Dozens of Hong Kong protesters, including relatives of serving and retired police officers, braved heavy rain in Hong Kong on Sunday, August 25 to participate in a rally to encourage the city's police force to better serve the community and dial down their use of force in handling anti-government protests.

Hong Kong protests: Relatives of police officials join rally

Hong Kong police said on Sunday they arrested 29 people after clashes overnight in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hong-kong-police-use-tear-gas-to-counter-protest-petrol-bombs-245314">volleys of tear gas were fired</a> to disperse anti-government protesters, as the Asian financial hub braced for more demonstrations later in the day.

Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial area of Kwun Tong, a densely populated area of the Chinese territory on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Four MTR subway stations were closed due to the protests.

Police used tear gas after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and bricks and others tore up "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Other demonstrators had set up roadblocks with bamboo scaffolding.

It was the first use of tear gas in more than a week after a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the former British colony.

The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill and have evolved into demands for greater democracy, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

The wider calls for democracy pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the protests ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October&nbsp;1.

Transport to the city's international airport appeared normal early on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub.

The protest movement still appears to have broad support, with thousands, including families, lawyers, accountants and young and old people, taking to the streets in anti-government rallies.

Demonstrators' demands include an independent inquiry into what they describe as police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill and universal suffrage.

They say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrines a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since the handover to China.

Police said in a statement on Sunday they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June.

Those arrested also included the organiser of Saturday's march, Ventus Lau, public broadcaster RTHK reported.

Another protest is planned for Sunday in the working class district of Tsuen Wan, while demonstrators also plan a city-wide strike and class boycotts at universities in coming weeks.

On Saturday, China freed British consulate worker Simon Cheng, whose detention had fuelled tensions.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday they arrested 29 people after clashes overnight in which volleys of tear gas were fired to disperse anti-government protesters, as the Asian financial hub braced for more demonstrations later in the day.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday they arrested 29 people after clashes overnight in which volleys of tear gas were fired to disperse anti-government protesters, as the Asian financial hub braced for more demonstrations later in the day. Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial area of Kwun Tong, a densely populated area of the Chinese territory on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Four MTR subway stations were closed due to the protests. Police used tear gas after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and bricks and others tore up "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Other demonstrators had set up roadblocks with bamboo scaffolding. It was the first use of tear gas in more than a week after a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the former British colony. The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill and have evolved into demands for greater democracy, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The wider calls for democracy pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the protests ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Transport to the city's international airport appeared normal early on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub. The protest movement still appears to have broad support, with thousands, including families, lawyers, accountants and young and old people, taking to the streets in anti-government rallies. Demonstrators' demands include an independent inquiry into what they describe as police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill and universal suffrage. They say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrines a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since the handover to China. Police said in a statement on Sunday they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June. Those arrested also included the organiser of Saturday's march, Ventus Lau, public broadcaster RTHK reported. Another protest is planned for Sunday in the working class district of Tsuen Wan, while demonstrators also plan a city-wide strike and class boycotts at universities in coming weeks. On Saturday, China freed British consulate worker Simon Cheng, whose detention had fuelled tensions.

Hong Kong police arrest 29 after overnight clashes, more protests planned

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and brief spurts of water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and brief spurts of water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week. At least one petrol bomb was thrown by protesters, some of whom took off down narrow side streets where the water cannon, which had not been used in years of anti-government protests, could not follow. The Chinese-ruled city's MTR rail operator had suspended some services to try to prevent people gathering but the protesters, calling for democracy for the former British colony, made it to a sports stadium in the vast container port of Kwai Chung, from where they marched to nearby Tsuen Wan. Some dug up bricks from the pavement and wheeled them away to use as ammunition, others sprayed detergent on the road to make it slippery for the lines of police. Clashes spread in many directions. The vast majority marched peacefully. Police had warned earlier they would launch a "dispersal operation" and told people to leave. Hundreds remained long after dusk fell, discussing what to do next. "Some radical protesters have removed railings ... and set up barricades with water-filled barriers, bamboo sticks, traffic cones, and other objects," they said in a statement. "Such acts neglect the safety of citizens and road users, paralysing traffic in the vicinity," the statement said. Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial district of Kwun Tong, on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Last chance M. Sung, a 53-year-old software engineer in a black mask emblematic of the many older, middle-class citizens at the march, said he had been at almost every protest and would keep coming. "We know this is the last chance to fight for 'one country, two systems', otherwise the Chinese Communist Party will penetrate our home city and control everything," he said. "If we keep a strong mind, we can sustain this movement for justice and democracy. It won’t die," Sung said. Protesters say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 with the promise of continued freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland for 50 years. The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since the handover. They also pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Beijing has sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible, with paramilitary forces holding drills just over the border. Transport to the airport appeared normal on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub. Police said they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested after Saturday's violence. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June. The neighbouring gambling territory of Macau, a former Portuguese colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1999, elected former legislature head Ho Iat Seng as its leader on Sunday - the sole approved candidate. Ho, who has deep ties to China, is expected to cement Beijing's control over the "special administrative region", the same status is given to Hong Kong, and distance it from the unrest there.

Hong Kong police briefly turn water cannon on protesters, fire tear gas

A human chain stretched for kilometres across both sides of Hong Kong harbour on Friday night. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong protesters form human chains across the city

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unions-urge-cathay-pacific-to-end-white-terror-244958">Hong Kong</a>'s airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally early on Saturday despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-faces-renewed-protest-turbulence-after-last-weeks-fracas-245072">plans by protesters </a>to implement a "stress test" of transport links to the aviation hub early in the day.

Those seeking to enter the terminal had to show valid boarding passes and passports, Reuters witnesses said. Train stations feeding the airport, as well as roads to it, were largely clear, with a light police presence along some access routes.

Authorities had taken out a court order to prevent demonstrations at the airport, which was forced to close for part of last week after protesters thronged the main terminal for several days, grounding around 1000 flights and occasionally clashing with police.

Other protests are planned on Saturday in various districts, including Kwun Tong on the Kowloon peninsula.

The city`s train operator, the MTR Corporation, said in a statement on Friday that it had been granted an injunction to prevent protesters from disrupting train services. The operator also said that if "fights, vandalism or other acts of violence occur," train services at affected stations could be stopped immediately.

The protests, which began as opposition to a now-suspended bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China, have swelled into wider calls for democracy, plunging the city into an unprecedented crisis and posing a direct challenge to China`s leaders. 
&nbsp; 
Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since it was handed back from British to Chinese rule in 1997.&nbsp;

Almost three months after the demonstrations began, there is no sign of let-up across the China-ruled territory.

On Friday night, thousands of chanting protesters formed human chains around the city in a peaceful protest dubbed the "Hong Kong Way".

Organisers said 135,000 people took part in the demonstration, inspired by one in 1989, when an estimated 2 million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against then-Soviet rule that became known as the "Baltic Way" or "Baltic Chain".

Friday`s protest, which included people linking arms and shining lights on sidewalks and atop Kowloon`s Lion Rock mountain, followed warnings from Communist Party leaders in Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam to stop the demonstrations and restore order.

Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters` five key demands, including calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill, and full democracy.

Organisers are planning a host of protests in the coming weeks including a mass march, a city-wide strike and class boycotts at the city`s universities.

Hong Kong's airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally early on Saturday despite plans by protesters to implement a "stress test" of transport links to the aviation hub early in the day.

Hong Kong's airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally early on Saturday despite plans by protesters to implement a "stress test" of transport links to the aviation hub early in the day. Those seeking to enter the terminal had to show valid boarding passes and passports, Reuters witnesses said. Train stations feeding the airport, as well as roads to it, were largely clear, with a light police presence along some access routes. Authorities had taken out a court order to prevent demonstrations at the airport, which was forced to close for part of last week after protesters thronged the main terminal for several days, grounding around 1000 flights and occasionally clashing with police. Other protests are planned on Saturday in various districts, including Kwun Tong on the Kowloon peninsula. The city`s train operator, the MTR Corporation, said in a statement on Friday that it had been granted an injunction to prevent protesters from disrupting train services. The operator also said that if "fights, vandalism or other acts of violence occur," train services at affected stations could be stopped immediately. The protests, which began as opposition to a now-suspended bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China, have swelled into wider calls for democracy, plunging the city into an unprecedented crisis and posing a direct challenge to China`s leaders. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since it was handed back from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Almost three months after the demonstrations began, there is no sign of let-up across the China-ruled territory. On Friday night, thousands of chanting protesters formed human chains around the city in a peaceful protest dubbed the "Hong Kong Way". Organisers said 135,000 people took part in the demonstration, inspired by one in 1989, when an estimated 2 million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against then-Soviet rule that became known as the "Baltic Way" or "Baltic Chain". Friday`s protest, which included people linking arms and shining lights on sidewalks and atop Kowloon`s Lion Rock mountain, followed warnings from Communist Party leaders in Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam to stop the demonstrations and restore order. Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters` five key demands, including calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill, and full democracy. Organisers are planning a host of protests in the coming weeks including a mass march, a city-wide strike and class boycotts at the city`s universities.

Hong Kong airport operating normally despite planned 'stress test' protest

Another weekend of protests begins in Hong Kong where Police fire tear gas in a renewed clash with protesters.

Hong Kong Protest: Police fire tear gas in renewed clash with protesters

Hong Kong police used tear gas to break up anti-government protests in a gritty industrial suburb on Saturday after some activists threw petrol bombs and bricks, as China freed a British consulate worker whose detention helped fuel tension.

