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

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

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

Riot police deployed as Hong Kong protesters target airport

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

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

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

Hong Kong protests to target airport after night of violence

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the evening from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 6th, 2019

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

Fresh demonstrations hits Hong Kong; Protestors planning to block airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrie Lam addresses media a day after withdrawal of extradition bill

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 5th, 2019

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

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

Hong Kong's private sector activity declined at the fastest pace in more than a decade in August, a business survey showed on Wednesday, as an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-beanbag-rounds-in-overnight-clashes-with-protesters-247486">escalating trade war and local political unrest </a>hit all aspects of demand.

The IHS Markit Hong Kong Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) sank to 40.8 in August from 43.8 in July, signalling the steepest deterioration in the private sector since February 2009.

"The latest PMI data reveal a Hong Kong economy flirting with recession in the third quarter as business activity is increasingly aggravated by protest-related paralysis," said Bernard Aw, Principal Economist at IHS Markit.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since mid-June in protests calling for greater democracy in the former British territory. The demonstrations pose a direct challenge to Beijing, which has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting unrest.

Both the trade headwinds and political crisis have fanned business pessimism, with confidence slumping to its lowest on record, the survey showed.

New orders continued declining and at the sharpest pace since February 2009, dragged by a record decline in new business from mainland China.

Hong Kong is on the verge of its first recession in a decade as the economy shrank 0.4% in April-June from the previous quarter, data showed, as increasingly violent protests turned away tourists and hit retail sales in one of the world's most popular shopping destinations.

Hong Kong's private sector activity declined at the fastest pace in more than a decade in August, a business survey showed on Wednesday, as an escalating trade war and local political unrest hit all aspects of demand.

Hong Kong's private sector activity declined at the fastest pace in more than a decade in August, a business survey showed on Wednesday, as an escalating trade war and local political unrest hit all aspects of demand. The IHS Markit Hong Kong Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) sank to 40.8 in August from 43.8 in July, signalling the steepest deterioration in the private sector since February 2009. "The latest PMI data reveal a Hong Kong economy flirting with recession in the third quarter as business activity is increasingly aggravated by protest-related paralysis," said Bernard Aw, Principal Economist at IHS Markit. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since mid-June in protests calling for greater democracy in the former British territory. The demonstrations pose a direct challenge to Beijing, which has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting unrest. Both the trade headwinds and political crisis have fanned business pessimism, with confidence slumping to its lowest on record, the survey showed. New orders continued declining and at the sharpest pace since February 2009, dragged by a record decline in new business from mainland China. Hong Kong is on the verge of its first recession in a decade as the economy shrank 0.4% in April-June from the previous quarter, data showed, as increasingly violent protests turned away tourists and hit retail sales in one of the world's most popular shopping destinations.

Protests, trade war push Hong Kong August business activity to lowest since Feb 2009: Report

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has extended his advice to Shubman Gill after his string of failures in the ongoing series against the West Indies. With eight hundreds in 2023, Gill was in a rich vein of form going into the series against the Caribbean side but has seen his stock go down with poor performances. According to Jaffer, Gill needs to adapt to the new surfaces early if he is to achieve success away from home.

<h2>Jaffer’s advice to Gill</h2>

"These West Indies surfaces are like that, you have to wait for it and can't just keep hitting on the rise which Shubman likes. But one thing he needs to understand is he is not going to get conditions like Ahmedabad everywhere. So the better he gets used to the other surfaces, and adapts to the surfaces it's going to do him wonders," Jaffer said on ESPNCricinfo.

In his last six innings, Gill has been dismissed for under 10 runs on four occasions. His highest score on the tour is 85 runs he scored in the third ODI at Tarouba and has been far from convincing. Gill has scored 187 runs in nine innings during the West Indies tour and has been urged by a few fans to be dropped after the lean patch.

