Hong Kong marks 23 years of handover to China with protests and mass arrests

As results in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democrats-romp-to-local-election-landslide-after-months-of-protests-264272">Hong Kong's district elections</a> poured in, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said it is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China.

"It's not the final result yet. Let's wait for the final result, OK? However, it is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China," Wang told reporters in Tokyo while visiting PM Shinzo Abe.

"Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, or even damage its prosperity and stability, will not succeed," the Chinese foreign minister added.

Hong Kong citizens voted in large numbers on Sunday for district council elections for 452 seats as pro-democracy parties made major gains. According to reports, pro-democracy parties had secured victory in 333 of 452 seats.

Watch Video:

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Hong Kong has been rocked by months of pro-democracy movements which has increasingly turned violent in recent weeks with students clashing regularly with police.

Last week in a major escalation of violence police surrounded the Polytechnic University as students attacked&nbsp;authorities with a barrage of rocks and petrol bombs and later attempted to slip through sewers.

Police used batons, tear gas and rubber bullets to take control of the university. Several hundred students were reportedly arrested, and others let free after their identity was taken down by police. The campus occupation had begun on November 11 after police shot an anti-government protester during a demonstration.

Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam had said during the large scale protests that she was shocked that campuses had transformed into "weapons factories".

"The Chief Executive has made it clear on various occasions that violence is not a solution to any problem," the Hong Kong chief executive's office said in a statement even as violence shook&nbsp;the city.

As results in Hong Kong's district elections poured in, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said it is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China.

As results in Hong Kong's district elections poured in, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said it is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China. "It's not the final result yet. Let's wait for the final result, OK? However, it is clear that no matter what happens, Hong Kong is a part of China and a special administrative region of China," Wang told reporters in Tokyo while visiting PM Shinzo Abe. "Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong, or even damage its prosperity and stability, will not succeed," the Chinese foreign minister added. Hong Kong citizens voted in large numbers on Sunday for district council elections for 452 seats as pro-democracy parties made major gains. According to reports, pro-democracy parties had secured victory in 333 of 452 seats. Watch Video: Hong Kong has been rocked by months of pro-democracy movements which has increasingly turned violent in recent weeks with students clashing regularly with police. Last week in a major escalation of violence police surrounded the Polytechnic University as students attacked authorities with a barrage of rocks and petrol bombs and later attempted to slip through sewers. Police used batons, tear gas and rubber bullets to take control of the university. Several hundred students were reportedly arrested, and others let free after their identity was taken down by police. The campus occupation had begun on November 11 after police shot an anti-government protester during a demonstration. Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam had said during the large scale protests that she was shocked that campuses had transformed into "weapons factories". "The Chief Executive has made it clear on various occasions that violence is not a solution to any problem," the Hong Kong chief executive's office said in a statement even as violence shook the city.

No matter what happens, Hong Kong is part of China: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on local elections

Wall Street's main indexes were set to retreat at the open on Monday as comments by President Donald Trump dampened expectations around a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-xi-meeting-in-iowa-would-be-poignant- reminder-of-better-us-china-ties-260213">US-China trade deal</a>, while escalating violence in Hong Kong added to investor worries.

Hopes of a "phase one" deal to end the damaging 16-month trade war and largely upbeat corporate earnings have sparked a rally that helped the three major stock indexes close at record highs on Friday.

But Trump said on Saturday that the United States would only make a deal if it was the "right deal" for America, adding that the talks had moved more slowly than he would have liked.

Trade-sensitive stocks Caterpillar Inc, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Micron Technology Inc and Intel Corp shed about 1 per cent&nbsp;each in premarket trading. US-listed Chinese stocks also fell.

Continuing violence in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../hong-kong-police-defends-shooting-protesters- wions-correspondent-shares-the-real-time-experience-261433"> Hong Kong </a>also hit sentiment after police shot and wounded a protester in the 24th straight week of pro-democracy unrest in the Chinese-ruled territory.

"You have China involved in two major variables now, which seems to be causing some nervousness," said Andre Bakhos, managing director at New Vines Capital LLC in Bernardsville.

"During times like these, the markets are going to be volatile and erratic, especially after coming off all-time highs."

The third-quarter earnings season is drawing to a close on a positive note, with nearly three-quarters of the 446 S&amp;P 500 companies that have reported results so far topping profit estimates, according to Refinitiv data. The numbers, however, reflect significantly lowered analysts' forecasts.

Attention will now shift to economic data, as well as comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week.

At 8:53 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were down 107 points, or 0.39 per cent. S&amp;P 500 e-minis were down 12 points, or 0.39 per cent&nbsp;and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 31.75 points, or 0.38 per cent.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc jumped 5.6 per cent&nbsp;after Bloomberg reported KKR &amp; Co had formally approached the drugstore giant for what could be the biggest-ever leveraged buyout.

