign minister.

Wong is due to attend a Tuesday congressional hearing in Washington on the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019.&nbsp;

He will meet Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of China, who introduced the bill in June, but it's not clear if he will meet anyone from Trump's administration yet.

Wong urged Congress to pass the legislation, which could undermine Hong Kong's special US trade privileges by mandating regular checks on whether authorities were respecting the Basic Law that underpins the city's semi-autonomous status.

Hong Kong protesters have been increasingly calling for help from the US in recent weeks. On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators, some waving American flags, marched outside the US consulate in Hong Kong.

China has regularly accused "external forces," notably the United States, of being behind the unrest in Hong Kong, an accusation foreign countries deny.

Wong told around 200 students at New York's Columbia University the purpose of his US visit was to put Hong Kong "under the global spotlight."

"The summer of discontent is becoming the year of discontent," he said, indicating that activists would not back down until they are guaranteed free and fair elections -- a promise enshrined in the handover agreement between Britain and China.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged US President Donald Trump on Friday to include a "human rights clause" in any trade agreement with China, and sought Washington's backing for the city's democracy movement.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged US President Donald Trump on Friday to include a "human rights clause" in any trade agreement with China, and sought Washington's backing for the city's democracy movement. The 22-year-old called on American politicians to pass a bill expressing support for the pro-democracy campaign during a speaking engagement in New York, a few hours after arriving in the United States. "It's significant to add a human rights clause in the trade negotiations and put Hong Kong protests under the agenda of the trade negotiations," Wong told AFP afterwards. The world's two biggest economies have been locked in a bitter trade war for the past year, resulting in tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. Trade talks between Beijing and Washington are scheduled for October. Wong said it was crucial Hong Kong was factored into the negotiations, saying it faced the threat of emergency laws "similar to martial law" and feared that China would send troops to the semi-autonomous region. "If China has no intention to safeguard Hong Kong's economic freedom and open business it will also affect and damage the world economy," he said. Wong arrived in the US after visiting Germany as he seeks global support for Hong Kong's widening pro-democracy protests that have crippled parts of the Asian financial hub in recent months, including its airport. Millions have taken to Hong Kong's streets over the last 14 weeks in the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city's handover from Britain in 1997. 'Year of discontent' Beijing summoned the German ambassador this week after Wong, one of the most prominent faces in the city's leaderless pro-democracy demonstrations, met Germany's foreign minister. Wong is due to attend a Tuesday congressional hearing in Washington on the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019. He will meet Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of China, who introduced the bill in June, but it's not clear if he will meet anyone from Trump's administration yet. Wong urged Congress to pass the legislation, which could undermine Hong Kong's special US trade privileges by mandating regular checks on whether authorities were respecting the Basic Law that underpins the city's semi-autonomous status. Hong Kong protesters have been increasingly calling for help from the US in recent weeks. On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators, some waving American flags, marched outside the US consulate in Hong Kong. China has regularly accused "external forces," notably the United States, of being behind the unrest in Hong Kong, an accusation foreign countries deny. Wong told around 200 students at New York's Columbia University the purpose of his US visit was to put Hong Kong "under the global spotlight." "The summer of discontent is becoming the year of discontent," he said, indicating that activists would not back down until they are guaranteed free and fair elections -- a promise enshrined in the handover agreement between Britain and China.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong seeks Trump, US congress support

From umbrellas and Chinese calligraphy, to gas masks and helmets; Hong Kong protesters get inked

An employee of Britain's consulate in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-spread-to-subway-as-bank-warns-of-economic-fallout-244585">Hong Kong</a> who went missing earlier this month is being held in China, Beijing confirmed Wednesday.

The incident comes as relations between Britain and China have become strained over what Beijing calls London's "interference" in pro-democracy protests that have wracked Hong Kong for three months.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing the detained man had been "placed in administrative detention for 15 days as punishment" by Shenzhen police for breaking a public security law.

Geng said the employee was from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-cries-foul-over-facebook-the-twitter-block-of-fake-accounts-244383">Hong Kong</a> and therefore the issue was an internal matter.

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"Let me clarify, this employee is a Hong Kong citizen, he's not a UK citizen, which is also saying he's a Chinese person," Geng said.