"Shubman is not somebody who goes from ball one. He is not that kind of a player so he takes his time at the start. He has a habit of reaching towards the ball when the ball is not coming on," Jaffer added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/his-character-impresses-us-happy-with-progress-paras-mhambrey-on-all-format-bowler-mukesh-kumar-624796">His character impresses us, happy with progress: Paras Mhambrey on all-format bowler Mukesh Kumar</a>

<h2>India trailing 1-2 in series</h2>

The Indian team is all set to take on West Indies in the fourth T20I on Saturday, August 12 in Florida and are expected to field Gill again in the team. India are currently trailing in the five-match T20I series 1-2, having lost the first two matches. West Indies will have the opportunity to win the series with a win in Florida while India can level the series and take the contest to the decider on Monday.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has extended his advice to Shubman Gill after his string of failures in the ongoing series against the West Indies. With eight hundreds in 2023, Gill was in a rich vein of form going into the series against the Caribbean side but has seen his stock go down with poor performances.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has extended his advice to Shubman Gill after his string of failures in the ongoing series against the West Indies. With eight hundreds in 2023, Gill was in a rich vein of form going into the series against the Caribbean side but has seen his stock go down with poor performances. According to Jaffer, Gill needs to adapt to the new surfaces early if he is to achieve success away from home. Jaffer’s advice to Gill "These West Indies surfaces are like that, you have to wait for it and can't just keep hitting on the rise which Shubman likes. But one thing he needs to understand is he is not going to get conditions like Ahmedabad everywhere. So the better he gets used to the other surfaces, and adapts to the surfaces it's going to do him wonders," Jaffer said on ESPNCricinfo. In his last six innings, Gill has been dismissed for under 10 runs on four occasions. His highest score on the tour is 85 runs he scored in the third ODI at Tarouba and has been far from convincing. Gill has scored 187 runs in nine innings during the West Indies tour and has been urged by a few fans to be dropped after the lean patch. "Shubman is not somebody who goes from ball one. He is not that kind of a player so he takes his time at the start. He has a habit of reaching towards the ball when the ball is not coming on," Jaffer added. ALSO READ | His character impresses us, happy with progress: Paras Mhambrey on all-format bowler Mukesh Kumar India trailing 1-2 in series The Indian team is all set to take on West Indies in the fourth T20I on Saturday, August 12 in Florida and are expected to field Gill again in the team. India are currently trailing in the five-match T20I series 1-2, having lost the first two matches. West Indies will have the opportunity to win the series with a win in Florida while India can level the series and take the contest to the decider on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong police fire beanbag rounds in overnight clashes with protesters

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 4th, 2019

Fast fashion retailer Zara has denied suggestions that it closed stores in Hong Kong this week in support of pro-democracy protests but also apologized for any "misunderstanding."

WION Wallet: Zara seeks to distance itself from Hong Kong protests

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

Historic Hong Kong protests bring results

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

Hong Kong's Lam declares formal withdrawal of extradition bill

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

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

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

Hong Kong school and university students on Tuesday are due to boycott classes and hold pro-democracy rallies for the second straight day, further fuelling the political crisis in the Chinese-ruled city.

Thousands of students joined demonstrations at universities on Monday, many wearing gas masks, joining hands to form human chains and chanting for Hong Kong to be given greater autonomy from the central Chinese government.

The runaway rebellion in Hong Kong is piling pressure on its embattled leader Carrie Lam, who was due to hold a media conference at 9:30am (0130 GMT).

Reuters exclusively reported on Tuesday that Lam told business leaders last week that she had caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis by introducing a now-suspended extradition bill which would see people sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party controlled courts.

Lam said she would quit if she had a choice, according to a leaked audio recording. A spokesman for Lam said her office would not comment on private meetings.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in protests since mid-June in a direct challenge to Beijing, which has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting the unrest.

China has not ruled out using force against the protests and is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October&nbsp;1.

A spokesman for China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office is due to speak to the media about the situation in Hong Kong at 3pm (0700 GMT).

Tensions are running high, with several brief skirmishes around the territory after night fell on Monday. Police fired tear gas to clear protesters in the densely populated Mongkok region of the Kowloon peninsula.

This followed a weekend marred by some of the worst violence since unrest escalated more than three months ago, with protesters burning barricades and throwing petrol bombs, and police retaliating with water cannon, tear gas and batons.

Protesters are seeking greater democracy in the former British colony which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees wide-ranging autonomy, including an independent judiciary. Many in the city fear Beijing has been eroding those freedoms.

Hong Kong, an Asian financial hub and major trading port, is facing its first recession in a decade as a result of the protests, which have severely hit tourism in the city and undermined investor confidence.

