Hong Kong airport re-opened on Tuesday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-in-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242407">a rally by thousands of pro-democracy protesters </a>triggered an unprecedented shutdown, but hundreds of flights were still listed as cancelled.

The abrupt closure marked a new low in a 10-week crisis that has seen <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets</a> in the biggest challenge to Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain.

The protests on Monday were driven by anger over alleged police brutality, with demonstrators claiming one woman had lost an eye at a weekend rally and video showing tear gas being used against them in a subway station.

But the protests have led to rising anger from authorities in Beijing, who on Monday described some of the violent demonstrations as "terrorism".&nbsp;

State-run media on Monday also showed armoured personnel carriers assembling at a mainland city just across the border from Hong Kong.

Early Tuesday, passengers with luggage were being checked in at the departures hall and information boards showed several flights were boarding or about to depart.

But the woes at the airport remained far from over, with a massive backlog of flights to clear and activists calling for another protest there on Tuesday afternoon.

Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flagship airline, listed more than 200 flights as still being cancelled on Tuesday morning.

It an advisory posted on its website at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Monday), Cathay said passengers urged customers to postpone non-essential travel from Hong Kong.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equipped-with-surveillance-cameras-hong-kong-police-unveils-water-cannon-after-new-protests-242370">protests have infuriated Beijing</a>, which described some of the violent demonstrations as "terrorism".

Washington overnight urged all sides to refrain from violence, as the crisis sparked by a bill to allow extradition to mainland China continues with no apparent end in sight.

Watch: Protests continue at Hong Kong Airport

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'An eye for an eye'

On Tuesday morning, only a handful of protesters remained in the airport. But fears of a police operation to clear the facility overnight proved unfounded, with demonstrators simply leaving by themselves.

Many of the posters and artwork they had hung throughout the facility during the hours-long rally had been taken down, but graffiti -- some reading "an eye for an eye" -- could still be seen in several places.

The protesters adopted the slogan after a woman suffered a serious facial injury that reportedly caused her to lose the vision in one eye at a demonstration that turned violent on Sunday night.

The demonstrators accuse police of causing the injury by firing a bean-bag round and cite the case as evidence of what they say has been an excessive and disproportionate response by police to their protests.

The activists have called on their supporters to return to the airport later on Tuesday, though it was unclear whether authorities would allow that to happen.

The protests that began in opposition to a bill allowing extradition to the mainland has morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide of freedoms in the southern Chinese city.

But the city's Beijing-backed leader has ruled out meeting the protesters' demands, which include the right to choose their next leader and an investigation into alleged police brutality.

The demonstrations have become increasingly violent, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets to push back protesters who have sometimes hurled bricks and bottles.

"It is becoming more and more dangerous, but if we don't still come out at this point, our future will become more frightening, and we will lose our freedoms," a 22-year-old protester at the airport told AFP on Monday.

China warns of 'terrorism'

The movement has infuriated Beijing, where authorities Monday slammed violent protesters who threw petrol bombs at police officers, linking them to "terrorism".

"Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging," said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

"This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order."

Hours later, two state media outlets ran videos showing armoured personnel and troop carriers purportedly driving to Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong.

And a commentary early Tuesday on China's official Xinhua news agency spoke of "black-clad mobsters" and said Hong Kong's future is at a "critical juncture".

A senior official in the administration of US President Donald Trump on Monday urged "all sides" to avoid violence in Hong Kong.

"Societies are best served when diverse political views are respected and can be freely and peacefully expressed," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Hong Kong airport re-opened on Tuesday after a rally by thousands of pro-democracy protesters triggered an unprecedented shutdown, but hundreds of flights were still listed as cancelled.