Among other stocks, Qualcomm Inc fell 2.4 per cent&nbsp;after Morgan Stanley downgraded the chipmaker to "equal-weight" from "overweight".

Shares of Cisco Systems Inc dropped 1.4 per cent&nbsp;as Piper Jaffray cut its rating on the network gear maker to "neutral" from "overweight".

Wall Street's main indexes were set to retreat at the open on Monday as comments by President Donald Trump dampened expectations around a US-China trade deal, while escalating violence in Hong Kong added to investor worries.

Wall Street's main indexes were set to retreat at the open on Monday as comments by President Donald Trump dampened expectations around a US-China trade deal, while escalating violence in Hong Kong added to investor worries. Hopes of a "phase one" deal to end the damaging 16-month trade war and largely upbeat corporate earnings have sparked a rally that helped the three major stock indexes close at record highs on Friday. But Trump said on Saturday that the United States would only make a deal if it was the "right deal" for America, adding that the talks had moved more slowly than he would have liked. Trade-sensitive stocks Caterpillar Inc, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Micron Technology Inc and Intel Corp shed about 1 per cent each in premarket trading. US-listed Chinese stocks also fell. Continuing violence in Hong Kong also hit sentiment after police shot and wounded a protester in the 24th straight week of pro-democracy unrest in the Chinese-ruled territory. "You have China involved in two major variables now, which seems to be causing some nervousness," said Andre Bakhos, managing director at New Vines Capital LLC in Bernardsville. "During times like these, the markets are going to be volatile and erratic, especially after coming off all-time highs." The third-quarter earnings season is drawing to a close on a positive note, with nearly three-quarters of the 446 S&P 500 companies that have reported results so far topping profit estimates, according to Refinitiv data. The numbers, however, reflect significantly lowered analysts' forecasts. Attention will now shift to economic data, as well as comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week. At 8:53 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were down 107 points, or 0.39 per cent. S&P 500 e-minis were down 12 points, or 0.39 per cent and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 31.75 points, or 0.38 per cent. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc jumped 5.6 per cent after Bloomberg reported KKR & Co had formally approached the drugstore giant for what could be the biggest-ever leveraged buyout. Among other stocks, Qualcomm Inc fell 2.4 per cent after Morgan Stanley downgraded the chipmaker to "equal-weight" from "overweight". Shares of Cisco Systems Inc dropped 1.4 per cent as Piper Jaffray cut its rating on the network gear maker to "neutral" from "overweight".

Wall Street set for weak opening amidst US-China trade war and Hong Kong crisis

Hong Kong's economic woes showed no sign of easing Wednesday after a key measure of business confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as the city reels from the global trade war and violent democracy protests.

The Purchasing Managers Index -- which measures the health of the private sector -- dropped to 39.3 in October, its worst reading since 2008 during the global financial crisis, heaping fresh misery on the unrest-plagued city.

The international finance has been plunged into a recession by the fallout from the China-US trade war and five months of seething pro-democracy protests that Beijing has taken a hardline approach against.

IHS Markit, which surveys around 400 private companies to build the PMI dataset, said business activity was now falling at its fastest rate on record. The latest reading is well below the 50 level that separates growth from contraction and is also sharply down from the 41.5 seen in September.

"The ongoing political unrest and impact of trade tensions saw business activity fall at the sharpest pace since the survey started over 21 years ago," Bernard Aw, principal economist at IHS Markit, wrote.

"Anecdotal evidence revealed that the retail and tourism sectors remained particularly affected."

Aw added the city was experiencing a record decline in demand from mainland China.

Hong Kong's economy was already facing strong headwinds at the start of 2019 as it was hit by the trade war, battering a city that is hugely reliant on the world's two largest economies.

In the first quarter, the city was growing at a lackluster 0.6 per cent.

But the protests that erupted in June only made matters worse.

Figures released by the government last week showed gross domestic product shrank 3.2 per cent in the third quarter compared with the previous three months, when it saw a 0.4 per cent drop.

That means the city is experiencing a technical recession, with two back-to-back periods of contraction.

It is the first time the city has witnessed a recession since early 2009 at the height of the financial crisis.

Last month Financial Secretary Paul Chan warned it was "very likely" the city would end the year in a full-blown recession.

Overseas visitors have fallen by as much as 40 per cent, especially from mainland China, which accounts for 80 per cent of the city's tourists.

Retail figures have tumbled around a fifth for August and September.

This summer's protests were initially sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the mainland with millions hitting the streets.

As Beijing and local leaders dug in the protests snowballed into a wider movement calling for greater democracy and police accountability with violence by both protesters and police increasing with each passing month.

Hong Kong's economic woes showed no sign of easing Wednesday after a key measure of business confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as the city reels from the global trade war and violent democracy protests.