Hong Kong school and university students on Tuesday are due to boycott classes and hold pro-democracy rallies for the second straight day, further fuelling the political crisis in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong school and university students on Tuesday are due to boycott classes and hold pro-democracy rallies for the second straight day, further fuelling the political crisis in the Chinese-ruled city. Thousands of students joined demonstrations at universities on Monday, many wearing gas masks, joining hands to form human chains and chanting for Hong Kong to be given greater autonomy from the central Chinese government. The runaway rebellion in Hong Kong is piling pressure on its embattled leader Carrie Lam, who was due to hold a media conference at 9:30am (0130 GMT). Reuters exclusively reported on Tuesday that Lam told business leaders last week that she had caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis by introducing a now-suspended extradition bill which would see people sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party controlled courts. Lam said she would quit if she had a choice, according to a leaked audio recording. A spokesman for Lam said her office would not comment on private meetings. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in protests since mid-June in a direct challenge to Beijing, which has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting the unrest. China has not ruled out using force against the protests and is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. A spokesman for China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office is due to speak to the media about the situation in Hong Kong at 3pm (0700 GMT). Tensions are running high, with several brief skirmishes around the territory after night fell on Monday. Police fired tear gas to clear protesters in the densely populated Mongkok region of the Kowloon peninsula. This followed a weekend marred by some of the worst violence since unrest escalated more than three months ago, with protesters burning barricades and throwing petrol bombs, and police retaliating with water cannon, tear gas and batons. Protesters are seeking greater democracy in the former British colony which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees wide-ranging autonomy, including an independent judiciary. Many in the city fear Beijing has been eroding those freedoms. Hong Kong, an Asian financial hub and major trading port, is facing its first recession in a decade as a result of the protests, which have severely hit tourism in the city and undermined investor confidence.

Hong Kong students plan second day of pro-democracy rallies

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

Carrie Lam: Never tendered a resignation to Beijing

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

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

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

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

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

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

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 3rd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 3rd, 2019

Chinese filmmaker Yonfan says his animation 'No. 7 Cherry Lane'&nbsp;is his love letter to Hong Kong, in which he tells a tale of romance set in the late 1960s.

Seven years in the making, the film follows Ziming, an English literature student at Hong Kong University, as he begins to tutor beautiful student Meiling.

He develops feelings for her mother, Mrs Yu, originally from Taiwan, taking her to see films and their romance develops through movies seen on the big screen.

Described as a love letter to Hong Kong in production notes, the narrated hand-drawn 2-D animation feature is set against a backdrop of the 1967 Communist-led riots in Hong Kong.

'No. 7 Cherry Lane', Yonfan's first animation and his first movie since 2009's 'Prince of Tears', is one of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival, where it premiered on Monday.

"This film is about love, and it is not about the exploitation of sex and sensuality to attract the box office," Yonfan told a news conference, speaking in English.

As a child, Yonfan, who was born in China's central Hubei province, moved with his family to Taiwan. He went to Hong Kong in 1964 as a teenager, when Taiwan was under martial law.

"I tried to capture the things I remember and the ways that people lived," Yonfan said.

''I went to Hong Kong and I smelled the freedom of Hong Kong ... when 1967 came ..this turbulent time in Hong Kong ..I was 20 years old, I was very much involved and moved by the moment of that time''

Yonfan was asked about the anti-government movement which has plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis in decades.

The unrest began in mid-June, fueled by anger over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in the city to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

It has evolved into calls for greater democracy under the "one country, two systems" formula, by which Hong Kong has been ruled since 1997, guaranteeing freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.

Yonfan said he hoped it "can be back to normal".

Chinese filmmaker Yonfan says his animation 'No. 7 Cherry Lane' is his love letter to Hong Kong, in which he tells a tale of romance set in the late 1960s. Seven years in the making, the film follows Ziming, an English literature student at Hong Kong University, as he begins to tutor beautiful student Meiling.