The man, named by his family as Simon Cheng, travelled to Shenzhen, a megacity on the China-Hong Kong border, for a one-day business meeting on August 8.

That night, Cheng returned via high-speed train and sent messages to his girlfriend as he was about to go through customs.

"We lost contact with him since then," the family said in a Facebook post.

Geng said the employee had violated the Public Security Administration Punishments Law -- a law with broad scope aimed at "maintaining public order in society" and "safeguarding public security", as well as making sure police and security forces act within the law.

The ongoing protests have raised fears of a Chinese crackdown.

The unrest was initially triggered by a controversial law that would allow extradition to the mainland, but has since broadened into a call for wider democratic reforms.

Beijing has repeatedly warned Britain -- the former colonial ruler of Hong Kong -- against any "interference" in the protests, which erupted 11 weeks ago and have seen millions of people hit the streets calling for democratic reforms.

"Recently the UK has made many erroneous remarks about Hong Kong," Geng said at the press briefing Wednesday.&nbsp;

"We once again urge the British side to stop gesticulating and fanning flames on the Hong Kong issue."

With Beijing attempting to shape the narrative of the unrest in Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have increased their inspections at the Shenzhen border, including checking the phones and devices of some passengers for photos of the protests.&nbsp;

The mainland metropolis of Shenzhen sits behind China's "Great Firewall" - which restricts access to news and information -&nbsp;while Hong Kong enjoys liberties unseen on the mainland.

China &nbsp;promised to respect the freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory after its handover from Britain in 1997, including freedom of speech, unfettered access to the internet and an independent judiciary. 
&nbsp;

An employee of Britain's consulate in Hong Kong who went missing earlier this month is being held in China, Beijing confirmed Wednesday. The incident comes as relations between Britain and China have become strained over what Beijing calls London's "interference" in pro-democracy protests that have wracked Hong Kong for three months.

An employee of Britain's consulate in Hong Kong who went missing earlier this month is being held in China, Beijing confirmed Wednesday. The incident comes as relations between Britain and China have become strained over what Beijing calls London's "interference" in pro-democracy protests that have wracked Hong Kong for three months. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing the detained man had been "placed in administrative detention for 15 days as punishment" by Shenzhen police for breaking a public security law. Geng said the employee was from Hong Kong and therefore the issue was an internal matter. "Let me clarify, this employee is a Hong Kong citizen, he's not a UK citizen, which is also saying he's a Chinese person," Geng said. The man, named by his family as Simon Cheng, travelled to Shenzhen, a megacity on the China-Hong Kong border, for a one-day business meeting on August 8. That night, Cheng returned via high-speed train and sent messages to his girlfriend as he was about to go through customs. "We lost contact with him since then," the family said in a Facebook post. Geng said the employee had violated the Public Security Administration Punishments Law -- a law with broad scope aimed at "maintaining public order in society" and "safeguarding public security", as well as making sure police and security forces act within the law. The ongoing protests have raised fears of a Chinese crackdown. The unrest was initially triggered by a controversial law that would allow extradition to the mainland, but has since broadened into a call for wider democratic reforms. Beijing has repeatedly warned Britain -- the former colonial ruler of Hong Kong -- against any "interference" in the protests, which erupted 11 weeks ago and have seen millions of people hit the streets calling for democratic reforms. "Recently the UK has made many erroneous remarks about Hong Kong," Geng said at the press briefing Wednesday. "We once again urge the British side to stop gesticulating and fanning flames on the Hong Kong issue." With Beijing attempting to shape the narrative of the unrest in Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have increased their inspections at the Shenzhen border, including checking the phones and devices of some passengers for photos of the protests. The mainland metropolis of Shenzhen sits behind China's "Great Firewall" - which restricts access to news and information - while Hong Kong enjoys liberties unseen on the mainland. China promised to respect the freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory after its handover from Britain in 1997, including freedom of speech, unfettered access to the internet and an independent judiciary.

UK consulate employee in Hong Kong being held in China: Foreign ministry

After US President Trump warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-style-crackdown-in-hong-kong-would-harm-trade-deal-with-china-donald-trump-243953">China's crackdown on pro-democracy</a> protesters may harm trade talks between the two countries, China's foreign affairs spokesman said Hong Kong doesn't need "suggestions".