Hong Kong's economic woes showed no sign of easing Wednesday after a key measure of business confidence fell to its lowest level in more than a decade as the city reels from the global trade war and violent democracy protests. The Purchasing Managers Index -- which measures the health of the private sector -- dropped to 39.3 in October, its worst reading since 2008 during the global financial crisis, heaping fresh misery on the unrest-plagued city. The international finance has been plunged into a recession by the fallout from the China-US trade war and five months of seething pro-democracy protests that Beijing has taken a hardline approach against. IHS Markit, which surveys around 400 private companies to build the PMI dataset, said business activity was now falling at its fastest rate on record. The latest reading is well below the 50 level that separates growth from contraction and is also sharply down from the 41.5 seen in September. "The ongoing political unrest and impact of trade tensions saw business activity fall at the sharpest pace since the survey started over 21 years ago," Bernard Aw, principal economist at IHS Markit, wrote. "Anecdotal evidence revealed that the retail and tourism sectors remained particularly affected." Aw added the city was experiencing a record decline in demand from mainland China. Hong Kong's economy was already facing strong headwinds at the start of 2019 as it was hit by the trade war, battering a city that is hugely reliant on the world's two largest economies. In the first quarter, the city was growing at a lackluster 0.6 per cent. But the protests that erupted in June only made matters worse. Figures released by the government last week showed gross domestic product shrank 3.2 per cent in the third quarter compared with the previous three months, when it saw a 0.4 per cent drop. That means the city is experiencing a technical recession, with two back-to-back periods of contraction. It is the first time the city has witnessed a recession since early 2009 at the height of the financial crisis. Last month Financial Secretary Paul Chan warned it was "very likely" the city would end the year in a full-blown recession. Overseas visitors have fallen by as much as 40 per cent, especially from mainland China, which accounts for 80 per cent of the city's tourists. Retail figures have tumbled around a fifth for August and September. This summer's protests were initially sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the mainland with millions hitting the streets. As Beijing and local leaders dug in the protests snowballed into a wider movement calling for greater democracy and police accountability with violence by both protesters and police increasing with each passing month.

Hong Kong's economic woes deepen with plunging business outlook

Protesters read out a declaration in a Hong Kong shopping mall for a provisional government Friday&nbsp;in response to an anti-mask law announced by Carrie Lam, the city's embattled leader.

Video obtained by Reuters showed protesters - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-reaches-a-once-peaceful-hong-kong-suburb-253867">many in masks</a> - reading out the statement establishing a provisional government, which was initially published on Reddit-like web portal LIHKG.

The statement called for the suspension of the Chief Executive and the cabinet, as well as the creation of a government,&nbsp; elected through universal suffrage, a key demand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-return-to-hong-kong-streets-as-metro-shops-shut-after-violence-253910">underpinning the protests in Hong Kong</a>.

"The declaration helps protesters think: where does this government's legitimacy come from?" the protester who filmed the declaration, and wants to be known by the pseudonym of "Ma", told Reuters.

"The government uses its own position, its status, to take away the freedom for the people to speak," Ma added. "This is merely the initial spark of resistance. To establish a shadow government is merely an idea."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-invokes-emergency-powers-to-quell-escalating-violence-253684">Protests are expected to continue</a> on Saturday&nbsp;after the anti-mask ban was announced, with the city's metro lines shut down, supermarkets and shopping malls shuttered.

Protesters read out a declaration in a Hong Kong shopping mall for a provisional government Friday in response to an anti-mask law announced by Carrie Lam, the city's embattled leader.

Protesters read out a declaration in a Hong Kong shopping mall for a provisional government Friday in response to an anti-mask law announced by Carrie Lam, the city's embattled leader. Video obtained by Reuters showed protesters - many in masks - reading out the statement establishing a provisional government, which was initially published on Reddit-like web portal LIHKG. The statement called for the suspension of the Chief Executive and the cabinet, as well as the creation of a government, elected through universal suffrage, a key demand underpinning the protests in Hong Kong. "The declaration helps protesters think: where does this government's legitimacy come from?" the protester who filmed the declaration, and wants to be known by the pseudonym of "Ma", told Reuters. "The government uses its own position, its status, to take away the freedom for the people to speak," Ma added. "This is merely the initial spark of resistance. To establish a shadow government is merely an idea." Protests are expected to continue on Saturday after the anti-mask ban was announced, with the city's metro lines shut down, supermarkets and shopping malls shuttered.

Hong Kong: Protesters gather in mall to read out declaration forming provisional city government

Hong Kong police fired water cannon Saturday night at a group of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-rebuild-lennon-walls-ahead-of-china-national-day-252576">hardcore protesters</a> who hurled Molotov cocktails not far from a park where tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters were rallying peacefully.

A water cannon truck fired on dozens of masked protesters who were throwing projectiles and petrol bombs at the Central Government Offices, a building which has frequently come under attack during this summer's huge, sometimes violent protests.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers gathered Saturday night to mark the fifth anniversary of the "Umbrella Movement", the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-busy-schedule-ahead-of-china-national-day-252568">failed pro-democracy campaign</a> that laid the groundwork for the massive protests currently engulfing the finance hub.