Chinese filmmaker Yonfan says his animation 'No. 7 Cherry Lane' is his love letter to Hong Kong, in which he tells a tale of romance set in the late 1960s. Seven years in the making, the film follows Ziming, an English literature student at Hong Kong University, as he begins to tutor beautiful student Meiling. He develops feelings for her mother, Mrs Yu, originally from Taiwan, taking her to see films and their romance develops through movies seen on the big screen. Described as a love letter to Hong Kong in production notes, the narrated hand-drawn 2-D animation feature is set against a backdrop of the 1967 Communist-led riots in Hong Kong. 'No. 7 Cherry Lane', Yonfan's first animation and his first movie since 2009's 'Prince of Tears', is one of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival, where it premiered on Monday. "This film is about love, and it is not about the exploitation of sex and sensuality to attract the box office," Yonfan told a news conference, speaking in English. As a child, Yonfan, who was born in China's central Hubei province, moved with his family to Taiwan. He went to Hong Kong in 1964 as a teenager, when Taiwan was under martial law. "I tried to capture the things I remember and the ways that people lived," Yonfan said. ''I went to Hong Kong and I smelled the freedom of Hong Kong ... when 1967 came ..this turbulent time in Hong Kong ..I was 20 years old, I was very much involved and moved by the moment of that time'' Yonfan was asked about the anti-government movement which has plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis in decades. The unrest began in mid-June, fueled by anger over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in the city to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. It has evolved into calls for greater democracy under the "one country, two systems" formula, by which Hong Kong has been ruled since 1997, guaranteeing freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Yonfan said he hoped it "can be back to normal".

Filmmaker Yonfan sends Hong Kong a love letter in 'No. 7 Cherry Lane'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-target-trains-urge-general-strike-247052">Hong Kong</a> police said on Sunday that 71 people were arrested during the riots on Saturday.

According to Kowloon West Regional Headquarters, a total of 63 people, 54 men and nine women aged 13 to 36, were arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives and offensive weapons.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-after-hong-kong-protesters-target-airport-247043">Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport</a>

Speaking at a press conference, Acting Senior Superintendent Tsui Suk-yee of Kowloon West Regional (Crime) said that during the arrest operations, the police seized evidences including petrol bombs, gas masks, laser guns, steel balls, armors, helmets and umbrellas.

According to Tsui, two petrol bombs and lighters were found among the belongings of a 13-year-old suspect. A batch of petrol bombs were also seized by police on the platform of Prince Edward MTR Station.

In the above-mentioned cases, suspects had posed a severe threat to public safety and social order, said Tsui.

After obtaining legal advice from the Department of Justice, some arrested suspects would be prosecuted, said Tsui, adding that the police did not rule out more arrests in coming days.

During an arrest operation in a store at Sai Ying Pun Saturday afternoon, six men and two women were also arrested for possessing offensive weapons, said Chief Inspector (Crime) of Western District Ng Kei-chun at a press conference.

During the arrest operation, 12 press cards were seized, three of which contained personal data matching those of the three arrested persons, said Ng.

However, initial probes by the police found no information available about the media organizations on the press cards.

The police had also seized suspected assault weapons including axes, steel balls, steel ball launchers and corrosive liquids, said Ng.

Noting that in recent protests, some radical protesters had used corrosive liquids against police officers, Ng said there were reasonable grounds to believe that the suspects were making offensive weapons.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday that 71 people were arrested during the riots on Saturday. According to Kowloon West Regional Headquarters, a total of 63 people, 54 men and nine women aged 13 to 36, were arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives and offensive weapons.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday that 71 people were arrested during the riots on Saturday. According to Kowloon West Regional Headquarters, a total of 63 people, 54 men and nine women aged 13 to 36, were arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives and offensive weapons. Also read: Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport Speaking at a press conference, Acting Senior Superintendent Tsui Suk-yee of Kowloon West Regional (Crime) said that during the arrest operations, the police seized evidences including petrol bombs, gas masks, laser guns, steel balls, armors, helmets and umbrellas. According to Tsui, two petrol bombs and lighters were found among the belongings of a 13-year-old suspect. A batch of petrol bombs were also seized by police on the platform of Prince Edward MTR Station. In the above-mentioned cases, suspects had posed a severe threat to public safety and social order, said Tsui. After obtaining legal advice from the Department of Justice, some arrested suspects would be prosecuted, said Tsui, adding that the police did not rule out more arrests in coming days. During an arrest operation in a store at Sai Ying Pun Saturday afternoon, six men and two women were also arrested for possessing offensive weapons, said Chief Inspector (Crime) of Western District Ng Kei-chun at a press conference. During the arrest operation, 12 press cards were seized, three of which contained personal data matching those of the three arrested persons, said Ng. However, initial probes by the police found no information available about the media organizations on the press cards. The police had also seized suspected assault weapons including axes, steel balls, steel ball launchers and corrosive liquids, said Ng. Noting that in recent protests, some radical protesters had used corrosive liquids against police officers, Ng said there were reasonable grounds to believe that the suspects were making offensive weapons.