"We have noted this. President Trump has previously said that Hong Kong is part of China and they must solve their problem by themselves. They don't need any suggestions," foreign affairs spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"We hope the US side can live up their word," Shuang added.

Hong Kong has been engulfed by protests for the past eleven weeks with citizens demanding China should drop the extradition bill&nbsp;altogether&nbsp;after it was taken off the table in the country's legislature, the pro-democracy protesters have also turned the heat on their leader Carrie Lam demanding her resignation with several protests triggering violent reactions.

Watch Video:

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On Sunday, in a silent protest which was largely "tear-gas free" nearly 1.7 million citizens turned up at the city's Victoria Park after three days of protests once again kept authorities on alert.

As the protests gathered momentum, President Trump waded into the debate, declaring: "I think it'd be very hard to deal if they do violence, I mean, if it's another Tiananmen Square," adding," I think it's a very hard thing to do if there's violence." Trump signalled that trade negotiations could be hampered if China dwelt with protesters with a heavy hand.

China had infamously deployed tanks during the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 which led to escalation of violence leading the deaths of several hundred protesters as the Chinese Communist Party sought to quell the student-led protests.

"If such a situation was repeated in Hong Kong, I think there'd be... tremendous political sentiment not to do something," Trump said, referring to the trade negotiations with China. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After US President Trump warned that China's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters may harm trade talks between the two countries, China's foreign affairs spokesman said Hong Kong doesn't need "suggestions".

After US President Trump warned that China's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters may harm trade talks between the two countries, China's foreign affairs spokesman said Hong Kong doesn't need "suggestions". "We have noted this. President Trump has previously said that Hong Kong is part of China and they must solve their problem by themselves. They don't need any suggestions," foreign affairs spokesman Geng Shuang said. "We hope the US side can live up their word," Shuang added. Hong Kong has been engulfed by protests for the past eleven weeks with citizens demanding China should drop the extradition bill altogether after it was taken off the table in the country's legislature, the pro-democracy protesters have also turned the heat on their leader Carrie Lam demanding her resignation with several protests triggering violent reactions. Watch Video: On Sunday, in a silent protest which was largely "tear-gas free" nearly 1.7 million citizens turned up at the city's Victoria Park after three days of protests once again kept authorities on alert. As the protests gathered momentum, President Trump waded into the debate, declaring: "I think it'd be very hard to deal if they do violence, I mean, if it's another Tiananmen Square," adding," I think it's a very hard thing to do if there's violence." Trump signalled that trade negotiations could be hampered if China dwelt with protesters with a heavy hand. China had infamously deployed tanks during the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 which led to escalation of violence leading the deaths of several hundred protesters as the Chinese Communist Party sought to quell the student-led protests. "If such a situation was repeated in Hong Kong, I think there'd be... tremendous political sentiment not to do something," Trump said, referring to the trade negotiations with China.

Hong Kong doesn't need 'suggestions', says China after Trump's Tiananmen comment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-halts-extradition-bill-but-opponents-vow-fresh-rally-227359">Hong Kong</a> does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-suspends-extradition-bill-discusses-with-mr-atul-aneja-from-beijing-227385">controversial extradition bill</a>.

The protests against the bill, that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, saw some of the worst violence since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The Hong Kong government has since postponed the legislation, though the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday refused to say the bill would be withdrawn, only that it would not be re-introduced during her time in office if public fears persist.

Beijing has said it respects and supports Lam's decision, but has been angered by criticism from Western capitals, including Washington and London, about the legislation.

State Councillor Wang Yi, in the first public comments by a senior Chinese leader since the protests took place, said the proposed Hong Kong government's legislation "completely suited the interests of the Hong Kong people".

"But due to the fact that all sides need to further understand and discuss this, the Hong Kong government decided to postpone this process. The central government has already formally expressed our support, understanding, and respect for this," Wang said at a joint news conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok.

"What we must be on guard against is that some Western forces are taking advantage of this issue to stir up trouble and incite opposition in an attempt to destroy Hong Kong's social stability and the implementation of one country, two systems," Wang added.

"We must say it here loudly: you must withdraw your black hand. Hong Kong is China's domestic affair. We don't need your meddling here. Hong Kong is not a place for you to run amuck."