Huge crowds chanting slogans and singing protest songs crammed into a park outside the city's parliament, the same site that was the epicentre of the 2014 protests.&nbsp;

Hundreds later spilled out onto the main road outside the city's government offices.

The Umbrella Movement exploded when huge crowds came out after police fired tear gas at a student-led rally which had taken over the same highway -- and was named after the ubiquitous tool people used to defend themselves from the police.

Both 2014's protests and the current demonstrations were fuelled by fears that Beijing is eroding freedoms in the semi-autonomous Chinese city and frustrations over the lack of direct elections.

But the character of the protests has noticeably hardened in the intervening years.

Compared to the current strife - where street battles have erupted for 16 consecutive weeks -&nbsp;2014's protests were softer, with students completing classwork in the camps, recycling their waste, and the police largely avoiding direct conflict during the 79-day occupation of three key intersections.

This summer's pro-democracy protests have had a distinctly more existential feel, with hardcore activists throwing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-umbrella-protests-sowed-seed-for-future-freed-activist-252402">Molotovs and bricks</a>, police using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon and Beijing issuing increasingly shrill warnings.

Hong Kong police fired water cannon Saturday night at a group of hardcore protesters who hurled Molotov cocktails not far from a park where tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters were rallying peacefully.

Hong Kong police fired water cannon Saturday night at a group of hardcore protesters who hurled Molotov cocktails not far from a park where tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters were rallying peacefully. A water cannon truck fired on dozens of masked protesters who were throwing projectiles and petrol bombs at the Central Government Offices, a building which has frequently come under attack during this summer's huge, sometimes violent protests. Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers gathered Saturday night to mark the fifth anniversary of the "Umbrella Movement", the failed pro-democracy campaign that laid the groundwork for the massive protests currently engulfing the finance hub. Huge crowds chanting slogans and singing protest songs crammed into a park outside the city's parliament, the same site that was the epicentre of the 2014 protests. Hundreds later spilled out onto the main road outside the city's government offices. The Umbrella Movement exploded when huge crowds came out after police fired tear gas at a student-led rally which had taken over the same highway -- and was named after the ubiquitous tool people used to defend themselves from the police. Both 2014's protests and the current demonstrations were fuelled by fears that Beijing is eroding freedoms in the semi-autonomous Chinese city and frustrations over the lack of direct elections. But the character of the protests has noticeably hardened in the intervening years. Compared to the current strife - where street battles have erupted for 16 consecutive weeks - 2014's protests were softer, with students completing classwork in the camps, recycling their waste, and the police largely avoiding direct conflict during the 79-day occupation of three key intersections. This summer's pro-democracy protests have had a distinctly more existential feel, with hardcore activists throwing Molotovs and bricks, police using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon and Beijing issuing increasingly shrill warnings.

Hong Kong police fire water cannon after protesters hurl petrol bombs

Hundreds of masked protesters used bins and ticket machines as barricades against riot police late Wednesday at a flashpoint Hong Kong metro station, where they earlier marked one month since a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-spread-to-subway-as-bank-warns-of-economic-fallout-244585">mob attack by suspected triad</a> gang members.

That assault on July 21 had pushed the city deeper into political violence, but the sit-in on Wednesday was largely peaceful until police vans arrived at the Yuen Long station close to the Chinese border and the atmosphere soured.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-consulate-employee-in-hong-kong-being-held-in-china-foreign-ministry-244603">protesters put on hard hats</a> and gas masks, while others sprayed fire extinguishers and poured detergent, beer and oil on the concourse to impede entry by the police who had massed outside.

The demonstration was convened to mark a month since a gang wearing white T-shirts and armed with poles and sticks set upon anti-government protesters -&nbsp;unarmed and dressed in black -&nbsp;at the metro station.&nbsp;

The attack left nearly 50 people -&nbsp;including passers-by -&nbsp;in hospital, some with horrific wounds.

Hong Kong's police were heavily criticised for being slow to respond, fuelling rumours of collusion.

Police denied any links to the attack, but trust in the force -&nbsp;which was already facing an unprecedented challenge on the streets -- has since sunk to a nadir.&nbsp;

"People are here to tell the government that we are angry and we think that we need a fair judgment on the attackers," 23-year-old tutor Chloe told AFP, giving one name like many of the demonstrators.

Hong Kong's political crisis was spurred by an attempt to bundle through a bill allowing extradition to China through parliament.

But protests have billowed out into a wider pro-democracy movement, which has seen the financial centre's airport closed, violent street clashes with police and million-strong peaceful marches through city streets.