Hong Kong police used tear gas to break up anti-government protests in a gritty industrial suburb on Saturday after some activists threw petrol bombs and bricks, as China freed a British consulate worker whose detention helped fuel tension. Four MTR subway stations were closed around Kwun Tong, a densely populated area of the Chinese-ruled city on the east of the Kowloon peninsula, but thousands packed the streets anyway, most carrying umbrellas against the sun. Police used tear gas after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and bricks and others tore up "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Others had set up roadblocks with bamboo scaffolding. It was the first use of tear gas in 10 days after a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the former British colony. There were no immediate reports of injuries. "Give me democracy or give me death," was spray-painted on a wall, an illustration of how the demands of the protesters have expanded from the withdrawal of a bill that would have allowed extraditions to China. The government said in a statement the protesters "posed a serious threat to the safety of everyone" at the scene. "After repeated warnings to the protesters went futile, police officers have deployed tear gas and minimum force to disperse protesters," it said. The airport and the roads and railways leading to it were operating normally despite plans by protesters to implement a "stress test" of transport links after weeks of unrest. The airport was forced to close for part of last week after protesters thronged the main terminal for several days, grounding around 1,000 flights and occasionally clashing with police. The wider calls for democracy have plunged the city into an unprecedented crisis posing a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrines a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since it was handed back from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Hundreds took part in an "anti-fake news" protest, with people waving the bauhinia Hong Kong flag outside government-funded broadcaster RTHK's headquarters. “RTHK has become more biased in recent years," businesswoman Michelle Tse said. "Almost 90per cent of its programmes have been badmouthing China, saying the country has no democracy or freedom." A spokeswoman for the station said RTHK has taken note of the opinions raised, it said on its Facebook page. She said, "staff follow the station's charter and producer guidelines and are obliged to deliver objective programming." Consulate worker freed British consulate staffer Simon Cheng was detained for 15 days for violating public security management regulations, police in Shenzhen, across the border from Hong Kong, said on their Twitter-like Weibo account. Police said Cheng was released as scheduled on Saturday and that his legal rights and interests had been observed. They also said Cheng had confessed to accusations against him, a commonly used comment by Chinese police, even though Cheng was not given a chance to defend himself in court. Cheng had now returned to Hong Kong, his family said on his Facebook page. No details were given of his detention, with the Facebook post asking the "media and friends to give them some time and space, and we will explain later". Some protesters in recent days had demanded Cheng to be released. Britain said it welcomed the news. Cathay Pacific Airways, which has become the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspends staff involved in the demonstrations, protested against a planned rally by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions around the airport's "Cathay City" HQ on Monday. "We have also reiterated to our employees that there is a zero-tolerance approach to any support for or participation in illegal protests, violent activities or overly radical behaviour," it said in a statement. There is no sign of a let-up almost three months after the anti-government demonstrations began. On Friday night, thousands of chanting protesters formed human chains around the city in a peaceful protest dubbed the "Hong Kong Way". Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters' five key demands, including calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill, and full democracy. Organisers are planning a host of protests in the coming weeks including a mass march, a city-wide strike and class boycotts at universities.

Hong Kong police use tear gas to counter protest petrol bombs

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on Friday called on Cathay Pacific to put an end to what it described as "white terror", following the dismissal of Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association.

Hong Kong's flagship carrier has become the biggest corporate casualty of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-says-youtube-campaign-targeted-hong-kong-protests-244915">city's anti-government protests</a> after China demanded the airline suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations that have roiled the city.

Sy's departure, which Cathay confirmed on Friday, follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week.

Sy said at a press conference on Friday she was fired after managers saw and confirmed her Facebook account. Management did not provide a reason for her dismissal, she added.

Pilots and cabin crew at Hong Kong's flagship carrier have described a "white terror" of political denunciations, sackings and phone searches by Chinese aviation officials amid anti-government protests gripping the former British colony.

Cathay said ahead of the press conference on Friday that recent weeks had been extremely challenging for its employees.

"We thank all our dedicated staff who are committed to serving our customers in a professional manner," Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs James Tong said.

The airline, 30% owned by Air China, became embroiled in crosswinds between Beijing and pro-democracy groups in the Asian financial hub after some of its employees took part in the Hong Kong protests.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on Friday called on Cathay Pacific to put an end to what it described as "white terror", following the dismissal of Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on Friday called on Cathay Pacific to put an end to what it described as "white terror", following the dismissal of Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association. Hong Kong's flagship carrier has become the biggest corporate casualty of the city's anti-government protests after China demanded the airline suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations that have roiled the city. Sy's departure, which Cathay confirmed on Friday, follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week. Sy said at a press conference on Friday she was fired after managers saw and confirmed her Facebook account. Management did not provide a reason for her dismissal, she added. Pilots and cabin crew at Hong Kong's flagship carrier have described a "white terror" of political denunciations, sackings and phone searches by Chinese aviation officials amid anti-government protests gripping the former British colony. Cathay said ahead of the press conference on Friday that recent weeks had been extremely challenging for its employees. "We thank all our dedicated staff who are committed to serving our customers in a professional manner," Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs James Tong said. The airline, 30% owned by Air China, became embroiled in crosswinds between Beijing and pro-democracy groups in the Asian financial hub after some of its employees took part in the Hong Kong protests.

Hong Kong unions urge Cathay Pacific to end 'white terror'

Thousands of chanting Hong Kong protesters joined hands to form human chains on Friday in a peaceful protest, with almost three months of anti-government demonstrations showing no sign of let-up across the Chinese-ruled territory.

Thousands of chanting Hong Kong protesters joined hands to form human chains on Friday in a peaceful protest, with almost three months of anti-government demonstrations showing no sign of let-up across the Chinese-ruled territory. Demonstrators, families young and old, some people masked, some using hand wipes to stay clean, linked hands across different districts as others held up banners thanking overseas nations for supporting "freedom and democracy" in Hong Kong. Their move echoed one on Aug. 23, 1989, when an estimated 2 million people joined arms across the three Baltic states in a protest against Soviet rule that became known as the "Baltic Way" or "Baltic Chain". "I joined the Hong Kong Way because it’s peaceful," said protester Peter Cheung, 27. "This is the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way. I hope there will be a bigger chance to make an international noise." Watch: Hong Kong protests continue × The protest, which included dozens shining lights from the top of Kowloon's Lion Rock, visible from the main island of Hong Kong, showed the apparent defiance of Hong Kong people after warnings from Communist Party leaders in Beijing and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam about violence. Police presence was thin and the protest ended promptly at 9 pm (1300 GMT). But protesters are also planning a "stress test" of the airport this weekend and some, wearing their traditional black garb, were making their way from the nearby suburban town of Tung Chung on Friday night. The protests, triggered by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to China, have plunged the former British colony into its worst crisis since its return to China in 1997 and pose a major challenge for Beijing. The unrest has widened into calls for greater freedom, fuelled by worries about the erosion of rights guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula, adopted after the 1997 handover, such as an independent judiciary and the right to protest. The airport, reached by a gleaming suspension bridge carrying both rail and road traffic, was forced to close last week when protesters, barricading passageways with luggage trolleys, metal barriers and other objects, clashed with police. China's Hong Kong affairs office condemned the mayhem as "near-terrorist acts". "Go to the airport by different means, including MTR, airport bus, taxi, bike and private car to increase pressure on airport transport," protest organisers wrote online on Friday. The Airport Authority published a half-page notice in newspapers urging young people to "love Hong Kong" and said it opposed acts that blocked the airport, adding that it would keep working to maintain smooth operations. Hong Kong's high court extended an order restricting protests at the airport. Some activists had apologised for last week's airport turmoil. The Canadian consulate said it had suspended travel to mainland China for local staff, just days after a Chinese employee of the city's British consulate was confirmed to have been detained in China. Beijing has said that Simon Cheng, the consulate employee, was detained in the border city of Shenzhen neighbouring Hong Kong. It has accused Britain and other Western countries of meddling in its affairs in Hong Kong. Canada's latest travel advisory on Thursday warned of reports of increased screening of travellers' digital devices at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong. 'Hidden aim' Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Canada’s decision not to allow local staff to visit the mainland was one for Canada, which it respected. If people came to China and followed the law, they would have no problems, he told a daily news briefing. "But if you have a hidden aim, and are hatching a sinister plot, then I fear in China you need to be in a state of apprehension and extra careful." The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China said it had received multiple reports of Chinese border officials detaining journalists and searching their digital devices when travelling between the mainland and Hong Kong. The protests are taking a toll on Hong Kong's economy and tourism, with the special administrative region on the cusp of its first recession in a decade. Transport Secretary Frank Chan said airport passenger volume from Aug. 1 to Aug. 21 was down 11% from the same period last year, with cargo volume down 14%. Commerce Secretary Edward Yau said visitor arrivals started to fall in mid-July. For August 15 to Aug. 20, arrivals were down 49.6% on the corresponding 2018 period. "It was the fastest and steepest drop in recent years, and the situation is obviously very worrisome," he told reporters. The protests have caused corporate casualties, most dramatically at the Cathay Pacific airline, amid mounting Chinese scrutiny of the involvement of some of its staff in protests. Cathay confirmed on Friday that Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association, was no longer with the company. Her departure follows the shock resignation of Cathay Chief Executive Rupert Hogg last week. Demonstrators have five demands: withdraw the extradition bill, set up an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform. Beijing has sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible, with paramilitary forces holding drills just over the border.

Hong Kong families form peaceful human chains ahead of airport protest

Young people in Hong Kong should look to the "north" rather than the West, as the region is deeply integrated into the Chinese economy while countries like Britain and the United States will do nothing for them, a British scholar said on Tuesday. Martin Jacques, an expert in Chinese affairs, believes that Hong Kong has emerged and prospered thanks to the reforms launched by late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, rather than with its own efforts.