Since the proposed amendments to the Fugitives Offenders' Ordinance were first put to the city's legislature in February, Lam has repeatedly rebuffed concerns voiced about it from many quarters, including business groups, lawyers, judges, and foreign governments.

Critics say the bill would undermine Hong Kong's independent judiciary and rule of law, guaranteed by the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to China in 1997, by extending China's reach into the city and allowing individuals to be arbitrarily sent back to China where they couldn't be guaranteed a fair trial.

Chinese courts are controlled by and loyal to the Communist Party.

Hong Kong does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a controversial extradition bill.

Hong Kong does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a controversial extradition bill. The protests against the bill, that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, saw some of the worst violence since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The Hong Kong government has since postponed the legislation, though the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday refused to say the bill would be withdrawn, only that it would not be re-introduced during her time in office if public fears persist. Beijing has said it respects and supports Lam's decision, but has been angered by criticism from Western capitals, including Washington and London, about the legislation. State Councillor Wang Yi, in the first public comments by a senior Chinese leader since the protests took place, said the proposed Hong Kong government's legislation "completely suited the interests of the Hong Kong people". "But due to the fact that all sides need to further understand and discuss this, the Hong Kong government decided to postpone this process. The central government has already formally expressed our support, understanding, and respect for this," Wang said at a joint news conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok. "What we must be on guard against is that some Western forces are taking advantage of this issue to stir up trouble and incite opposition in an attempt to destroy Hong Kong's social stability and the implementation of one country, two systems," Wang added. "We must say it here loudly: you must withdraw your black hand. Hong Kong is China's domestic affair. We don't need your meddling here. Hong Kong is not a place for you to run amuck." Since the proposed amendments to the Fugitives Offenders' Ordinance were first put to the city's legislature in February, Lam has repeatedly rebuffed concerns voiced about it from many quarters, including business groups, lawyers, judges, and foreign governments. Critics say the bill would undermine Hong Kong's independent judiciary and rule of law, guaranteed by the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to China in 1997, by extending China's reach into the city and allowing individuals to be arbitrarily sent back to China where they couldn't be guaranteed a fair trial. Chinese courts are controlled by and loyal to the Communist Party.

China says Hong Kong does not need meddling by 'black hand' Western forces

Hong Kong's embattled leader on Saturday suspended a hugely divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China in a major climbdown following unprecedented unrest, but protesters vowed to press ahead with a mass Sunday rally.

The international finance hub was rocked by the worst political violence since its 1997 handover to China on Wednesday as tens of thousands of protesters were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets.

Those clashes came three days after chief executive Carrie Lam refused to be budged by a record-breaking rally in which organisers said more than a million people marched through the streets calling for the Beijing-backed bill to be scrapped.

After days of mounting pressure -- including from her own allies -- Lam relented on Saturday, announcing that work on the bill would be halted.

She set no deadline for its reintroduction but stopped short of saying it was permanently scrapped.&nbsp;

The decision was a rare concession from the city's pro-Beijing leaders who have successfully faced down demands from pro-democracy demonstrators in recent years.

But opponents were unmoved and said they would go ahead with a march on Sunday afternoon, hoping another huge turnout will pile more pressure on the city's beleaguered leader.

'Pull out the knife'

Protest leaders called for Lam to step down and said they would only be mollified by a permanent cancellation of the extradition law.

They also demanded police drop rioting charges against protesters and for authorities to apologise for using "excessive force", accusation officers deny.

Jimmy Sham, from the main protest group the Civil Human Rights Front, likened the extradition bill to a "knife" that had been plunged into the city.&nbsp;

"It's almost reached our heart. Now the government said they won't push it, but they also refuse to pull it out," he added.

Lam -- who are appointed by a committee stacked with Beijing loyalists -- said she had no plans to resign. She defended the need to overhaul the city's extradition laws and said she retained the support of China's central government.&nbsp;

But she admitted her team had misjudged the public mood.

"I feel deep sorrow and regret that the deficiencies in our work and various other factors have stirred up substantial controversies and disputes in society following the relatively calm periods of the past two years," she said.

The unprecedented chaos in Hong Kong came at a sensitive time for China, already on edge over the 30th anniversary of the deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown.

"We support, respect and understand this decision," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement.