It is unclear in which direction the protests, which are leaderless and organised on social media, are heading after nearly three months of draining street action. &nbsp;

The city has enjoyed several peaceful protests recently -- &nbsp;without police baton charges, tear gas or protesters hurling rocks.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's government has so far refused to buck to any of their demands, including scrapping the extradition bill completely, the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam and a full independent inquiry into police actions during the protests.

But they say they are digging in for the long haul.

"Although we are so tired, we know that the momentum for the protests is still there," said a sit-in participant who identified himself only as Leung.

Hong Kong police on Tuesday said they had arrested 28 people over the July 21 incident.

Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

Hundreds of masked protesters used bins and ticket machines as barricades against riot police late Wednesday at a flashpoint Hong Kong metro station, where they earlier marked one month since a mob attack by suspected triad gang members.

Hundreds of masked protesters used bins and ticket machines as barricades against riot police late Wednesday at a flashpoint Hong Kong metro station, where they earlier marked one month since a mob attack by suspected triad gang members. That assault on July 21 had pushed the city deeper into political violence, but the sit-in on Wednesday was largely peaceful until police vans arrived at the Yuen Long station close to the Chinese border and the atmosphere soured. Some protesters put on hard hats and gas masks, while others sprayed fire extinguishers and poured detergent, beer and oil on the concourse to impede entry by the police who had massed outside. The demonstration was convened to mark a month since a gang wearing white T-shirts and armed with poles and sticks set upon anti-government protesters - unarmed and dressed in black - at the metro station. The attack left nearly 50 people - including passers-by - in hospital, some with horrific wounds. Hong Kong's police were heavily criticised for being slow to respond, fuelling rumours of collusion. Police denied any links to the attack, but trust in the force - which was already facing an unprecedented challenge on the streets -- has since sunk to a nadir. "People are here to tell the government that we are angry and we think that we need a fair judgment on the attackers," 23-year-old tutor Chloe told AFP, giving one name like many of the demonstrators. Hong Kong's political crisis was spurred by an attempt to bundle through a bill allowing extradition to China through parliament. But protests have billowed out into a wider pro-democracy movement, which has seen the financial centre's airport closed, violent street clashes with police and million-strong peaceful marches through city streets. It is unclear in which direction the protests, which are leaderless and organised on social media, are heading after nearly three months of draining street action. The city has enjoyed several peaceful protests recently -- without police baton charges, tear gas or protesters hurling rocks. Hong Kong's government has so far refused to buck to any of their demands, including scrapping the extradition bill completely, the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam and a full independent inquiry into police actions during the protests. But they say they are digging in for the long haul. "Although we are so tired, we know that the momentum for the protests is still there," said a sit-in participant who identified himself only as Leung. Hong Kong police on Tuesday said they had arrested 28 people over the July 21 incident. Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

Masked protesters mark 'triad' attack at Hong Kong metro station

By Michael Joseph Richardson

The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union recently encouraged staff to join protests at Hong Kong’s international airport. It should be noted that Cathay Pacific itself clarified in a note to the Global Times that it was not the event’s organiser, and that the protest didn’t constitute industrial action by its employees.

There have now been eight consecutive weeks of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. They started in opposition to (now suspended) extradition legislation, which would have seen suspects in the special administrative region sent to mainland China, but have since grown into a wider movement calling for the resignation of Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong.

But while it is attracting global attention now, the movement has a long history that puts the unprecedented move of Cathay Pacific’s flight aviation union in context.

A student strike in late September 2014 saw the birth of Occupy Central with Love and Peace (OCLP). The occupation took hold of several key areas of the city that year, with campaigners employing non-violent civil disobedience. It officially lasted for 79 days, although its legacy is still being written.

Back then, the movement was focused on the right to universal suffrage, a fair and transparent electoral system, and ultimately an open democratic process. Pacifist symbols (yellow umbrellas, protective face masks and eye goggles) were deployed against police aggression (pepper spray and tear gas) – and the so-called “Umbrella Revolution” was born.

In 2017, 20 years after Britain’s colonial role of the territory came to an end, Lam, Beijing’s favoured candidate, was appointed Hong Kong’s leader, a move widely criticised by pro-democracy campaigners.

Further controversy followed a year later with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuai-Macau Bridge, which was described by independent lawmaker Claudia Mo as an “umbilical cord” to China.

Resistance

The mainland, over time, has been tightening its grip. But recent events at Hong Kong’s international airport and across the city show just how strong the resistance to perceived Chinese influence has become.

The well-educated middle classes are also front and centre of this resistance movement. In Annals of the American Association of Geographers, I argued that the mobilisation of professional, politically-oriented Hong Kong Chinese has seen the movement employing the “weapons of the well-educated”.

The phrase refers to political scientist and anthropologist James C Scott’s important 1980s work Weapons of the Weak, which explored peasant resistance in Malaysia. He described “the ordinary weapons of relatively powerless groups: foot dragging, dissimulation, desertion, false compliance, pilfering, feigned ignorance, slander, arson, sabotage, and so on”.