Hong Kong youth should look 'north': British scholar

By Philip Roscoe

Protests in Hong Kong have captured the world’s attention in recent weeks, with demonstrators closing streets and the airport, and Chinese forces amassing near the border with a none too subtle threat of violent reprisal. The protests began in response to a new extradition law, but have spilled over into a general unease about the future of Hong Kong’s special administrative status.

This special status sets Hong Kong apart from mainland China in a number of ways. As well as enjoying various social and political freedoms, it has a free market economy and is one of the world’s biggest financial centres. Global finance has attracted a number of Chinese elites but has not benefited a large chunk of Hong Kong society.

But if Hong Kong’s protesters succeed in pushing back against the oversight of Beijing, it would serve to reinforce the benefits the elites already enjoy from Hong Kong’s economic arrangements. This parallels the situation in the UK, where financial elites could soon embrace a low-tax, low-regulation future following a no-deal Brexit driven by populist concerns about immigration and inequality.

Longstanding financial centres

Hong Kong and London share a common history and since the 1960s have flourished as offshore financial centres, acting in many ways as secrecy jurisdictions or tax havens.

Hong Kong’s financial sector was a creation of the British, who used it as a route into Chinese markets. It boomed following the opening of the Chinese economy. When, in 1997, Hong Kong returned to China, it preserved some of this offshore status as a special administrative zone. The beneficiaries this time were Chinese.

Hong Kong stores great reserves of capital in comparative secrecy, channels global investment into China – also in secrecy – and is a crucial part of China’s long-term plan to establish the Renminbi as a global reserve currency through offshore markets. The local “dim sum bond market”, issuing RMB denominated debt, has been a remarkable success, with the equivalent of more than $100 billion of capital circulating.

Hong Kong has been implicated in shadier dealing. Investigative journalist Nicholas Shaxton puts it bluntly: “Hong Kong is where most of the corruption in China is accomplished.” Other scholars see Hong Kong as an amalgam of onshore and offshore finance, with a strong legal system, tax treaties, and a robust financial market.

London’s success as a global financial centre has also been driven by its status as a hub for offshore financial services, a position greatly supported by its strong connections throughout Britain’s former empire. In the 1960s and 1970s, for example, London became home for the “eurodollar” markets. These were lending markets operating in US dollars, located in London but considered to be beyond the purview of the UK’s legislation.

London-based lenders could charge higher rates than the national currency controls of the time allowed. The United States benefited as the depth and liquidity of eurodollar markets supported the dollar’s reserve currency status; international banks arrived in droves and the City, London’s financial district, thrived. Regulators on both side of the Atlantic turned a blind eye, quietly admitting the economic benefits the markets bestowed. Even the Soviets invested.

Masters of reinvention 
 
Both London and Hong Kong are centres of perpetual reinvention. Following the financial crisis, the City’s innovations have included managing the wealth of the global super-rich and an arrangement with the Chinese government to develop the offshore trading of the RMB.

In the same way that Hong Kong’s protesters fear Chinese control, a number of Brexiters claim the EU comes with too much red tape. Interviewing financiers for research into London-based markets, I found overwhelming support for Brexit, largely driven by a distaste for increasing layers of regulation.

It is certainly the case that Europe has never been comfortable with London’s activities as a conduit for international funds. No one expects the EU to maintain the City’s “passporting rights” which allow firms based in the UK to trade freely across the EU. And the mundane but profitable business of settling euro transactions is likely to be pulled within the bloc.

But there is much more to financial markets than regulation. The City’s remarkable talent for reinvention flows from the nature of financial markets themselves.

History shows they are fluid entities constantly reshaping in response to political happenstance and technological or economic advances. Markets put down roots in the shape of dense social networks shaped by bonds of trust and expertise, and in the material infrastructures – from wires, phones and screens to upscale offices, restaurants and hotels – without which they cannot function. Advantages of status and connection become embedded. When new financial frontiers open up it’s that well-placed who benefit.

Here’s the irony. Hong Kong’s protesters seek political freedom, but whatever happens in politics, it is likely that the economic advantages of the elite will be preserved through the social and material architectures of its markets.

Brexit, meanwhile, has been driven by concerns over immigration and inequality, but the no-deal on the horizon offers something else. If the new prime minister’s rhetoric of “boosterism” and “freeports” is to be believed, the City will be entirely unencumbered by regulation, free to roam the high seas of international currency flows. Here too, only the financial elites will benefit.

(Philip Roscoe is Reader in Management, University of St Andrews) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hong-kong-protests-and-brexit-could-both-end-up-benefiting-financial-elites-121917">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Philip Roscoe Protests in Hong Kong have captured the world’s attention in recent weeks, with demonstrators closing streets and the airport, and Chinese forces amassing near the border with a none too subtle threat of violent reprisal.

By Philip Roscoe Protests in Hong Kong have captured the world’s attention in recent weeks, with demonstrators closing streets and the airport, and Chinese forces amassing near the border with a none too subtle threat of violent reprisal. The protests began in response to a new extradition law, but have spilled over into a general unease about the future of Hong Kong’s special administrative status. This special status sets Hong Kong apart from mainland China in a number of ways. As well as enjoying various social and political freedoms, it has a free market economy and is one of the world’s biggest financial centres. Global finance has attracted a number of Chinese elites but has not benefited a large chunk of Hong Kong society. But if Hong Kong’s protesters succeed in pushing back against the oversight of Beijing, it would serve to reinforce the benefits the elites already enjoy from Hong Kong’s economic arrangements. This parallels the situation in the UK, where financial elites could soon embrace a low-tax, low-regulation future following a no-deal Brexit driven by populist concerns about immigration and inequality. Longstanding financial centres Hong Kong and London share a common history and since the 1960s have flourished as offshore financial centres, acting in many ways as secrecy jurisdictions or tax havens. Hong Kong’s financial sector was a creation of the British, who used it as a route into Chinese markets. It boomed following the opening of the Chinese economy. When, in 1997, Hong Kong returned to China, it preserved some of this offshore status as a special administrative zone. The beneficiaries this time were Chinese. Hong Kong stores great reserves of capital in comparative secrecy, channels global investment into China – also in secrecy – and is a crucial part of China’s long-term plan to establish the Renminbi as a global reserve currency through offshore markets. The local “dim sum bond market”, issuing RMB denominated debt, has been a remarkable success, with the equivalent of more than $100 billion of capital circulating. Hong Kong has been implicated in shadier dealing. Investigative journalist Nicholas Shaxton puts it bluntly: “Hong Kong is where most of the corruption in China is accomplished.” Other scholars see Hong Kong as an amalgam of onshore and offshore finance, with a strong legal system, tax treaties, and a robust financial market. London’s success as a global financial centre has also been driven by its status as a hub for offshore financial services, a position greatly supported by its strong connections throughout Britain’s former empire. In the 1960s and 1970s, for example, London became home for the “eurodollar” markets. These were lending markets operating in US dollars, located in London but considered to be beyond the purview of the UK’s legislation. London-based lenders could charge higher rates than the national currency controls of the time allowed. The United States benefited as the depth and liquidity of eurodollar markets supported the dollar’s reserve currency status; international banks arrived in droves and the City, London’s financial district, thrived. Regulators on both side of the Atlantic turned a blind eye, quietly admitting the economic benefits the markets bestowed. Even the Soviets invested. Masters of reinvention Both London and Hong Kong are centres of perpetual reinvention. Following the financial crisis, the City’s innovations have included managing the wealth of the global super-rich and an arrangement with the Chinese government to develop the offshore trading of the RMB. In the same way that Hong Kong’s protesters fear Chinese control, a number of Brexiters claim the EU comes with too much red tape. Interviewing financiers for research into London-based markets, I found overwhelming support for Brexit, largely driven by a distaste for increasing layers of regulation. It is certainly the case that Europe has never been comfortable with London’s activities as a conduit for international funds. No one expects the EU to maintain the City’s “passporting rights” which allow firms based in the UK to trade freely across the EU. And the mundane but profitable business of settling euro transactions is likely to be pulled within the bloc. But there is much more to financial markets than regulation. The City’s remarkable talent for reinvention flows from the nature of financial markets themselves. History shows they are fluid entities constantly reshaping in response to political happenstance and technological or economic advances. Markets put down roots in the shape of dense social networks shaped by bonds of trust and expertise, and in the material infrastructures – from wires, phones and screens to upscale offices, restaurants and hotels – without which they cannot function. Advantages of status and connection become embedded. When new financial frontiers open up it’s that well-placed who benefit. Here’s the irony. Hong Kong’s protesters seek political freedom, but whatever happens in politics, it is likely that the economic advantages of the elite will be preserved through the social and material architectures of its markets. Brexit, meanwhile, has been driven by concerns over immigration and inequality, but the no-deal on the horizon offers something else. If the new prime minister’s rhetoric of “boosterism” and “freeports” is to be believed, the City will be entirely unencumbered by regulation, free to roam the high seas of international currency flows. Here too, only the financial elites will benefit. (Philip Roscoe is Reader in Management, University of St Andrews) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Hong Kong protests and Brexit could both end up benefiting financial elites

Members of Hong Kong's Civil Human Rights Front on Tuesday admonished chief executive Carrie Lam's comments earlier in the day, saying the weekend rally where hundreds of thousands of protesters rallied peacefully was one of the last chances for the leader.