Temporary Truce

Political analyst Dixon Sing said tensions would likely dissipate in the short term if Sunday's rally remains calm.&nbsp;

"In the next few months there will be at least a truce," he told AFP. "But the anxiety that this draft bill will be passed in the future, that will remain for quite some time."

Jason Ng, from the Progressive Lawyers Group, said protesters were incensed by Lam's refusal "to take responsibility for the excessive police force unleashed on protesters and for tearing society asunder."

"This is unlikely to mollify civil society and we are expecting another big turnout at the march tomorrow," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Opposition to the Beijing-backed bill united an unusually wide cross-section of Hong Kong from influential legal and business bodies to religious leaders, western nations and the huge crowds hitting the streets.

Critics feared the law would tangle people up in China's notoriously opaque and politicised courts as well as hammer the city's reputation as a safe business hub.&nbsp;

But the furore was also the latest expression of public anger over fears that an increasingly assertive Beijing is stamping down on the city's freedoms and unique culture.

Under a 1997 deal signed with Britain, China allowed Hong Kong to keep key liberties denied to people on the mainland, like freedom of speech and independent courts, for 50 years.&nbsp;

Yet critics accuse Beijing of reneging on the deal with the complicity of the city's unelected leaders.

They point to the huge 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" that failed to win any concessions, the imprisonment of protest leaders and the banning of some critics from standing for election, as recent examples.&nbsp;

The writing on the wall began to emerge for Lam on Friday when she found herself facing growing calls from within her own political camp to reverse course and tamp down spiralling public anger -- including from hardline pro-Beijing lawmakers.

Beijing had vocally supported the bill and earlier this week threw its full support behind the Lam administration, calling protesters "rioters".

But it has since sought to distance itself, with China's envoy to Britain saying the idea for the bill came entirely from the Lam administration.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's embattled leader on Saturday suspended a hugely divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China in a major climbdown following unprecedented unrest, but protesters vowed to press ahead with a mass Sunday rally.

Hong Kong's embattled leader on Saturday suspended a hugely divisive bill that would allow extraditions to China in a major climbdown following unprecedented unrest, but protesters vowed to press ahead with a mass Sunday rally. The international finance hub was rocked by the worst political violence since its 1997 handover to China on Wednesday as tens of thousands of protesters were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets. Those clashes came three days after chief executive Carrie Lam refused to be budged by a record-breaking rally in which organisers said more than a million people marched through the streets calling for the Beijing-backed bill to be scrapped. After days of mounting pressure -- including from her own allies -- Lam relented on Saturday, announcing that work on the bill would be halted. She set no deadline for its reintroduction but stopped short of saying it was permanently scrapped. The decision was a rare concession from the city's pro-Beijing leaders who have successfully faced down demands from pro-democracy demonstrators in recent years. But opponents were unmoved and said they would go ahead with a march on Sunday afternoon, hoping another huge turnout will pile more pressure on the city's beleaguered leader. 'Pull out the knife' Protest leaders called for Lam to step down and said they would only be mollified by a permanent cancellation of the extradition law. They also demanded police drop rioting charges against protesters and for authorities to apologise for using "excessive force", accusation officers deny. Jimmy Sham, from the main protest group the Civil Human Rights Front, likened the extradition bill to a "knife" that had been plunged into the city. "It's almost reached our heart. Now the government said they won't push it, but they also refuse to pull it out," he added. Lam -- who are appointed by a committee stacked with Beijing loyalists -- said she had no plans to resign. She defended the need to overhaul the city's extradition laws and said she retained the support of China's central government. But she admitted her team had misjudged the public mood. "I feel deep sorrow and regret that the deficiencies in our work and various other factors have stirred up substantial controversies and disputes in society following the relatively calm periods of the past two years," she said. The unprecedented chaos in Hong Kong came at a sensitive time for China, already on edge over the 30th anniversary of the deadly Tiananmen Square crackdown. "We support, respect and understand this decision," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement. Temporary Truce Political analyst Dixon Sing said tensions would likely dissipate in the short term if Sunday's rally remains calm. "In the next few months there will be at least a truce," he told AFP. "But the anxiety that this draft bill will be passed in the future, that will remain for quite some time." Jason Ng, from the Progressive Lawyers Group, said protesters were incensed by Lam's refusal "to take responsibility for the excessive police force unleashed on protesters and for tearing society asunder." "This is unlikely to mollify civil society and we are expecting another big turnout at the march tomorrow," he told AFP. Opposition to the Beijing-backed bill united an unusually wide cross-section of Hong Kong from influential legal and business bodies to religious leaders, western nations and the huge crowds hitting the streets. Critics feared the law would tangle people up in China's notoriously opaque and politicised courts as well as hammer the city's reputation as a safe business hub. But the furore was also the latest expression of public anger over fears that an increasingly assertive Beijing is stamping down on the city's freedoms and unique culture. Under a 1997 deal signed with Britain, China allowed Hong Kong to keep key liberties denied to people on the mainland, like freedom of speech and independent courts, for 50 years. Yet critics accuse Beijing of reneging on the deal with the complicity of the city's unelected leaders. They point to the huge 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" that failed to win any concessions, the imprisonment of protest leaders and the banning of some critics from standing for election, as recent examples. The writing on the wall began to emerge for Lam on Friday when she found herself facing growing calls from within her own political camp to reverse course and tamp down spiralling public anger -- including from hardline pro-Beijing lawmakers. Beijing had vocally supported the bill and earlier this week threw its full support behind the Lam administration, calling protesters "rioters". But it has since sought to distance itself, with China's envoy to Britain saying the idea for the bill came entirely from the Lam administration.