In modern Hong Kong, however, a very different demographic has been taking a stand. There, justice is being called for by locally born, Hong Kong citizens, many of whom were, or are, students at the city’s universities. This makes the movement harder to ignore and more difficult to silence.

Evolving protest

But the current protests have led me to revise this thinking further and to conclude that the protests have now become the “weapons of the well-connected”. The protests have been reinvigorated by further support from much of the city’s expatriate community, a topic I am currently researching. As part of this, I interviewed a 20-something half British, half Malaysian Chinese working in Hong Kong. Reflecting on their involvement in the anti-extradition protests earlier this month, they stated:

"I do want to reiterate that these events have completely altered my view of HK [Hong Kong] society – particularly the police. You grow up thinking that the police are on your side and will always protect you … but I no longer trust the police and I don’t like them. The force used was completely unnecessary and an abuse of power and authority. I also think the way that the bill [the controversial extradition law] was very quickly rushed through the system was a complete abuse of authority by Carrie Lam and her government. When I was tear-gassed the second time, I was away from the large crowd that the police were kettling. The riot police were standing in a line and had their backs to me; we were about 200 metres behind them – unmoving and unarmed. It suddenly went silent and then I saw at least five gas canisters beneath my feet. ‘Surreal’ doesn’t begin to cover it."

They powerfully finished the interview by saying: “As much as I am now anti-police and anti-establishment, I have never felt more proud to call myself a Hong Konger; and I think many people will feel the same way.”

The role of city workers in the protests certainly shows how things have evolved since the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, which was an overwhelmingly local movement. While the political outlook of Hong Kong’s business elite had previously been largely apolitical, the perceived Chinese encroachment is now so great that even organisations are beginning to speak out.

The protests have already been aided by UK government support, causing increased tensions with the Chinese ambassador in London – and now they have the support of the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union. Hong Kong’s future as a special administrative region of China is unclear, but the connections forged with the international business community have changed the nature of protest in the city. And China will likely find it harder and harder not to listen.

(Michael Joseph Richardson is Lecturer of Human Geography, Newcastle University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hong-kong-protests-city-workers-expats-and-unions-join-clamour-making-it-ever-harder-for-china-to-ignore-121138">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

By Michael Joseph Richardson The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union recently encouraged staff to join protests at Hong Kong’s international airport. It should be noted that Cathay Pacific itself clarified in a note to the Global Times that it was not the event’s organiser, and that the protest didn’t constitute industrial action by its employees.

By Michael Joseph Richardson The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union recently encouraged staff to join protests at Hong Kong’s international airport. It should be noted that Cathay Pacific itself clarified in a note to the Global Times that it was not the event’s organiser, and that the protest didn’t constitute industrial action by its employees. There have now been eight consecutive weeks of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. They started in opposition to (now suspended) extradition legislation, which would have seen suspects in the special administrative region sent to mainland China, but have since grown into a wider movement calling for the resignation of Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong. But while it is attracting global attention now, the movement has a long history that puts the unprecedented move of Cathay Pacific’s flight aviation union in context. A student strike in late September 2014 saw the birth of Occupy Central with Love and Peace (OCLP). The occupation took hold of several key areas of the city that year, with campaigners employing non-violent civil disobedience. It officially lasted for 79 days, although its legacy is still being written. Back then, the movement was focused on the right to universal suffrage, a fair and transparent electoral system, and ultimately an open democratic process. Pacifist symbols (yellow umbrellas, protective face masks and eye goggles) were deployed against police aggression (pepper spray and tear gas) – and the so-called “Umbrella Revolution” was born. In 2017, 20 years after Britain’s colonial role of the territory came to an end, Lam, Beijing’s favoured candidate, was appointed Hong Kong’s leader, a move widely criticised by pro-democracy campaigners. Further controversy followed a year later with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuai-Macau Bridge, which was described by independent lawmaker Claudia Mo as an “umbilical cord” to China. Resistance The mainland, over time, has been tightening its grip. But recent events at Hong Kong’s international airport and across the city show just how strong the resistance to perceived Chinese influence has become. The well-educated middle classes are also front and centre of this resistance movement. In Annals of the American Association of Geographers, I argued that the mobilisation of professional, politically-oriented Hong Kong Chinese has seen the movement employing the “weapons of the well-educated”. The phrase refers to political scientist and anthropologist James C Scott’s important 1980s work Weapons of the Weak, which explored peasant resistance in Malaysia. He described “the ordinary weapons of relatively powerless groups: foot dragging, dissimulation, desertion, false compliance, pilfering, feigned ignorance, slander, arson, sabotage, and so on”. In modern Hong Kong, however, a very different demographic has been taking a stand. There, justice is being called for by locally born, Hong Kong citizens, many of whom were, or are, students at the city’s universities. This makes the movement harder to ignore and more difficult to silence. Evolving protest But the current protests have led me to revise this thinking further and to conclude that the protests have now become the “weapons of the well-connected”. The protests have been reinvigorated by further support from much of the city’s expatriate community, a topic I am currently researching. As part of this, I interviewed a 20-something half British, half Malaysian Chinese working in Hong Kong. Reflecting on their involvement in the anti-extradition protests earlier this month, they stated: "I do want to reiterate that these events have completely altered my view of HK [Hong Kong] society – particularly the police. You grow up thinking that the police are on your side and will always protect you … but I no longer trust the police and I don’t like them. The force used was completely unnecessary and an abuse of power and authority. I also think the way that the bill [the controversial extradition law] was very quickly rushed through the system was a complete abuse of authority by Carrie Lam and her government. When I was tear-gassed the second time, I was away from the large crowd that the police were kettling. The riot police were standing in a line and had their backs to me; we were about 200 metres behind them – unmoving and unarmed. It suddenly went silent and then I saw at least five gas canisters beneath my feet. ‘Surreal’ doesn’t begin to cover it." They powerfully finished the interview by saying: “As much as I am now anti-police and anti-establishment, I have never felt more proud to call myself a Hong Konger; and I think many people will feel the same way.” The role of city workers in the protests certainly shows how things have evolved since the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, which was an overwhelmingly local movement. While the political outlook of Hong Kong’s business elite had previously been largely apolitical, the perceived Chinese encroachment is now so great that even organisations are beginning to speak out. The protests have already been aided by UK government support, causing increased tensions with the Chinese ambassador in London – and now they have the support of the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union. Hong Kong’s future as a special administrative region of China is unclear, but the connections forged with the international business community have changed the nature of protest in the city. And China will likely find it harder and harder not to listen. (Michael Joseph Richardson is Lecturer of Human Geography, Newcastle University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Hong Kong protests: City workers, expats and unions join clamour, making it even harder for China to ignore