Hong Kong rally organisers say weekend demonstration was 'last chance' for government to address demands

Cathay Pacific shares were choppy in opening trade on Monday after the shock exit of CEO Rupert Hogg, as the airline grapples with mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of its staff in anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

Shares rose more than 2% in early trade and later fell by nearly as much, with analysts cautioning that while Hogg's resignation, announced on Friday, appeared necessary to placate Beijing, the Hong Kong airline faced a setback to its three-year financial turnaround plan as a result.

Cathay has emerged as the highest-profile corporate target as Beijing looks to quell protests that have gone on for 11 straight weeks in the Chinese-controlled territory.

The airline has appointed Augustus Tang, a former Cathay executive who had been running an aircraft engineering business for parent Swire Pacific Ltd, as its new chief executive as it attempts to salvage relations with Beijing.

The Chinese regulator had demanded it suspend staff supporting anti-government protests.

Tang's priority should be rebuilding the brand and restoring customer confidence in all markets, including Hong Kong, the mainland and overseas after the Chinese regulatory action and recent disruptions at Hong Kong airport, CAPA Centre for Aviation Chief Analyst Brendan Sobie said.

"Work related to completion of the three-year restructuring may take a back seat for a few months but will be revisited once things stabilise," he said.

Cathay swung to its first profit for the January-June period since 2016 on the back of a transformation plan led by Hogg and forecast it would post higher earnings in the seasonally better second half.

"Management's priority now, I suspect, would be how to curb further interference from the CAAC - an almost impossible task," said Shukor Yusof, the head of consultancy Endau Analytics, referring to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

"The transformation will be on the back burner for the time being, given that Augustus Tang isn't someone the market is familiar with."

Morningstar analyst Ivan Su said he believed Cathay had done enough to prevent it from being cut off from Chinese airspace, but possibly not enough to placate all Chinese travellers.

"The carrier will likely see weaker demand if travellers boycott Cathay over the short term," he said.

Endau's Yusof said in the longer term, 30% shareholder Air China could buy the remainder of Cathay, but there was no urgency because the Hong Kong carrier was in a state of flux.

"That will only occur when the political climate is right."

Cathay Pacific shares were choppy in opening trade on Monday after the shock exit of CEO Rupert Hogg, as the airline grapples with mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of its staff in anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific shares were choppy in opening trade on Monday after the shock exit of CEO Rupert Hogg, as the airline grapples with mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of its staff in anti-government protests in Hong Kong. Shares rose more than 2% in early trade and later fell by nearly as much, with analysts cautioning that while Hogg's resignation, announced on Friday, appeared necessary to placate Beijing, the Hong Kong airline faced a setback to its three-year financial turnaround plan as a result. Cathay has emerged as the highest-profile corporate target as Beijing looks to quell protests that have gone on for 11 straight weeks in the Chinese-controlled territory. The airline has appointed Augustus Tang, a former Cathay executive who had been running an aircraft engineering business for parent Swire Pacific Ltd, as its new chief executive as it attempts to salvage relations with Beijing. The Chinese regulator had demanded it suspend staff supporting anti-government protests. Tang's priority should be rebuilding the brand and restoring customer confidence in all markets, including Hong Kong, the mainland and overseas after the Chinese regulatory action and recent disruptions at Hong Kong airport, CAPA Centre for Aviation Chief Analyst Brendan Sobie said. "Work related to completion of the three-year restructuring may take a back seat for a few months but will be revisited once things stabilise," he said. Cathay swung to its first profit for the January-June period since 2016 on the back of a transformation plan led by Hogg and forecast it would post higher earnings in the seasonally better second half. "Management's priority now, I suspect, would be how to curb further interference from the CAAC - an almost impossible task," said Shukor Yusof, the head of consultancy Endau Analytics, referring to the Civil Aviation Administration of China. "The transformation will be on the back burner for the time being, given that Augustus Tang isn't someone the market is familiar with." Morningstar analyst Ivan Su said he believed Cathay had done enough to prevent it from being cut off from Chinese airspace, but possibly not enough to placate all Chinese travellers. "The carrier will likely see weaker demand if travellers boycott Cathay over the short term," he said. Endau's Yusof said in the longer term, 30% shareholder Air China could buy the remainder of Cathay, but there was no urgency because the Hong Kong carrier was in a state of flux. "That will only occur when the political climate is right."

Cathay Pacific shares in choppy trade after shock exit of CEO Rupert Hogg

Hong Kong democracy activists are hoping to get out a huge crowd later Sunday in a bid to show the city's leaders that their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-believes-urgent-steps-needed-to-de-escalate-hong-kong-crisis-foreign-policy-chief-243721">protest movement remains defiant</a> despite increasingly stark warnings from Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rival-rallies-as-hong-kongs-divisions-deepen-243616">Ten weeks of demonstrations</a> have plunged the international finance hub into crisis and communist-ruled mainland China has taken an increasingly hardline tone, including labelling the more violent protester actions "terrorist-like".

Clashes have broken out between police and hardcore protesters but the movement has won few concessions from Beijing or the city's unelected leadership.

On Tuesday, protesters blocked passengers from boarding flights at the city's airport and later assaulted two men they accused of being Chinese spies.

The images damaged a campaign that until then had largely only targeted the police or government institutions, and prompted some soul-searching among protesters.

China's propaganda apparatus seized on the violence, with state media churning out a deluge of damning articles, pictures and videos.

State media also ran images of military personnel and armoured personnel carriers across the border in Shenzhen, prompting the United States to warn Beijing against sending in troops, which analysts say would be a reputational and economic disaster for China.

In the aftermath of Tuesday's airport chaos, some protester groups apologised and vowed to hold a huge rally on Sunday.

Billed as a "rational, non-violent" protest, it is being organised by the Civil Human Rights Front, a group that eschews confrontations with police and was the driving force behind record-breaking rallies in June and July that saw hundreds of thousands of people hit the streets.

March banned

During smaller protest marches on Saturday -- which ended without the kind of largescale clashes that have become so commonplace each weekend -- many protesters chanted "See you in Victoria Park!" as they left the streets.

Watch:&nbsp;Hundreds take part in teachers' rally braving downpour in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-hundreds-take-part-in-teachers-rally-braving-downpour-243717/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The park has long been used as the staging point for the city's years of democracy protests and will host Sunday's demonstration.

Police have given permission for the rally to go ahead but banned a proposed march.&nbsp;

Previous bans in recent weeks have simply been ignored by protesters and have soon led to clashes with riot police.

The protests were sparked by opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, but have since morphed into a wider call for democratic rights in the semi-autonomous city.

Under a deal signed with Britain, authoritarian China agreed to allow Hong Kong to keep its unique freedoms when it was handed back in 1997.

But many Hong Kongers feel those freedoms are being eroded, especially since China's hardline president Xi Jinping came to power.

In the last two months, millions of people have hit the streets while clashes have broken out between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.

Battles between police firing tear gas and rubber bullets -- and hardcore protesters using rocks, Molotov cocktails and slingshots -- have since become routine in a city once renowned for its stability.

Beyond suspending the extradition bill, Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam have shown no desire to meet key demands such as an inquiry into police violence, the complete withdrawal of the bill and an amnesty.

But protesters remain unbowed, despite the arrests of more than 700 people and 11 consecutive weekends of rallies that have won few concessions.

Beijing has turned the screws on Hong Kong's businesses, pressuring them to toe the line and condemn the protesters.

On Friday, Cathay Pacific announced the shock resignation of CEO Rupert Hogg after the carrier was excoriated by Beijing because some staff supported the pro-democracy protests.

A day later the "Big Four" accountancy firms scrambled to distance themselves from an advert placed in a newspaper purportedly by employees saying they supported the protests.

Hong Kong democracy activists are hoping to get out a huge crowd later Sunday in a bid to show the city's leaders that their protest movement remains defiant despite increasingly stark warnings from Beijing.

Hong Kong democracy activists are hoping to get out a huge crowd later Sunday in a bid to show the city's leaders that their protest movement remains defiant despite increasingly stark warnings from Beijing. Ten weeks of demonstrations have plunged the international finance hub into crisis and communist-ruled mainland China has taken an increasingly hardline tone, including labelling the more violent protester actions "terrorist-like". Clashes have broken out between police and hardcore protesters but the movement has won few concessions from Beijing or the city's unelected leadership. On Tuesday, protesters blocked passengers from boarding flights at the city's airport and later assaulted two men they accused of being Chinese spies. The images damaged a campaign that until then had largely only targeted the police or government institutions, and prompted some soul-searching among protesters. China's propaganda apparatus seized on the violence, with state media churning out a deluge of damning articles, pictures and videos. State media also ran images of military personnel and armoured personnel carriers across the border in Shenzhen, prompting the United States to warn Beijing against sending in troops, which analysts say would be a reputational and economic disaster for China. In the aftermath of Tuesday's airport chaos, some protester groups apologised and vowed to hold a huge rally on Sunday. Billed as a "rational, non-violent" protest, it is being organised by the Civil Human Rights Front, a group that eschews confrontations with police and was the driving force behind record-breaking rallies in June and July that saw hundreds of thousands of people hit the streets. March banned During smaller protest marches on Saturday -- which ended without the kind of largescale clashes that have become so commonplace each weekend -- many protesters chanted "See you in Victoria Park!" as they left the streets. Watch: Hundreds take part in teachers' rally braving downpour in Hong Kong The park has long been used as the staging point for the city's years of democracy protests and will host Sunday's demonstration. Police have given permission for the rally to go ahead but banned a proposed march. Previous bans in recent weeks have simply been ignored by protesters and have soon led to clashes with riot police. The protests were sparked by opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, but have since morphed into a wider call for democratic rights in the semi-autonomous city. Under a deal signed with Britain, authoritarian China agreed to allow Hong Kong to keep its unique freedoms when it was handed back in 1997. But many Hong Kongers feel those freedoms are being eroded, especially since China's hardline president Xi Jinping came to power. In the last two months, millions of people have hit the streets while clashes have broken out between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. Battles between police firing tear gas and rubber bullets -- and hardcore protesters using rocks, Molotov cocktails and slingshots -- have since become routine in a city once renowned for its stability. Beyond suspending the extradition bill, Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam have shown no desire to meet key demands such as an inquiry into police violence, the complete withdrawal of the bill and an amnesty. But protesters remain unbowed, despite the arrests of more than 700 people and 11 consecutive weekends of rallies that have won few concessions. Beijing has turned the screws on Hong Kong's businesses, pressuring them to toe the line and condemn the protesters. On Friday, Cathay Pacific announced the shock resignation of CEO Rupert Hogg after the carrier was excoriated by Beijing because some staff supported the pro-democracy protests. A day later the "Big Four" accountancy firms scrambled to distance themselves from an advert placed in a newspaper purportedly by employees saying they supported the protests.