Hong Kong leader halts extradition bill but opponents vow fresh rally

Cracks have appeared in the support base for a proposed Hong Kong law to allow extraditions to China, with local media reporting the city`s government will suspend the bill after widespread anger and violent protests.&nbsp;

The extradition bill, which would cover Hong Kong`s 7 million residents and foreign and Chinese nationals living or travelling in the city, has many concerned it may threaten the rule of law that underpins Hong Kong`s international financial status.

What does the extradition bill involve?

The Hong Kong government first launched the proposals in February, putting forward sweeping changes that would simplify case-by-case extraditions of criminal suspects to countries beyond the 20 with which Hong Kong has existing extradition treaties.

It explicitly allows extraditions from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - for the first time, closing what Hong Kong government officials have repeatedly described as a "loophole" that they claim has allowed the city to become a haven for criminals from the mainland.

Hong Kong`s leader would start and finally approve extradition following a request from a foreign jurisdiction but only after court hearings, including any possible appeals. However, the bill removes Legislative Council oversight of extradition arrangements.

If the bill becomes law, it will be possible for mainland Chinese courts to request Hong Kong courts to freeze and confiscate assets related to crimes committed on the mainland, beyond an existing provision covering the proceeds of drug offences.

Why is the Hong Kong government pushing it now?

Officials initially seized on the murder last year of a young Hong Kong woman holidaying in Taiwan to justify swift changes. Police say her boyfriend confessed on his return to Hong Kong and he is now in jail on lesser money-laundering charges.

Taiwan authorities have strongly opposed the bill, which they say could leave Taiwanese citizens exposed in Hong Kong and have vowed to refuse taking back the murder suspect if the bill is passed.

A long-forgotten issue, the need for an eventual extradition deal with the mainland was acknowledged by government officials and experts ahead of Hong Kong`s handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" model.

The city maintains a separate and independent legal system as part of the broader freedoms the formula guarantees. Little progress has been made in discreet talks since then with justice and security officials on the mainland, where the Communist Party still controls the courts.

How strong is opposition to the bill?

Concern about the amendments has spiralled in recent weeks, taking in pro-business and pro-Beijing elements usually loath to publicly contradict the Hong Kong or Chinese governments. Senior Hong Kong judges have privately expressed alarm, and mainland commercial lawyers based in Hong Kong have echoed their fears, saying the mainland system cannot be trusted to meet even basic standards of judicial fairness. Hong Kong lawyers` groups have issued detailed submissions to the government, hoping to force a postponement.