71 arrested over riots in Hong Kong on Saturday: Police

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 2nd, 2019

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

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

Thousands of Hong Kong university and school students boycotted class and rallied peacefully for democracy on Monday, the latest acts of defiance in an anti-government movement that has plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis.

Thousands of Hong Kong university and school students boycotted class and rallied peacefully for democracy on Monday, the latest acts of defiance in an anti-government movement that has plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis. The boycott followed a weekend marred by some of the worst violence since unrest escalated more than three months ago, with protesters burning barricades and throwing petrol bombs, and police retaliating with water cannon, tear gas and batons. Thousands of students gathered on the hilltop campus of Chinese University under leaden skies, taking turns to make speeches from a stage with a black backdrop embossed with "Students in Unity Boycott for our City". They are seeking greater democracy for the former British colony which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees wide-ranging autonomy, including the right to protest and an independent judiciary. There fear those freedoms are being slowly eroded by Communist Party rulers in Beijing, a charge China denies. "I come here just to tell others that even after summer holidays end we are not back to our normal life, we should continue to fight for Hong Kong," said one 19-year-old student who asked to be identified as just Chan. On the first day of the new school year, secondary students were seen singing, chanting and forming human chains, some wearing hard hats and masks. Many primary schools were closed because of a typhoon warning. China accuses Western countries of egging on the protests. It says Hong Kong is its own internal affair. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated Beijing's support for Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. "China's central government supports chief executive Carrie Lam’s leadership ... to administer in accordance with the law and supports Hong Kong's police tackling the violence and chaos in accordance with the law to restore order," he told a press briefing. Protesters gathered after dusk fell next to the Hong Kong headquarters of the People's Liberation Army, shining dozens of green lasers at a barracks building in a tropical downpour. Police briefly used pepper spray nearby to keep the crowds back. 'We'd like to keep schools calm' Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung told reporters that schools were no place for "raising political demands" or trying to pressure the government. "We would like to keep schools as calm, peaceful and orderly places for students to study," he said. Students have turned out in significant numbers at recent rallies and were also prominent during the 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella" movement that foreshadowed the current unrest. "It's very different from what happened back then. People are more mad now," said Summer, a 20-year-old student who only gave his first name. Thousands of protesters blocked roads and public transport links to Hong Kong airport on Sunday. Some then targeted the MTR subway station in nearby Tung Chung, ripping out turnstiles and smashing CCTV cameras, glass panels and lamps with metal poles. Police made several arrests. Lam, a lightning rod for protesters' anger, said on her Facebook page on Monday that 10 subway stations had been damaged by "violent offenders" over the weekend. John Lee, government secretary for security, told media that nearly 100 petrol bombs were thrown in various locations on Saturday with two found on a 13-year-old boy who was arrested inside an MTR station. The head of the Hong Kong Court Prosecutors' Association sent an internal email to all Department of Justice staff, accusing the police of lying about the timing of the arrest of seven pro-democracy figures, including three lawmakers, on Friday, broadcaster RTHK reported. Association chairman William Wong said it was clear that the police were lying when they said it was only a "coincidence" that the arrests came on the eve of a planned mass rally. The unrest began over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in the city to be sent to China for trial in courts controlled by the party. The turmoil has evolved into calls for democracy. China is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1.With Hong Kong facing its first recession in a decade, China has also warned of the damage the protests are causing to the economy.

Hong Kong students rally peacefully after weekend of protest violence

Hong Kong was reeling Sunday from some of the worst clashes to rock the city in months after hardcore pro-democracy protesters hurled petrol bombs at police who fired tear gas and deployed water cannon, before making mass arrests inside train stations.