Thousands gathered in sweltering heat in Hong Kong on Sunday for the latest in a series of mass protests over an extradition bill that has plunged the Chinese-ruled financial hub into crisis and revived public opposition to Beijing's tightening grip.

Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago.

Tens of thousands are expected to march from Victoria Park in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to Wan Chai, just one metro stop away, after police shortened the route, citing safety concerns.

Rally organisers lost their appeal to have the march route end in Central district, close to the scene where police in June fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse activists in some of the most violent protests to rock the city in decades.

The protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police force, who some have accused of using excessive force against activists, and call for an end to the violence.

Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.

Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which would allow extradition to China and which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do.

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control.

The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy.

A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula.

Police late on Friday seized a cache of explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested in connection with the seizure, which police described as the largest ever of its kind in Hong Kong.

They said it was unclear if the explosives were related to the protest.

Government and police headquarters, which have been targeted by protesters in previous rallies, were barricaded by massive water barriers on Sunday, while media said 5,000 police were being deployed for the rally.

Several major roads were closed off and global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building.

Thousands gathered in sweltering heat in Hong Kong on Sunday for the latest in a series of mass protests over an extradition bill that has plunged the Chinese-ruled financial hub into crisis and revived public opposition to Beijing's tightening grip.

Thousands gathered in sweltering heat in Hong Kong on Sunday for the latest in a series of mass protests over an extradition bill that has plunged the Chinese-ruled financial hub into crisis and revived public opposition to Beijing's tightening grip. Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago. Tens of thousands are expected to march from Victoria Park in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to Wan Chai, just one metro stop away, after police shortened the route, citing safety concerns. Rally organisers lost their appeal to have the march route end in Central district, close to the scene where police in June fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse activists in some of the most violent protests to rock the city in decades. The protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police force, who some have accused of using excessive force against activists, and call for an end to the violence. Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests. Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which would allow extradition to China and which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do. Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control. The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy. A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability." China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula. Police late on Friday seized a cache of explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested in connection with the seizure, which police described as the largest ever of its kind in Hong Kong. They said it was unclear if the explosives were related to the protest. Government and police headquarters, which have been targeted by protesters in previous rallies, were barricaded by massive water barriers on Sunday, while media said 5,000 police were being deployed for the rally. Several major roads were closed off and global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building.

Hong Kong locks down as thousands gather for latest anti-extradition bill rally

A pro-China committee will choose a new leader for Hong Kong Sunday to take the helm of a deeply divided city that is fearful Beijing is squeezing its freedoms.

The vote comes after an unprecedented five years of anti-China protests under current chief executive Leung Chun-ying, who is seen by opponents as a Beijing puppet and will step down in July.

Hong Kong is semi-autonomous and has been governed under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; deal since it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.

But, 20 years on, there are serious concerns Beijing is disregarding the handover agreement designed to protect Hong Kong`s way of life.&nbsp;

Frustration among activists at what they see as China`s increasing influence and a lack of promised political reform has sparked calls for self-determination for Hong Kong, or even a complete split from China.&nbsp;

Sunday&#39;s election is forecast to usher in another divisive leader -- Leung&#39;s former deputy Carrie Lam.