Authorities have repeatedly stressed that judges will serve as "gatekeepers" or guardians for extradition requests. However, some judges say privately that China`s increasingly close relationship with Hong Kong and the limited scope of extradition hearings will leave them exposed to criticism and political pressure from Beijing.&nbsp;

Schools, lawyers and church groups have joined human rights groups to protest against the measures. Following a brawl in the legislature over the bill, the government moved to fast-track the bill by scrapping established legislative procedures that stoked outrage amongst critics.&nbsp;

Foreign political and diplomatic pressure over human rights concerns is rising, too. As well as recent statements from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his British and German counterparts, some 11 European Union envoys met Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam to protest formally.

"It`s a proposal, or a set of proposals, which strike a terrible blow ... against the rule of law, against Hong Kong`s stability and security, against Hong Kong`s position as a great international trading hub," Hong Kong`s last British governor, Chris Patten, said on Thursday.

Some opposition politicians say the issue now represents a turning point for the city`s free status.&nbsp;

Will the government drop the bill?

While Lam and her key officials have been strident in defending the bill both publicly and privately, cracks have began to appear in the support base for the law.

Several pro-Beijing politicians and a senior advisor to Lam said discussion of the bill should be shelved for the time being.

Lam has insisted that broad safeguards mean that anyone at risk of political or religious persecution or who faces torture would not be extradited. Likewise, no one who faces the death penalty would be extradited. China denies accusations of human rights abuses.

Cracks have appeared in the support base for a proposed Hong Kong law to allow extraditions to China, with local media reporting the city`s government will suspend the bill after widespread anger and violent protests.

Cracks have appeared in the support base for a proposed Hong Kong law to allow extraditions to China, with local media reporting the city`s government will suspend the bill after widespread anger and violent protests. The extradition bill, which would cover Hong Kong`s 7 million residents and foreign and Chinese nationals living or travelling in the city, has many concerned it may threaten the rule of law that underpins Hong Kong`s international financial status. What does the extradition bill involve? The Hong Kong government first launched the proposals in February, putting forward sweeping changes that would simplify case-by-case extraditions of criminal suspects to countries beyond the 20 with which Hong Kong has existing extradition treaties. It explicitly allows extraditions from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - for the first time, closing what Hong Kong government officials have repeatedly described as a "loophole" that they claim has allowed the city to become a haven for criminals from the mainland. Hong Kong`s leader would start and finally approve extradition following a request from a foreign jurisdiction but only after court hearings, including any possible appeals. However, the bill removes Legislative Council oversight of extradition arrangements. If the bill becomes law, it will be possible for mainland Chinese courts to request Hong Kong courts to freeze and confiscate assets related to crimes committed on the mainland, beyond an existing provision covering the proceeds of drug offences. Why is the Hong Kong government pushing it now? Officials initially seized on the murder last year of a young Hong Kong woman holidaying in Taiwan to justify swift changes. Police say her boyfriend confessed on his return to Hong Kong and he is now in jail on lesser money-laundering charges. Taiwan authorities have strongly opposed the bill, which they say could leave Taiwanese citizens exposed in Hong Kong and have vowed to refuse taking back the murder suspect if the bill is passed. A long-forgotten issue, the need for an eventual extradition deal with the mainland was acknowledged by government officials and experts ahead of Hong Kong`s handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under the "one country, two systems" model. The city maintains a separate and independent legal system as part of the broader freedoms the formula guarantees. Little progress has been made in discreet talks since then with justice and security officials on the mainland, where the Communist Party still controls the courts. How strong is opposition to the bill? Concern about the amendments has spiralled in recent weeks, taking in pro-business and pro-Beijing elements usually loath to publicly contradict the Hong Kong or Chinese governments. Senior Hong Kong judges have privately expressed alarm, and mainland commercial lawyers based in Hong Kong have echoed their fears, saying the mainland system cannot be trusted to meet even basic standards of judicial fairness. Hong Kong lawyers` groups have issued detailed submissions to the government, hoping to force a postponement. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that judges will serve as "gatekeepers" or guardians for extradition requests. However, some judges say privately that China`s increasingly close relationship with Hong Kong and the limited scope of extradition hearings will leave them exposed to criticism and political pressure from Beijing. Schools, lawyers and church groups have joined human rights groups to protest against the measures. Following a brawl in the legislature over the bill, the government moved to fast-track the bill by scrapping established legislative procedures that stoked outrage amongst critics. Foreign political and diplomatic pressure over human rights concerns is rising, too. As well as recent statements from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his British and German counterparts, some 11 European Union envoys met Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam to protest formally. "It`s a proposal, or a set of proposals, which strike a terrible blow ... against the rule of law, against Hong Kong`s stability and security, against Hong Kong`s position as a great international trading hub," Hong Kong`s last British governor, Chris Patten, said on Thursday. Some opposition politicians say the issue now represents a turning point for the city`s free status. Will the government drop the bill? While Lam and her key officials have been strident in defending the bill both publicly and privately, cracks have began to appear in the support base for the law. Several pro-Beijing politicians and a senior advisor to Lam said discussion of the bill should be shelved for the time being. Lam has insisted that broad safeguards mean that anyone at risk of political or religious persecution or who faces torture would not be extradited. Likewise, no one who faces the death penalty would be extradited. China denies accusations of human rights abuses.