Defiant Hong Kong protesters vow huge rally despite Beijing threats

People in the city of Shenzhen, which borders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-mounting-violence-and-warnings-from-china-hong-kong-protesters-flood-streets-in-peaceful-march-243848">Hong Kong</a>, said on Sunday (August 18) that they thought China's paramilitary presence in a stadium there would only be called as a last resort.

Armoured vehicles, trucks and large numbers of service personnel from China's paramilitary, known as the People's Armed Police, have been stationed at the Shenzhen stadium for a number of days. Some have been seen taking part in training drills both inside and beside the stadium.

These exercises have accentuated a concern that China is considering direct intervention in Hong Kong. In recent days, state media has said a number of times that China will not sit by and watch if the "violence" and "sprouts of terrorism" continue.

Reuters spoke to several people near to a shopping mall which lies close to the stadium.

"If Hong Kong finds that they no longer have the ability to control the situation then perhaps we (China) will send some troops from here to help," said Liu Xiaobo, a 25-year-old Chinese tourist from Shaanxi province.

Security at the stadium did not seem extremely tight. Next to the stadium people were playing amateur football games throughout the day. But when a Reuters journalist walked on the footbridge that leads to the stadium with a small camera, they were told to move on by a member of paramilitary personnel on patrol.

The unrest in Hong Kong, which began as a protest against an extradition bill has now morphed into the city's biggest crises since handover in 1997.

People in the city of Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, said on Sunday (August 18) that they thought China's paramilitary presence in a stadium there would only be called as a last resort.

People in the city of Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, said on Sunday (August 18) that they thought China's paramilitary presence in a stadium there would only be called as a last resort. Armoured vehicles, trucks and large numbers of service personnel from China's paramilitary, known as the People's Armed Police, have been stationed at the Shenzhen stadium for a number of days. Some have been seen taking part in training drills both inside and beside the stadium. These exercises have accentuated a concern that China is considering direct intervention in Hong Kong. In recent days, state media has said a number of times that China will not sit by and watch if the "violence" and "sprouts of terrorism" continue. Reuters spoke to several people near to a shopping mall which lies close to the stadium. "If Hong Kong finds that they no longer have the ability to control the situation then perhaps we (China) will send some troops from here to help," said Liu Xiaobo, a 25-year-old Chinese tourist from Shaanxi province. Security at the stadium did not seem extremely tight. Next to the stadium people were playing amateur football games throughout the day. But when a Reuters journalist walked on the footbridge that leads to the stadium with a small camera, they were told to move on by a member of paramilitary personnel on patrol. The unrest in Hong Kong, which began as a protest against an extradition bill has now morphed into the city's biggest crises since handover in 1997.

Chinese near Hong Kong border say paramilitary presence is 'just in case'

Pro and Anti-Hong Kong rallies across Australia. Watch video to know more.

Pro and Anti-Hong Kong rallies across Australia

Hundreds of Hong Kong teachers and supporters on Saturday braved heavy downpour as they took to the streets to begin yet another weekend of anti-government protests in the former British colony. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Hundreds take part in teachers' rally braving downpour

After gathering peacefully in the Central business district, they marched on the Government House residence of Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam.

Teachers joins protests in Hong Kong

Teachers joins protests in Hong Kong, more than 22,000 joins rally

Cathay Pacific announced the shock resignation on Friday of its CEO Rupert Hogg, days after the Hong Kong carrier was censured by Beijing because some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-sacks-two-pilots-amid-protests-242991">staff had supported pro-democracy protests</a> in the city.

In a statement posted on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Friday, Cathay said Hogg had resigned "to take responsibility as a leader of the Company in view of recent events".

He has been replaced by Augustus Tang, a veteran of the Swire Group conglomerate, Cathay's main shareholder.

Another senior Cathay executive, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo, also announced his departure and gave the same reason in the statement.

Cathay has had a torrid week after it became ensnared in a hardening of rhetoric from Beijing over ten weeks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cathay-pacific-warns-it-could-fire-staff-for-supporting-illegal-protests-242349">anti-government protests</a> that have rocked Hong Kong.

Over the last two weeks the airline emerged as a target on the mainland after some of its 27,000-strong workforce took part in, or voiced support for, the protests.

Chinese state media wrote a series of condemnations of Cathay, accusing it of not doing enough to rein it its workers.

Then China's aviation regulator demanded that the airline prevent such staff from working on flights to the mainland or those routed through Chinese airspace.

Cathay swiftly moved into damage limitation mode, firing four members of staff associated with the protests -- including two pilots -- agreeing to comply with the new regulations and releasing a series of statements supporting Hong Kong's embattled government.

But is appears none of these moves were enough to save Hogg, who has been credited with helping to turn the airline profitable after two years of losses.

"The Board of Directors believes that it is the right time for new leadership to take Cathay Pacific forward," Cathay said in a statement.&nbsp;

In the same statement Hogg was quoted as saying: "These have been challenging weeks for the airline and it is right that Paul and I take responsibility as leaders of the company."

Cathay Pacific announced the shock resignation on Friday of its CEO Rupert Hogg, days after the Hong Kong carrier was censured by Beijing because some staff had supported pro-democracy protests in the city.

Cathay Pacific announced the shock resignation on Friday of its CEO Rupert Hogg, days after the Hong Kong carrier was censured by Beijing because some staff had supported pro-democracy protests in the city. In a statement posted on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Friday, Cathay said Hogg had resigned "to take responsibility as a leader of the Company in view of recent events". He has been replaced by Augustus Tang, a veteran of the Swire Group conglomerate, Cathay's main shareholder. Another senior Cathay executive, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo, also announced his departure and gave the same reason in the statement. Cathay has had a torrid week after it became ensnared in a hardening of rhetoric from Beijing over ten weeks of anti-government protests that have rocked Hong Kong. Over the last two weeks the airline emerged as a target on the mainland after some of its 27,000-strong workforce took part in, or voiced support for, the protests. Chinese state media wrote a series of condemnations of Cathay, accusing it of not doing enough to rein it its workers. Then China's aviation regulator demanded that the airline prevent such staff from working on flights to the mainland or those routed through Chinese airspace. Cathay swiftly moved into damage limitation mode, firing four members of staff associated with the protests -- including two pilots -- agreeing to comply with the new regulations and releasing a series of statements supporting Hong Kong's embattled government. But is appears none of these moves were enough to save Hogg, who has been credited with helping to turn the airline profitable after two years of losses. "The Board of Directors believes that it is the right time for new leadership to take Cathay Pacific forward," Cathay said in a statement. In the same statement Hogg was quoted as saying: "These have been challenging weeks for the airline and it is right that Paul and I take responsibility as leaders of the company."

Amid Hong Kong protests row, Cathay Pacific CEO Rupert Hogg resigns

U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the tensions in Hong Kong releasing a tweet Wednesday (August 14) that said, "I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?"

President Xi can quickly solve Hong Kong "problem" adding "Personal meeting?" says Donald Trump

Hundreds of China's People's Armed Police conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deeply-concerned-by-reports-of-china-paramilitary-movement-near-hong-kong-243100">US State Department expressed concern</a> that they could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city.

But Western and Asian diplomats in Hong Kong said Beijing has little appetite for rolling the PAP or the People's Liberation Army onto Hong Kong's streets.

Men in fatigues could be seen in a stadium at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, and shouts and whistles could be heard by a Reuters journalist on Thursday morning.

Later in the day, police carried out exercises in which they divided into two groups, one wearing black t-shirts similar to those worn by some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-should-treat-hong-kong-humanely-before-trade-deal-can-be-agreed-243136">protesters in Hong Kong</a>.

The other group remained in uniform and picked up crowd-control shields and practised charging at the first group.

"This is the first time I've seen such a large-scale meeting," said Yang Ying, a receptionist at a wellness centre inside the retail complex at the stadium.

"There have been exercises in the past, but usually they involve traffic police," she added. "Our friends, social media, all say it's because of Hong Kong."

Ten weeks of increasingly violent confrontations between police and protesters have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

The protests represent one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

On Wednesday the US State Department said it was deeply concerned about reports that Chinese police forces were gathering near the border with Hong Kong and urged the city's government to respect freedom of speech.

In Shenzhen, paramilitary police marched in and out of the stadium near a retail complex where shoppers milled about.

The stadium parking lot was filled with more than 100 dark-painted paramilitary vehicles, including troop trucks, armoured personnel carriers, buses and jeeps. At least three were armoured front-end loaders, and two vehicles carried water cannons.