Lam is widely seen as Beijing&#39;s favourite for the job and would become Hong Kong`s first ever woman chief executive.

But she is intensely disliked by the pro-democracy camp after she promoted the Beijing-backed reform package that sparked 2014`s massive &quot;Umbrella Movement&quot; protests calling for fully free leadership elections.

That plan said the public could choose the city leader in 2017, but insisted candidates must be vetted first.&nbsp;

It was eventually voted down in parliament by pro-democracy lawmakers. With no further progress on reform, Sunday&#39;s vote will be carried out by committee, as it has been since Hong Kong was handed back to China.&nbsp;

Representatives of a broad number of sectors, from business to education, sit on the 1,194-strong committee, but only a quarter are from the democracy camp. 
The vast majority of the 3.8 million electorate have no say in the vote.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy committee members say they will throw their weight behind Lam&#39;s main rival candidate, ex-finance secretary John Tsang, seen as a more moderate establishment figure.&nbsp;

But activists say he is still on the side of Beijing and reject the vote outright, promising to protest outside the harbourfront voting venue Sunday.

The new leader will face an uphill struggle to unite a city in which young people in particular have lost faith not only in the political system but in their overall prospects.&nbsp;

With salaries too low to meet the cost of property in an overpriced market fuelled by mainland money, getting ahead in life is seen as increasingly difficult.

Lam says she will try to build consensus by focusing on social issues, including poverty and housing.

But critics say she is dodging the bigger political picture.&nbsp;

They fear Lam is &quot;Leung 2.0&quot; and will pave the way for Beijing to extend its influence.&nbsp;

That anxiety comes off the back of a number of incidents under Leung that have rocked public confidence.&nbsp;

They include the disappearance in 2015 of five Hong Kong booksellers known for publishing salacious titles about China`s political elite. The booksellers all resurfaced in detention on the mainland.&nbsp;

Last year, the disqualification from parliament of two publicly elected pro-independence lawmakers following a Beijing intervention also prompted accusations the city&#39;s legislature had been seriously compromised.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The vote comes after an unprecedented five years of anti-China protests under current chief executive Leung Chun-ying

A pro-China committee will choose a new leader for Hong Kong Sunday to take the helm of a deeply divided city that is fearful Beijing is squeezing its freedoms. The vote comes after an unprecedented five years of anti-China protests under current chief executive Leung Chun-ying, who is seen by opponents as a Beijing puppet and will step down in July. Hong Kong is semi-autonomous and has been governed under a "one country, two systems" deal since it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. But, 20 years on, there are serious concerns Beijing is disregarding the handover agreement designed to protect Hong Kong`s way of life. Frustration among activists at what they see as China`s increasing influence and a lack of promised political reform has sparked calls for self-determination for Hong Kong, or even a complete split from China. Sunday's election is forecast to usher in another divisive leader -- Leung's former deputy Carrie Lam. Lam is widely seen as Beijing's favourite for the job and would become Hong Kong`s first ever woman chief executive. But she is intensely disliked by the pro-democracy camp after she promoted the Beijing-backed reform package that sparked 2014`s massive "Umbrella Movement" protests calling for fully free leadership elections. That plan said the public could choose the city leader in 2017, but insisted candidates must be vetted first. It was eventually voted down in parliament by pro-democracy lawmakers. With no further progress on reform, Sunday's vote will be carried out by committee, as it has been since Hong Kong was handed back to China. Representatives of a broad number of sectors, from business to education, sit on the 1,194-strong committee, but only a quarter are from the democracy camp. The vast majority of the 3.8 million electorate have no say in the vote. Pro-democracy committee members say they will throw their weight behind Lam's main rival candidate, ex-finance secretary John Tsang, seen as a more moderate establishment figure. But activists say he is still on the side of Beijing and reject the vote outright, promising to protest outside the harbourfront voting venue Sunday. The new leader will face an uphill struggle to unite a city in which young people in particular have lost faith not only in the political system but in their overall prospects. With salaries too low to meet the cost of property in an overpriced market fuelled by mainland money, getting ahead in life is seen as increasingly difficult. Lam says she will try to build consensus by focusing on social issues, including poverty and housing. But critics say she is dodging the bigger political picture. They fear Lam is "Leung 2.0" and will pave the way for Beijing to extend its influence. That anxiety comes off the back of a number of incidents under Leung that have rocked public confidence. They include the disappearance in 2015 of five Hong Kong booksellers known for publishing salacious titles about China`s political elite. The booksellers all resurfaced in detention on the mainland. Last year, the disqualification from parliament of two publicly elected pro-independence lawmakers following a Beijing intervention also prompted accusations the city's legislature had been seriously compromised. (AFP)

New leader for divided Hong Kong to be elected today