Hong Kong airport re-opened on Tuesday after a rally by thousands of pro-democracy protesters triggered an unprecedented shutdown, but hundreds of flights were still listed as cancelled. The abrupt closure marked a new low in a 10-week 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. The protests on Monday were driven by anger over alleged police brutality, with demonstrators claiming one woman had lost an eye at a weekend rally and video showing tear gas being used against them in a subway station. But the protests have led to rising anger from authorities in Beijing, who on Monday described some of the violent demonstrations as "terrorism". State-run media on Monday also showed armoured personnel carriers assembling at a mainland city just across the border from Hong Kong. Early Tuesday, passengers with luggage were being checked in at the departures hall and information boards showed several flights were boarding or about to depart. But the woes at the airport remained far from over, with a massive backlog of flights to clear and activists calling for another protest there on Tuesday afternoon. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flagship airline, listed more than 200 flights as still being cancelled on Tuesday morning. It an advisory posted on its website at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Monday), Cathay said passengers urged customers to postpone non-essential travel from Hong Kong. The protests have infuriated Beijing, which described some of the violent demonstrations as "terrorism". Washington overnight urged all sides to refrain from violence, as the crisis sparked by a bill to allow extradition to mainland China continues with no apparent end in sight. Watch: Protests continue at Hong Kong Airport × 'An eye for an eye' On Tuesday morning, only a handful of protesters remained in the airport. But fears of a police operation to clear the facility overnight proved unfounded, with demonstrators simply leaving by themselves. Many of the posters and artwork they had hung throughout the facility during the hours-long rally had been taken down, but graffiti -- some reading "an eye for an eye" -- could still be seen in several places. The protesters adopted the slogan after a woman suffered a serious facial injury that reportedly caused her to lose the vision in one eye at a demonstration that turned violent on Sunday night. The demonstrators accuse police of causing the injury by firing a bean-bag round and cite the case as evidence of what they say has been an excessive and disproportionate response by police to their protests. The activists have called on their supporters to return to the airport later on Tuesday, though it was unclear whether authorities would allow that to happen. The protests that began in opposition to a bill allowing extradition to the mainland has morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide of freedoms in the southern Chinese city. But the city's Beijing-backed leader has ruled out meeting the protesters' demands, which include the right to choose their next leader and an investigation into alleged police brutality. The demonstrations have become increasingly violent, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets to push back protesters who have sometimes hurled bricks and bottles. "It is becoming more and more dangerous, but if we don't still come out at this point, our future will become more frightening, and we will lose our freedoms," a 22-year-old protester at the airport told AFP on Monday. China warns of 'terrorism' The movement has infuriated Beijing, where authorities Monday slammed violent protesters who threw petrol bombs at police officers, linking them to "terrorism". "Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging," said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. "This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order." Hours later, two state media outlets ran videos showing armoured personnel and troop carriers purportedly driving to Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong. And a commentary early Tuesday on China's official Xinhua news agency spoke of "black-clad mobsters" and said Hong Kong's future is at a "critical juncture". A senior official in the administration of US President Donald Trump on Monday urged "all sides" to avoid violence in Hong Kong. "Societies are best served when diverse political views are respected and can be freely and peacefully expressed," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Hong Kong airport reopens after protest shutdown; 200 fights cancelled

Hong Kong police on Monday admitted to using undercover officers "disguised" as protestors during the <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> 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 semi-autonomous Hong Kong plunged into crisis after protesters took to streets to protest against a bill allowing extradition to the China mainland.&nbsp;The government have scrapped the extradition bill but protests are continuing for as it now turned into a broader movement for democratic reform and halt to eroding freedoms.

On Sunday, <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">Police fired volleys of tear gas Sunday</a> at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row.&nbsp;

Watch: Hong Kong's Tourism Industry takes a hit

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Protesters also faced off against police in the Kwai Fong train station, with the demonstrators using fire extinguishers and a water hose against riot officers who fired tear gas into the terminal.

Scores of protesters were&nbsp;also arrested, sometimes after being beaten with batons and bloodied by police. One young female medic was hospitalised after being hit by a pellet round in the right eye.

Senior superintendent of police public relations branch, Kong Wing-Cheung defending the actions on Monday in the conference said, "At that time, we assessed it as a semi-open station. And then in order to resolve the crisis, as I said just now, we had only fired one tear gas," adding, "we didn't fire the second one when we saw the situation was under control and the protesters weren't attacking."

Meanwhile, <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">Hong Kong airport reopened</a> after unprecedented closure and resumed all flight operations. However, the administrator has still warned flight movements would be affected.

Hong Kong carrier, Cathay Pacific cancelled over 200 flights to and out of the airport on Tuesday, according to its website.