A policeman patrolling the area told Reuters journalists the paramilitary police were guarding a basketball tournament.

Chinese state media have made several mentions of exercises in Shenzhen.

The Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, published a slick video this week showing columns of trucks and armoured personnel carriers rolling through the city.

The paper said the vehicles belonged to the People's Armed Police and had gathered for "apparent-large scale exercises." Its editor, Hu Xijin, described it on Twitter as "a clear warning to rioters in Hong Kong."

The Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper said on the social media platform Weibo that the force handles incidents that include riots and terrorist attacks.

"There is usually PAP in Shenzhen, but this time it appears to be directed against Hong Kong," said a taxi driver, who gave his surname as Wang. "Usually they wouldn't hold such a big exercise."

Posturing, for now

Still, diplomats in Hong Kong said they believe China's leadership is well aware that moving mainland forces into Hong Kong would shatter international faith in the "one country, two systems" model at the heart of the city's role as a global financial hub, and would swiftly lead to sanctions.

"We are seeing an escalation in the posturing that appears designed to send messages to both Hong Kong and the mainland ... but we are confident we are still in the realms of propaganda here," one senior Western envoy told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "The trucks aren't about to roll at this point."

Alexander Neill, a Singapore-based security analyst at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said it would take a far more serious situation to trigger such a move.

"I think we'd really need to see a total breakdown and a sense that China's national interests were at great risk and could not be protected by the Hong Kong government and its police," he said.

Worst-case scenarios, he said, could involve the assassination or kidnapping of Chinese officials in Hong Kong, the sacking and occupation of key offices there or the government losing control of parts of the police force.

"We're a long way from anything like that yet, so I think what we are seeing is harder posturing that is part of a much broader propaganda effort underway on many fronts," he said.

The Shenzhen stadium sits across the water from Hong Kong's rural hinterland, near a bridge straddling the border.

People working around the stadium said the level of PAP activity was higher than they had ever seen, but not disruptive, as the troops usually kept to themselves.

The chief disruption was PAP vehicles occupying parking spaces, and people who worked in the area said they had been told not to share pictures of vehicles.

Hundreds of China's People's Armed Police conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday, as the US State Department expressed concern that they could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city.

Hundreds of China's People's Armed Police conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday, as the US State Department expressed concern that they could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city. But Western and Asian diplomats in Hong Kong said Beijing has little appetite for rolling the PAP or the People's Liberation Army onto Hong Kong's streets. Men in fatigues could be seen in a stadium at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, and shouts and whistles could be heard by a Reuters journalist on Thursday morning. Later in the day, police carried out exercises in which they divided into two groups, one wearing black t-shirts similar to those worn by some protesters in Hong Kong. The other group remained in uniform and picked up crowd-control shields and practised charging at the first group. "This is the first time I've seen such a large-scale meeting," said Yang Ying, a receptionist at a wellness centre inside the retail complex at the stadium. "There have been exercises in the past, but usually they involve traffic police," she added. "Our friends, social media, all say it's because of Hong Kong." Ten weeks of increasingly violent confrontations between police and protesters have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The protests represent one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. On Wednesday the US State Department said it was deeply concerned about reports that Chinese police forces were gathering near the border with Hong Kong and urged the city's government to respect freedom of speech. In Shenzhen, paramilitary police marched in and out of the stadium near a retail complex where shoppers milled about. The stadium parking lot was filled with more than 100 dark-painted paramilitary vehicles, including troop trucks, armoured personnel carriers, buses and jeeps. At least three were armoured front-end loaders, and two vehicles carried water cannons. A policeman patrolling the area told Reuters journalists the paramilitary police were guarding a basketball tournament. Chinese state media have made several mentions of exercises in Shenzhen. The Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, published a slick video this week showing columns of trucks and armoured personnel carriers rolling through the city. The paper said the vehicles belonged to the People's Armed Police and had gathered for "apparent-large scale exercises." Its editor, Hu Xijin, described it on Twitter as "a clear warning to rioters in Hong Kong." The Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper said on the social media platform Weibo that the force handles incidents that include riots and terrorist attacks. "There is usually PAP in Shenzhen, but this time it appears to be directed against Hong Kong," said a taxi driver, who gave his surname as Wang. "Usually they wouldn't hold such a big exercise." Posturing, for now Still, diplomats in Hong Kong said they believe China's leadership is well aware that moving mainland forces into Hong Kong would shatter international faith in the "one country, two systems" model at the heart of the city's role as a global financial hub, and would swiftly lead to sanctions. "We are seeing an escalation in the posturing that appears designed to send messages to both Hong Kong and the mainland ... but we are confident we are still in the realms of propaganda here," one senior Western envoy told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "The trucks aren't about to roll at this point." Alexander Neill, a Singapore-based security analyst at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said it would take a far more serious situation to trigger such a move. "I think we'd really need to see a total breakdown and a sense that China's national interests were at great risk and could not be protected by the Hong Kong government and its police," he said. Worst-case scenarios, he said, could involve the assassination or kidnapping of Chinese officials in Hong Kong, the sacking and occupation of key offices there or the government losing control of parts of the police force. "We're a long way from anything like that yet, so I think what we are seeing is harder posturing that is part of a much broader propaganda effort underway on many fronts," he said. The Shenzhen stadium sits across the water from Hong Kong's rural hinterland, near a bridge straddling the border. People working around the stadium said the level of PAP activity was higher than they had ever seen, but not disruptive, as the troops usually kept to themselves. The chief disruption was PAP vehicles occupying parking spaces, and people who worked in the area said they had been told not to share pictures of vehicles.

In 'clear warning', Chinese paramilitary forces exercise near Hong Kong

Chinese state media called on Beijing on Wednesday to deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-resumes-flights-after-clashes-mass-protests-242850">protests in Hong Kong</a> more decisively after a reporter from one of China`s largest government-backed newspapers was caught up in overnight clashes.

Ten weeks of increasingly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-violent-protest-in-hong-kong-civil-unrest-242887">violent clashes</a> between police and pro-democracy protesters, angered by a perceived erosion of freedoms, are posing one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.&nbsp;

Demonstrators and riot police clashed at Hong Kong`s airport late on Tuesday after flights were cancelled for a second day. Protesters at one point held a man who Chinese media have said was a reporter from China`s Global Times newspaper.

A front-page commentary on the overseas edition of the Communist Party`s official People`s Daily newspaper said on Wednesday Hong Kong had reached a critical juncture.&nbsp;

"Using the sword of the law to stop violence and restore order is overwhelmingly the most important and urgent task for Hong Kong!" it said.

Another commentary by a Shenzhen University researcher, published by the China Daily, said the central government should deal with Hong Kong issues more decisively.

US President Donald Trump said on Twitter overnight the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong and urged calm.

However, Chinese state media has stopped short of calling for military action to deal with the protests.&nbsp;

Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined some autonomy for Hong Kong after China took it back from Britain in 1997.

"Extreme political ideas have found frequent expression in Hong Kong, with some even raising `Hong Kong independence` slogans recently. Which means the `one country, two systems` principle faces a new challenge," Chinese author Li Peiwen said.&nbsp;

Chinese state media has also posted messages of support for the Hong Kong police, describing what was happening in the city as "a shame". Such posts were the most-discussed topics on China`s social media platforms on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"We support the Hong Kong police too!" said a post on the People`s Daily`s official Twitter-like Weibo account that was reposted more than 500,000 times.&nbsp;

Global Times editor Hu Xijin said one of the newspaper`s reporters was rescued by police after being tied up by demonstrators. The tabloid is published by the People`s Daily.

"GT reporter Fu Guohao has been rescued by police and sent to the hospital. We`re still learning about his injury conditions," said in a tweet.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV called Fu "a real man" in a another Weibo post that had more than 140,000 "likes".&nbsp;

Netizens have been closely watching what Beijing might do next after China this week condemned some protesters for using dangerous tools to attack police and said the clashes showed "sprouts of terrorism."

The Global Times reported on Monday that China`s People`s Armed Police assembled in the southeastern city of Shenzhen, fuelling speculation of a possible intervention in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Some reactions on China`s social media platforms called for Beijing to intervene while many others urged calm.

Chinese state media called on Beijing on Wednesday to deal with protests in Hong Kong more decisively after a reporter from one of China`s largest government-backed newspapers was caught up in overnight clashes.

Chinese state media called on Beijing on Wednesday to deal with protests in Hong Kong more decisively after a reporter from one of China`s largest government-backed newspapers was caught up in overnight clashes. Ten weeks of increasingly violent clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters, angered by a perceived erosion of freedoms, are posing one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Demonstrators and riot police clashed at Hong Kong`s airport late on Tuesday after flights were cancelled for a second day. Protesters at one point held a man who Chinese media have said was a reporter from China`s Global Times newspaper. A front-page commentary on the overseas edition of the Communist Party`s official People`s Daily newspaper said on Wednesday Hong Kong had reached a critical juncture. "Using the sword of the law to stop violence and restore order is overwhelmingly the most important and urgent task for Hong Kong!" it said. Another commentary by a Shenzhen University researcher, published by the China Daily, said the central government should deal with Hong Kong issues more decisively. US President Donald Trump said on Twitter overnight the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong and urged calm. However, Chinese state media has stopped short of calling for military action to deal with the protests. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined some autonomy for Hong Kong after China took it back from Britain in 1997. "Extreme political ideas have found frequent expression in Hong Kong, with some even raising `Hong Kong independence` slogans recently. Which means the `one country, two systems` principle faces a new challenge," Chinese author Li Peiwen said. Chinese state media has also posted messages of support for the Hong Kong police, describing what was happening in the city as "a shame". Such posts were the most-discussed topics on China`s social media platforms on Wednesday. "We support the Hong Kong police too!" said a post on the People`s Daily`s official Twitter-like Weibo account that was reposted more than 500,000 times. Global Times editor Hu Xijin said one of the newspaper`s reporters was rescued by police after being tied up by demonstrators. The tabloid is published by the People`s Daily. "GT reporter Fu Guohao has been rescued by police and sent to the hospital. We`re still learning about his injury conditions," said in a tweet. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV called Fu "a real man" in a another Weibo post that had more than 140,000 "likes". Netizens have been closely watching what Beijing might do next after China this week condemned some protesters for using dangerous tools to attack police and said the clashes showed "sprouts of terrorism." The Global Times reported on Monday that China`s People`s Armed Police assembled in the southeastern city of Shenzhen, fuelling speculation of a possible intervention in Hong Kong. Some reactions on China`s social media platforms called for Beijing to intervene while many others urged calm.