Police had banned a planned demonstration in the financial hub on security grounds, but tens of thousands defied authorities Saturday to march through the city's main highways for the 13th consecutive weekend.&nbsp;

The rally quickly descended into violent clashes with riot police which stretched into the early hours of Sunday, with officers pursuing protesters into metro stations and making mass arrests.

Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charging and pepper-spraying two couples cowering on the floor of a train compartment, with one man crying in anguish as he wrapped his arms around a friend.

A small group of hardcore protesters surrounded the city's parliament, unleashing a barrage of rocks and petrol bombs at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.&nbsp;

Thick, black smoke swirled from a large fire started by masked demonstrators at a barricade on a major thoroughfare, close to Hong Kong police headquarters.

Police dispersed crowds with water cannon as the night spiralled into a cat-and-mouse chase across the city, with police making numerous arrests.&nbsp;

"With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols".

Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014.

"Peaceful protest doesn't work," 22-year-old demonstrator Stone told AFP, giving one name.

As protesters streamed into a nearby metro, graffiti on a pillar inside the station read: "We shall never surrender."

The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition.&nbsp;

Protesters were preparing to demonstrate again on Sunday, with plans to rally at a bus terminal outside the city's airport, with disruption also expected at train stations enroute to the airport.&nbsp;

Round-up of activists

Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests condemned by rights groups.&nbsp;

The months-long protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved bill which would have allowed extradition to China.

But they have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push, bringing millions to the streets in peaceful marches but also groups of hardcore protesters clashing with police.

Beijing's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong.

Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule.

At least five high-profile activists and three lawmakers were arrested on Friday in a sweep that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook.

Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, were among those arrested, charged and bailed for "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly".

Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests.

More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were "extremely worrying", while US President Donald Trump said his economic pressure on China was forcing Beijing to take a more moderate line on Hong Kong.

The weeks of violence have damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity.

Hong Kong was reeling Sunday from some of the worst clashes to rock the city in months after hardcore pro-democracy protesters hurled petrol bombs at police who fired tear gas and deployed water cannon, before making mass arrests inside train stations.

Hong Kong was reeling Sunday from some of the worst clashes to rock the city in months after hardcore pro-democracy protesters hurled petrol bombs at police who fired tear gas and deployed water cannon, before making mass arrests inside train stations. Police had banned a planned demonstration in the financial hub on security grounds, but tens of thousands defied authorities Saturday to march through the city's main highways for the 13th consecutive weekend. The rally quickly descended into violent clashes with riot police which stretched into the early hours of Sunday, with officers pursuing protesters into metro stations and making mass arrests. Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charging and pepper-spraying two couples cowering on the floor of a train compartment, with one man crying in anguish as he wrapped his arms around a friend. A small group of hardcore protesters surrounded the city's parliament, unleashing a barrage of rocks and petrol bombs at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Thick, black smoke swirled from a large fire started by masked demonstrators at a barricade on a major thoroughfare, close to Hong Kong police headquarters. Police dispersed crowds with water cannon as the night spiralled into a cat-and-mouse chase across the city, with police making numerous arrests. "With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement. Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols". Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014. "Peaceful protest doesn't work," 22-year-old demonstrator Stone told AFP, giving one name. As protesters streamed into a nearby metro, graffiti on a pillar inside the station read: "We shall never surrender." The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition. Protesters were preparing to demonstrate again on Sunday, with plans to rally at a bus terminal outside the city's airport, with disruption also expected at train stations enroute to the airport. Round-up of activists Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests condemned by rights groups. The months-long protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved bill which would have allowed extradition to China. But they have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push, bringing millions to the streets in peaceful marches but also groups of hardcore protesters clashing with police. Beijing's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong. Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule. At least five high-profile activists and three lawmakers were arrested on Friday in a sweep that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook. Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, were among those arrested, charged and bailed for "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly". Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests. More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests. The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were "extremely worrying", while US President Donald Trump said his economic pressure on China was forcing Beijing to take a more moderate line on Hong Kong. The weeks of violence have damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity.