The airport, one of the world's busiest, blamed demonstrators for halting flights on Monday, but the exact trigger for the closure was not clear as protesters occupying the arrivals hall for the past five days have been peaceful.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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 semi-autonomous Hong Kong plunged into crisis after protesters took to streets to protest against a bill allowing extradition to the China mainland. The government have scrapped the extradition bill but protests are continuing for as it now turned into a broader movement for democratic reform and halt to eroding freedoms. On Sunday, Police fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row. Watch: Hong Kong's Tourism Industry takes a hit × Protesters also faced off against police in the Kwai Fong train station, with the demonstrators using fire extinguishers and a water hose against riot officers who fired tear gas into the terminal. Scores of protesters were also arrested, sometimes after being beaten with batons and bloodied by police. One young female medic was hospitalised after being hit by a pellet round in the right eye. Senior superintendent of police public relations branch, Kong Wing-Cheung defending the actions on Monday in the conference said, "At that time, we assessed it as a semi-open station. And then in order to resolve the crisis, as I said just now, we had only fired one tear gas," adding, "we didn't fire the second one when we saw the situation was under control and the protesters weren't attacking." Meanwhile, Hong Kong airport reopened after unprecedented closure and resumed all flight operations. However, the administrator has still warned flight movements would be affected. Hong Kong carrier, Cathay Pacific cancelled over 200 flights to and out of the airport on Tuesday, according to its website. The airport, one of the world's busiest, blamed demonstrators for halting flights on Monday, but the exact trigger for the closure was not clear as protesters occupying the arrivals hall for the past five days have been peaceful. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong police admit 'disguising' themselves in protest, defend action

Flights were cancelled after protesters took over terminals

Breaking News: Hong Kong airport cancels departing flights

When Hong Kong's leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-rule-of-law-being-damaged-citys-recovery-will-take-long-time-242574">Carrie Lam</a> appeared before the press on Tuesday, she appeared to be expecting to deliver a brief statement and move on. Instead, she faced a media onslaught.

No sooner were her prepared remarks finished than the full-frontal assault -- in both Cantonese and English -- began.&nbsp;

"You blame your own political misjudgement on others, and refuse to acknowledge your mistakes," one journalist said.

"When will you accept political responsibility to end citizens' fear?... When will you be willing to step down? When will you tell the police to stop?," the reporter from Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK asked.

Before Lam could respond, the reporter added an admonition: "You asked me in the past to take my job seriously, so please answer me seriously as well."

The embattled Beijing-backed leader began to reply but more questions were shouted.

"Citizens are afraid of you and the police, can you answer the question?"

Watch: Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled

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The combative press conference was an indication of the rising tensions in the city after a weekend of violence that left dozens of people with injuries, some of them serious.

Under the "One country, two systems" principle, the media in <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">Hong Kong</a> enjoys freedoms unheard of in mainland China. A broad spectrum of political leanings are represented, from fiesty independent elements to strongly pro-Beijing outlets.

Lam at times appeared caught off-guard by the intensity of the questioning, with reporters repeatedly interrupting her and accusing her of failing to respond.

"Please don't interrupt," an official pleaded as reporters shouted over Lam.

At one point she paused, looked down, and then looked up again at reporters with her eyebrows raised as they continued to fire questions at her.

At other moments, she sipped from a glass of water as the barrage of questions continued.

In her opening remarks, she called for calm.

"I again ask everyone to put aside your differences and calm down," Lam said, who appeared to be on the verge of tears at one point.

"Take a minute to think, look at our city, our home, do you all really want to see it pushed into an abyss?"

Lam defended the police against accusations of excessive force over the weekend, when rounds of tear gas were fired into subway stations and on crowded shopping streets.

She said she was "heartbroken" by reports of serious injuries, but offered no concessions to the demonstrators and insisted that police were facing "extremely difficult circumstances".

"This question has been answered," she repeated as she was pressed on whether Beijing would allow her to fully withdraw a now-suspended bill allowing extradition to the mainland -- a key protester demand.

And the barrage continued as she abruptly left the podium: "Do you have a conscience?" shouted one journalist.

"Mrs Lam, many citizens have been asking recently when you will die," yelled another.

When Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam appeared before the press on Tuesday, she appeared to be expecting to deliver a brief statement and move on. Instead, she faced a media onslaught.

When Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam appeared before the press on Tuesday, she appeared to be expecting to deliver a brief statement and move on. Instead, she faced a media onslaught. No sooner were her prepared remarks finished than the full-frontal assault -- in both Cantonese and English -- began. "You blame your own political misjudgement on others, and refuse to acknowledge your mistakes," one journalist said. "When will you accept political responsibility to end citizens' fear?... When will you be willing to step down? When will you tell the police to stop?," the reporter from Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK asked. Before Lam could respond, the reporter added an admonition: "You asked me in the past to take my job seriously, so please answer me seriously as well." The embattled Beijing-backed leader began to reply but more questions were shouted. "Citizens are afraid of you and the police, can you answer the question?" Watch: Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled × The combative press conference was an indication of the rising tensions in the city after a weekend of violence that left dozens of people with injuries, some of them serious. Under the "One country, two systems" principle, the media in Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unheard of in mainland China. A broad spectrum of political leanings are represented, from fiesty independent elements to strongly pro-Beijing outlets. Lam at times appeared caught off-guard by the intensity of the questioning, with reporters repeatedly interrupting her and accusing her of failing to respond. "Please don't interrupt," an official pleaded as reporters shouted over Lam. At one point she paused, looked down, and then looked up again at reporters with her eyebrows raised as they continued to fire questions at her. At other moments, she sipped from a glass of water as the barrage of questions continued. In her opening remarks, she called for calm. "I again ask everyone to put aside your differences and calm down," Lam said, who appeared to be on the verge of tears at one point. "Take a minute to think, look at our city, our home, do you all really want to see it pushed into an abyss?" Lam defended the police against accusations of excessive force over the weekend, when rounds of tear gas were fired into subway stations and on crowded shopping streets. She said she was "heartbroken" by reports of serious injuries, but offered no concessions to the demonstrators and insisted that police were facing "extremely difficult circumstances". "This question has been answered," she repeated as she was pressed on whether Beijing would allow her to fully withdraw a now-suspended bill allowing extradition to the mainland -- a key protester demand. And the barrage continued as she abruptly left the podium: "Do you have a conscience?" shouted one journalist. "Mrs Lam, many citizens have been asking recently when you will die," yelled another.

'When will you die?' Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam grilled at press conference

All flights suspended at Hong Kong airport today.

WION Playlist: Protests continue at Hong Kong Airport

Police in Hong Kong fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-and-protesters-refine-battle-tactics-242277">thousands of pro-democracy protesters</a> who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row.

The protesters staged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-in-hong-kong-in-fresh-protests-marchers-defy-police-ban-242158">second night of "hit-and-run" rallies</a>, splitting into small groups that scattered across the city to set up temporary roadblocks and face off against riot police.

Police denied their requests for permits to stage a march from the city's Victoria Park and in the Sham Shui Po neighbourhood, but the protesters gathered anyway.

By early Sunday afternoon, thousands were in Victoria Park, braving hot and humid conditions.

"The police should try their best to maintain public security instead of rejecting our request to march," said a 25-year-old protester who gave only her family name, Wong.

"We're still here... We won't worry that much about illegal assembly. We still have our rights," she told AFP.

Watch: Protesters defy ban, organise flash mob in Hong Kong

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In Sham Shui Po, they used metal fencing and plastic ties to construct makeshift barricades and block the road near the local police station, shining blue lasers at the building as officers held up a flag warning the crowd to disperse.

A woman ran across the stretch of the no-man's land between the two sides, clutching an orange shopping bag as she tried to avoid the confrontation.

Shortly afterwards, protesters threw bricks and police began firing tear gas.

'The last hope'

Other demonstrators blocked roads in Wan Chai, where police headquarters is located, and the Causeway Bay shopping district, chanting "reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times".

"There is no chance of retreating, and as a Hong Konger, this is the last hope we see of being able to achieve democracy," said a 20-year-old protester who gave his last name as Lam.

"We still love Hong Kong and we think Hong Kong still has a chance of obtaining a democratic system."

Elsewhere, scuffles broke out between pro-Beijing residents and unidentified bystanders -- as well as media -- with police intervening in some cases to pull people apart.

Protesters also faced off against police in the Kwai Fong train station, with the demonstrators using fire extinguishers and a water hose against riot officers who fired tear gas into the terminal.

The apparently random and constant movement of protesters throughout the city reflected the mantra of flexible action that they have adopted dubbed "be water."

"We are leaderless, and practically everything is being decided by those on the front lines, and we follow along," said a protester who gave his surname as Cheung.

"I think our previous tactics of staying in one place led to many arrests and injuries," added another 17-year-old student activist who gave only his surname, Chan.

"We need to 'be water' to avoid injuries."

'Internal perils'

But the tactic was not enough to keep everyone safe, with at least nine people sustaining injuries during the hours of confrontations, a government official said.