Chinese state media urge action, voice support for Hong Kong police after overnight clashes

Airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-resumes-flights-after-clashes-mass-protests-242850">operations resumed on Wednesday in Hong Kong</a> after two days of protest in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">Chinese controlled city</a>.

Hundreds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-in-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242407">flights that had been disrupted </a>over the past two days were started again.

The unrest, which has seen<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-protesters-return-to-streets-for-tenth-week-riot-police-fire-tears-gas-into-rail-station-242309"> millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets</a>, was sparked by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

Watch: Violent clashes in Hong Kong

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But it quickly evolved into a much broader campaign for democratic freedoms, and to stop the growing influence of China's authoritarian rulers in the semi-autonomous city.

On Monday and Tuesday, thousands of protesters wearing their signature black T-shirts gathered at Hong Kong's airport, forcing hundreds of flights to be cancelled.

After initially just voicing their demands with peaceful demonstrations, the protesters adopted more aggressive tactics on Tuesday and created barricades with luggage trolleys to block passengers at the departure halls.

Late on Tuesday night, the protests descended into a series of violent confrontations with police, and demonstrators scuffling with passengers desperate to get on flights.

In one particularly ugly scene filmed by media, a group of protesters ganged up on a policeman and beat him. They stopped their attack when the policeman pulled his gun and pointed it at them, but did not fire.

Demonstrators also turned on two men, fuelled by suspicions within their ranks about undercover police or spies.

The first man was held for about two hours before eventually being led away in an ambulance. Riot police briefly deployed pepper spray and batons to beat back protesters while they escorted the vehicle away from the departures hall. &nbsp;

Another man, wearing a yellow journalist vest, was surrounded, zip-tied and then beaten by a small group who accused him of being a spy.

In a tweet, Hu Xijun, the editor of China's state-controlled Global Times tabloid -- which has vociferously condemned the protests -- said the man was a journalist working for the paper.

By early Wednesday, most protesters had left and many flights were operating as scheduled in the morning.

However, it was unclear if the protesters, who have no public leaders and organise via social media, would return to the airport.

The Airport Authority has obtained an injunction to remove demonstrators but enforcing it may prove difficult, as the hub is designed to make entry as fast and efficient as possible.

Passengers can also arrive via bus, train and taxi, with each mode of transport having different entrances.

Airport operations resumed on Wednesday in Hong Kong after two days of protest in the Chinese controlled city. Hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days were started again.

Airport operations resumed on Wednesday in Hong Kong after two days of protest in the Chinese controlled city. Hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days were started again. The unrest, which has seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets, was sparked by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Watch: Violent clashes in Hong Kong × But it quickly evolved into a much broader campaign for democratic freedoms, and to stop the growing influence of China's authoritarian rulers in the semi-autonomous city. On Monday and Tuesday, thousands of protesters wearing their signature black T-shirts gathered at Hong Kong's airport, forcing hundreds of flights to be cancelled. After initially just voicing their demands with peaceful demonstrations, the protesters adopted more aggressive tactics on Tuesday and created barricades with luggage trolleys to block passengers at the departure halls. Late on Tuesday night, the protests descended into a series of violent confrontations with police, and demonstrators scuffling with passengers desperate to get on flights. In one particularly ugly scene filmed by media, a group of protesters ganged up on a policeman and beat him. They stopped their attack when the policeman pulled his gun and pointed it at them, but did not fire. Demonstrators also turned on two men, fuelled by suspicions within their ranks about undercover police or spies. The first man was held for about two hours before eventually being led away in an ambulance. Riot police briefly deployed pepper spray and batons to beat back protesters while they escorted the vehicle away from the departures hall. Another man, wearing a yellow journalist vest, was surrounded, zip-tied and then beaten by a small group who accused him of being a spy. In a tweet, Hu Xijun, the editor of China's state-controlled Global Times tabloid -- which has vociferously condemned the protests -- said the man was a journalist working for the paper. By early Wednesday, most protesters had left and many flights were operating as scheduled in the morning. However, it was unclear if the protesters, who have no public leaders and organise via social media, would return to the airport. The Airport Authority has obtained an injunction to remove demonstrators but enforcing it may prove difficult, as the hub is designed to make entry as fast and efficient as possible. Passengers can also arrive via bus, train and taxi, with each mode of transport having different entrances.

Watch: Violence at Hong Kong airport as police and protesters clash

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-resumes-flights-after-clashes-mass-protests-242850">Hong Kong airport resumes flights after clashes, mass protests</a>

Hong Kong's airport resumed operations on Wednesday, rescheduling hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days as protesters clashed with riot police in a deepening crisis in the Chinese-controlled city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebook-paid-contractors-to-transcribe-users-audio-report-242853">Facebook paid contractors to transcribe users' audio: Report</a>

Facebook Inc&nbsp;has been paying outside contractors to transcribe audio clips from users of its services, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company confirmed that it had been transcribing users' audio and said it was no longer doing so, Bloomberg reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asks-un-security-council-to-meet-over-india-moves-in-kashmir-242852">Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India moves in Kashmir</a>

Pakistan&nbsp;on Tuesday asked the&nbsp;United Nations Security Council&nbsp;to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the Himalayan region that has long been a flashpoint in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-marks-independence-day-of-balochistan-242873">Free Balochistan movement marks Independence Day of Balochistan</a>

Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) organised a seminar in London to mark the Independence Day of Baloch. It was attended by members of several Baloch and non-Baloch political parties including Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Balochistan National Movement (Zrombesh), Balochistan People Party, Nation without States, Arab Front for The liberation of ALahwaz, Campaign against Criminalizing Communities and 15 April Movement for Liberation of Al- Ahwaz.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-successfully-enters-lunar-transfer-trajectory-242851">Chandrayaan-2 successfully enters Lunar Transfer Trajectory</a>

Chandrayaan-2 headed onwards on its path to the moon after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) early Wednesday successfully carried out a crucial process to manoeuvre India's second lunar probe out of the earth's orbit.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hong Kong airport resumes flights after clashes, mass protests Hong Kong's airport resumed operations on Wednesday, rescheduling hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days as protesters clashed with riot police in a deepening crisis in the Chinese-controlled city.

Hong Kong airport resumes flights after clashes, mass protests Hong Kong's airport resumed operations on Wednesday, rescheduling hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days as protesters clashed with riot police in a deepening crisis in the Chinese-controlled city. Facebook paid contractors to transcribe users' audio: Report Facebook Inc has been paying outside contractors to transcribe audio clips from users of its services, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company confirmed that it had been transcribing users' audio and said it was no longer doing so, Bloomberg reported. Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India moves in Kashmir Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the Himalayan region that has long been a flashpoint in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Free Balochistan movement marks Independence Day of Balochistan Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) organised a seminar in London to mark the Independence Day of Baloch. It was attended by members of several Baloch and non-Baloch political parties including Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Balochistan National Movement (Zrombesh), Balochistan People Party, Nation without States, Arab Front for The liberation of ALahwaz, Campaign against Criminalizing Communities and 15 April Movement for Liberation of Al- Ahwaz. Chandrayaan-2 successfully enters Lunar Transfer Trajectory Chandrayaan-2 headed onwards on its path to the moon after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) early Wednesday successfully carried out a crucial process to manoeuvre India's second lunar probe out of the earth's orbit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-internationalised-the-kashmir-issue-says-imran-khan-in-pok-assembly-242960">India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-accuses-india-china-of-taking-advantage-of-developing-nations-tag-from-wto-242930">Trump accuses India, China of taking advantage of 'developing nations' tag in WTO</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-manager-sunil-subramaniam-called-back-from-west-indies-for-alleged-misbehaviour-242969">Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam called back from West Indies for alleged misbehaviour</a>

Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam on Wednesday was asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to return from the ongoing tour of the West Indies for allegedly misbehaving with the senior officials in the Caribbean Islands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-270-due-to-floods-in-india-over-one-million-displaced-242958">Death toll rises to 270 due to floods in India, over one million displaced</a>

Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-sacks-two-pilots-amid-protests-242991">Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests</a>

Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue.

India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue. Trump accuses India, China of taking advantage of 'developing nations' tag in WTO US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO. Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam called back from West Indies for alleged misbehaviour Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam on Wednesday was asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to return from the ongoing tour of the West Indies for allegedly misbehaving with the senior officials in the Caribbean Islands. Death toll rises to 270 due to floods in India, over one million displaced Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

Tourists in Hong Kong said on Tuesday (August 13) night they were ''scared'' during demonstrations in the city and were unsure of when they will be able to get back home as flights were disrupted for a second day.