Hong Kong reels from worst clashes in months as protesters battle police

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 1st, 2019

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists blocked some routes to the city's airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-reels-from-worst-clashes-in-months-as-protesters-battle-police-246937">night of violent protests </a>marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings.&nbsp;

Operators of the Airport Express train said it had suspended services on Sunday afternoon, while black-clad protesters -- hiding from CCTV cameras under umbrellas -- built barricades at the airport bus station and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to terminals.

Flights had so far not been disrupted, and riot police were deployed inside the terminals.

The airport is covered by an injunction banning protesters from entering -- imposed after a shutdown in August which ended in ugly clashes.

Watch: At least 900 activists arrested so far in Hong Kong 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-at-least-900-activists-arrested-so-far-246939/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But protesters have routinely ignored legal moves to bans their rallies and actions -- since the anti-government movement sprang to life three months ago.

The protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved extradition bill, but have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push.

On Sunday, city sanitation workers were seen clearing debris and removing graffiti after a night of pitched battles between protesters and police.

Hours before a huge fire burned for over an hour in the city's commercial district as chaos rippled through the centre of a city usually renowned for its stability and prosperity.

"I’m really, really tired. I think many Hong Kong people had a sleepless night yesterday," said 18-year-old student protester called May.

"I almost couldn’t manage to get up, but I’m determined to go today."

Hardcore demonstrators Saturday hurled petrol bombs at government buildings and police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon laced with chemical dye before making mass arrests inside the city's underground metro stations.&nbsp;

Police fired warning shots

Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charge a crowd cowering inside a train carriage -- with one man, drenched in pepper spray, crying in anguish on his knees as he tried to protect his female friend.

Officers left the carriage without making any immediate arrests.&nbsp;

Anger at police tactics swirled across social media.

"The police are a licenced mob, they have the licence to attack and to assault," Kwok Ka-ki, a pro-democracy lawmaker, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The government is no different from an autocratic regime."

Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by a group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols".

"With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition.&nbsp;

High-profile arrests

China's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong.

Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule.

Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook.

Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests.

More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests.

Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014.

That petered out without the government making any major concessions.

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists blocked some routes to the city's airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another night of violent protests marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings.

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists blocked some routes to the city's airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another night of violent protests marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings. Operators of the Airport Express train said it had suspended services on Sunday afternoon, while black-clad protesters -- hiding from CCTV cameras under umbrellas -- built barricades at the airport bus station and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to terminals. Flights had so far not been disrupted, and riot police were deployed inside the terminals. The airport is covered by an injunction banning protesters from entering -- imposed after a shutdown in August which ended in ugly clashes. Watch: At least 900 activists arrested so far in Hong Kong × But protesters have routinely ignored legal moves to bans their rallies and actions -- since the anti-government movement sprang to life three months ago. The protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved extradition bill, but have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push. On Sunday, city sanitation workers were seen clearing debris and removing graffiti after a night of pitched battles between protesters and police. Hours before a huge fire burned for over an hour in the city's commercial district as chaos rippled through the centre of a city usually renowned for its stability and prosperity. "I’m really, really tired. I think many Hong Kong people had a sleepless night yesterday," said 18-year-old student protester called May. "I almost couldn’t manage to get up, but I’m determined to go today." Hardcore demonstrators Saturday hurled petrol bombs at government buildings and police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon laced with chemical dye before making mass arrests inside the city's underground metro stations. Police fired warning shots Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charge a crowd cowering inside a train carriage -- with one man, drenched in pepper spray, crying in anguish on his knees as he tried to protect his female friend. Officers left the carriage without making any immediate arrests. Anger at police tactics swirled across social media. "The police are a licenced mob, they have the licence to attack and to assault," Kwok Ka-ki, a pro-democracy lawmaker, told AFP. "The government is no different from an autocratic regime." Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by a group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols". "With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement. The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition. High-profile arrests China's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong. Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule. Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook. Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests. More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests. Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014. That petered out without the government making any major concessions.

Hong Kong protesters target airport as city mops up

hong-kong-protest

Hong Kong Protest, News on Hong Kong Protest, stories on Hong Kong Protest, articles on Hong Kong Protest, Hong Kong Protest stories at Wion, Hong Kong Protest news, Hong Kong Protest latest news

hong kong-protest