Explainer: Why proposed changes to Hong Kong's extradition law fuelling protests

Protesters have blocked two main highways in central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-new-mass-protests-against-planned-extraditions-to-china-226334">Hong Kong in rallies</a> against a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China.

Thousands of people occupied the two roads, bringing traffic to a standstill and mimicking tactics used in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/changes-in-fugitive-offenders-ordinance-could-undermine-hong-kongs-autonomy-us-226098">2014 in the Occupy movement</a> where key intersections were blocked for months.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kongs-largest-protest-since-1997-226084/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chaotic scenes erupted in Hong Kong early on Wednesday as thousands of demonstrators stormed a key road next to government offices to protest against a proposed extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Television pictures showed thousands of protesters rallying in and around Lung Wo Road, an important east-west artery near the offices of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as hundreds of riot police warned them to stop advancing.

Some protesters erected barricades to block traffic in the heart of the Asian financial centre, with many defying police calls to retreat, in scenes reminiscent of pro-democracy protests that rocked the city in late 2014.

Embattled leader Lam said she would press ahead with the controversial legislation despite deep concerns across the Asian financial hub that triggered on Sunday its biggest political demonstration since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

Demonstrators from across a wide spectrum of Hong Kong society began joining the overnight protesters earlier on Wednesday as businesses across the city prepared to go on strike.

The bill, which has generated unusually broad opposition at home and abroad, is due for a second round of debate on Wednesday in Hong Kong's 70-seat Legislative Council. The legislature is controlled by a pro-Beijing majority.

Lam has sought to soothe public concerns and said her administration was creating additional amendments to the bill, including safeguarding human rights.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

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Protesters have blocked two main highways in central Hong Kong in rallies against a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China. Thousands of people occupied the two roads, bringing traffic to a standstill and mimicking tactics used in 2014 in the Occupy movement where key intersections were blocked for months.

Protesters have blocked two main highways in central Hong Kong in rallies against a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China. Thousands of people occupied the two roads, bringing traffic to a standstill and mimicking tactics used in 2014 in the Occupy movement where key intersections were blocked for months. Chaotic scenes erupted in Hong Kong early on Wednesday as thousands of demonstrators stormed a key road next to government offices to protest against a proposed extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial. Television pictures showed thousands of protesters rallying in and around Lung Wo Road, an important east-west artery near the offices of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as hundreds of riot police warned them to stop advancing. Some protesters erected barricades to block traffic in the heart of the Asian financial centre, with many defying police calls to retreat, in scenes reminiscent of pro-democracy protests that rocked the city in late 2014. Embattled leader Lam said she would press ahead with the controversial legislation despite deep concerns across the Asian financial hub that triggered on Sunday its biggest political demonstration since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Demonstrators from across a wide spectrum of Hong Kong society began joining the overnight protesters earlier on Wednesday as businesses across the city prepared to go on strike. The bill, which has generated unusually broad opposition at home and abroad, is due for a second round of debate on Wednesday in Hong Kong's 70-seat Legislative Council. The legislature is controlled by a pro-Beijing majority. Lam has sought to soothe public concerns and said her administration was creating additional amendments to the bill, including safeguarding human rights. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

Protesters block roads in Hong Kong in anti-China demonstration against extradition bill

Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through Hong Kong on Sunday to voice their opposition to government-sponsored legislation that would allow people to be extradited to mainland China to face charges.

Massive extradition bill protest fills HK streets