Hong Kong: Tourists ''scared'' as flights disrupted for second day running

Travellers in Hong Kong's airport voiced support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-rule-of-law-being-damaged-citys-recovery-will-take-long-time-242574">pro-democracy demonstrators</a> on Tuesday, despite an overnight occupation of the international transit hub that saw tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

The airport, one of the busiest in the world, reopened on Tuesday morning but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-us-urges-all-sides-to-refrain-from-violence-flight-operations-resume-after-unprecedented-closure-242560">hundreds of flights remained cancelled </a>and several hundred protesters returned for a fresh rally on Tuesday afternoon.

Monday's abrupt closure came 10 weeks into a crisis that has seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets in the biggest challenge to Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain.

"It may affect me, but I still know what they are doing and I support them so it doesn't matter, said 27-year-old advertising worker Mag Mak, whose flight back home to Hong Kong from Dubai was delayed by five hours.

"I think the government is so rubbish and they don't have any response to the protesters," she added.

Frank Filser, 53, was struggling to reschedule a flight back to Germany to visit his father who has terminal cancer.

But he said he sympathised with the protesters despite the disruption.

"They fight for Hong Kong and that's their view," he said.

"Anytime I can go back to Germany, but what about the people who grew up here? This is their home."

Real estate worker Tibor, a long-term foreign resident of Hong Kong, was waiting at the terminal for a rescheduled flight after his journey on Monday was cancelled.&nbsp;

He said he understood the protests because "it's really frustrating to live in a society where your government is not really having a dialogue with their own people".

A wide cross-section of Hong Kong has taken to the streets in recent weeks to show their support for the pro-democracy movement and condemn the police response to protests, including rallies of elderly residents and civil servants.

But the movement has divided parts of the city, with small demonstrations in support of police and the government, and scuffles breaking out between pro-Beijing residents and protesters in some neighbourhoods.

Some passengers at the airport took a less forgiving view of the occupation.

The nationalistic Chinese tabloid the Global Times tweeted footage of one irate Australian passenger who confronted young demonstrators and told them to "go get a job".&nbsp;

Others told AFP they were angry at having their travel plans frustrated.

"I don't mind what they [the protesters] do but they made us five hours delayed," said 50-year-old Wing Au-Yeung, who had stopped off in the city to collect his aged mother before travelling to South Korea with his family.&nbsp;

"They can do what they want but it should not affect other people."

Travellers in Hong Kong's airport voiced support for pro-democracy demonstrators on Tuesday, despite an overnight occupation of the international transit hub that saw tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

Travellers in Hong Kong's airport voiced support for pro-democracy demonstrators on Tuesday, despite an overnight occupation of the international transit hub that saw tens of thousands of passengers stranded. The airport, one of the busiest in the world, reopened on Tuesday morning but hundreds of flights remained cancelled and several hundred protesters returned for a fresh rally on Tuesday afternoon. Monday's abrupt closure came 10 weeks into a crisis that has seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets in the biggest challenge to Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain. "It may affect me, but I still know what they are doing and I support them so it doesn't matter, said 27-year-old advertising worker Mag Mak, whose flight back home to Hong Kong from Dubai was delayed by five hours. "I think the government is so rubbish and they don't have any response to the protesters," she added. Frank Filser, 53, was struggling to reschedule a flight back to Germany to visit his father who has terminal cancer. But he said he sympathised with the protesters despite the disruption. "They fight for Hong Kong and that's their view," he said. "Anytime I can go back to Germany, but what about the people who grew up here? This is their home." Real estate worker Tibor, a long-term foreign resident of Hong Kong, was waiting at the terminal for a rescheduled flight after his journey on Monday was cancelled. He said he understood the protests because "it's really frustrating to live in a society where your government is not really having a dialogue with their own people". A wide cross-section of Hong Kong has taken to the streets in recent weeks to show their support for the pro-democracy movement and condemn the police response to protests, including rallies of elderly residents and civil servants. But the movement has divided parts of the city, with small demonstrations in support of police and the government, and scuffles breaking out between pro-Beijing residents and protesters in some neighbourhoods. Some passengers at the airport took a less forgiving view of the occupation. The nationalistic Chinese tabloid the Global Times tweeted footage of one irate Australian passenger who confronted young demonstrators and told them to "go get a job". Others told AFP they were angry at having their travel plans frustrated. "I don't mind what they [the protesters] do but they made us five hours delayed," said 50-year-old Wing Au-Yeung, who had stopped off in the city to collect his aged mother before travelling to South Korea with his family. "They can do what they want but it should not affect other people."

Stranded passengers voice support for Hong Kong protesters

Hong Kong's airport reopened on August 13 with some flights being resumed but hundreds remaining cancelled; airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and Malaysia Airlines were advising travellers to reschedule. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that "l<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-us-urges-all-sides-to-refrain-from-violence-flight-operations-resume-after-unprecedented-closure-242560">awbreaking activities in the name of freedom</a>" were damaging the rule of law and that the Asian financial hub's recovery from anti-government protests could take a long time. While speaking in a press conference, Lam also defended the city's police after a weekend of violent protests&nbsp;confrontations between them and protesters.

"Violence, no matter if it's using violence or condoning violence, will push Hong Kong down a path of no return, will plunge Hong Kong society into a very worrying and dangerous situation," Lam said during a press conference.

"The situation in Hong Kong in the past week has made me very worried that we have reached this dangerous situation," she added.

She said police faced "extremely difficult circumstances" and were bound by "rigid and stringent guidelines on the appropriate use of force".

During the press conference, Lam faced combative questioning from reporters. She also tried to didged a question on whether she had the autonomy to fully withdraw the now-suspended extradition bill without Beijing's approval and to grant&nbsp;

Pressed on whether her hands were tied by Beijing on the issue, she demurred, insisting the question had been answered in the past.

"I again ask everyone to put aside your differences and calm down."

"Take a minute to think, look at our city, our home, do you all really want to see it pushed into an abyss?" Lam added, appearing on the verge of tears.

Her comments come after China said the anti-government protests that have swept the city over the past two months had begun to show <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">"sprouts of terrorism"</a>.

Over the weekend, thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the 10th weekend in a row during which the demonstrator threw petrol bombs at police officers.

While Hong Kong police fired tear gas on shopping streets and in subway stations, with protesters hurling bricks and spraying riot police with fire extinguishers and water hoses.

A government official said 45 people were injured in the clashes, including two who were in serious condition.&nbsp;

Police also arrested protesters across the city, with activists claiming plainclothes officers dressed in the movement's signature black and infiltrated their ranks to detain demonstrators.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-admit-disguising-themselves-in-protest-defend-action-242565">Hong Kong police on Monday admitted to using undercover officers </a>"disguised" as protestors during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">pro-democracy protests</a>&nbsp;over the weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can say that during the time when our police officers were disguised, firstly they would not provoke anything, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tang Ping-Keung said in a press conference.

"We won't ask them to stir up trouble, and we won't ask them to conduct illegal act," he added.

The two-month crisis, which was triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law, has morphed into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms.

It is the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from Britain in 1997 -- and has drawn repeated criticism but no forceful actions yet from the central Chinese government.

(With inpust from agencies)

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that "lawbreaking activities in the name of freedom" were damaging the rule of law and that the Asian financial hub's recovery from anti-government protests could take a long time.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that "lawbreaking activities in the name of freedom" were damaging the rule of law and that the Asian financial hub's recovery from anti-government protests could take a long time. While speaking in a press conference, Lam also defended the city's police after a weekend of violent protests confrontations between them and protesters. "Violence, no matter if it's using violence or condoning violence, will push Hong Kong down a path of no return, will plunge Hong Kong society into a very worrying and dangerous situation," Lam said during a press conference. "The situation in Hong Kong in the past week has made me very worried that we have reached this dangerous situation," she added. She said police faced "extremely difficult circumstances" and were bound by "rigid and stringent guidelines on the appropriate use of force". During the press conference, Lam faced combative questioning from reporters. She also tried to didged a question on whether she had the autonomy to fully withdraw the now-suspended extradition bill without Beijing's approval and to grant Pressed on whether her hands were tied by Beijing on the issue, she demurred, insisting the question had been answered in the past. "I again ask everyone to put aside your differences and calm down." "Take a minute to think, look at our city, our home, do you all really want to see it pushed into an abyss?" Lam added, appearing on the verge of tears. Her comments come after China said the anti-government protests that have swept the city over the past two months had begun to show "sprouts of terrorism". Over the weekend, thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the 10th weekend in a row during which the demonstrator threw petrol bombs at police officers. While Hong Kong police fired tear gas on shopping streets and in subway stations, with protesters hurling bricks and spraying riot police with fire extinguishers and water hoses. A government official said 45 people were injured in the clashes, including two who were in serious condition. Police also arrested protesters across the city, with activists claiming plainclothes officers dressed in the movement's signature black and infiltrated their ranks to detain demonstrators. Meanwhile, Hong Kong police on Monday admitted to using undercover officers "disguised" as protestors during the pro-democracy protests over the weekend. "I can say that during the time when our police officers were disguised, firstly they would not provoke anything, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tang Ping-Keung said in a press conference. "We won't ask them to stir up trouble, and we won't ask them to conduct illegal act," he added. The two-month crisis, which was triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law, has morphed into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms. It is the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from Britain in 1997 -- and has drawn repeated criticism but no forceful actions yet from the central Chinese government. (With inpust from agencies)

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says rule of law being damaged, city's recovery will take long time

The US has urged all sides in Hong Kong to refrain from violence. Watch this video to know more.

US reacts to Hong Kong protest

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News brief: Big stories of the day

News brief: Big stories of the day