One was in serious condition, and a second in stable condition, the official added. It was not immediately clear if the number included a police officer who authorities said suffered burns from a petrol bomb thrown by demonstrators.

Police made arrests at several locations throughout the day, with protesters accusing plainclothes officers of dressing in the movement's signature black to infiltrate their ranks and detain activists.

The atmosphere was markedly different from the peaceful sit-in that protesters staged for a third and final day at the airport, billed as a way to explain the movement to arriving visitors.

The demonstrations that began more than two months ago in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China have morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide in democratic freedoms in the city.

The movement has been seen as the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997.

The city's Beijing-appointed leader Lam has ruled out granting the protesters' demands, which include a full withdrawal of the now-suspended extradition bill, direct election of the city's leader and an investigation into police violence.

On Saturday, she addressed students at Hong Kong army cadets camp and warned that the city was "suffering from external worries and internal perils".

"Every person who cherishes Hong Kong and loves peace should work hard together and safeguard our beautiful home."

Police in Hong Kong fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row.

Police in Hong Kong fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row. The protesters staged the second night of "hit-and-run" rallies, splitting into small groups that scattered across the city to set up temporary roadblocks and face off against riot police. Police denied their requests for permits to stage a march from the city's Victoria Park and in the Sham Shui Po neighbourhood, but the protesters gathered anyway. By early Sunday afternoon, thousands were in Victoria Park, braving hot and humid conditions. "The police should try their best to maintain public security instead of rejecting our request to march," said a 25-year-old protester who gave only her family name, Wong. "We're still here... We won't worry that much about illegal assembly. We still have our rights," she told AFP. Watch: Protesters defy ban, organise flash mob in Hong Kong × In Sham Shui Po, they used metal fencing and plastic ties to construct makeshift barricades and block the road near the local police station, shining blue lasers at the building as officers held up a flag warning the crowd to disperse. A woman ran across the stretch of the no-man's land between the two sides, clutching an orange shopping bag as she tried to avoid the confrontation. Shortly afterwards, protesters threw bricks and police began firing tear gas. 'The last hope' Other demonstrators blocked roads in Wan Chai, where police headquarters is located, and the Causeway Bay shopping district, chanting "reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times". "There is no chance of retreating, and as a Hong Konger, this is the last hope we see of being able to achieve democracy," said a 20-year-old protester who gave his last name as Lam. "We still love Hong Kong and we think Hong Kong still has a chance of obtaining a democratic system." Elsewhere, scuffles broke out between pro-Beijing residents and unidentified bystanders -- as well as media -- with police intervening in some cases to pull people apart. Protesters also faced off against police in the Kwai Fong train station, with the demonstrators using fire extinguishers and a water hose against riot officers who fired tear gas into the terminal. The apparently random and constant movement of protesters throughout the city reflected the mantra of flexible action that they have adopted dubbed "be water." "We are leaderless, and practically everything is being decided by those on the front lines, and we follow along," said a protester who gave his surname as Cheung. "I think our previous tactics of staying in one place led to many arrests and injuries," added another 17-year-old student activist who gave only his surname, Chan. "We need to 'be water' to avoid injuries." 'Internal perils' But the tactic was not enough to keep everyone safe, with at least nine people sustaining injuries during the hours of confrontations, a government official said. One was in serious condition, and a second in stable condition, the official added. It was not immediately clear if the number included a police officer who authorities said suffered burns from a petrol bomb thrown by demonstrators. Police made arrests at several locations throughout the day, with protesters accusing plainclothes officers of dressing in the movement's signature black to infiltrate their ranks and detain activists. The atmosphere was markedly different from the peaceful sit-in that protesters staged for a third and final day at the airport, billed as a way to explain the movement to arriving visitors. The demonstrations that began more than two months ago in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China have morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide in democratic freedoms in the city. The movement has been seen as the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997. The city's Beijing-appointed leader Lam has ruled out granting the protesters' demands, which include a full withdrawal of the now-suspended extradition bill, direct election of the city's leader and an investigation into police violence. On Saturday, she addressed students at Hong Kong army cadets camp and warned that the city was "suffering from external worries and internal perils". "Every person who cherishes Hong Kong and loves peace should work hard together and safeguard our beautiful home."

As Hong Kong protesters return to streets for tenth week, riot police fire tears gas into rail station

The Hong Kong airport has suspended all flights for today. As thousands are protesting at the Airport since Friday

Wion Dispatch: All flights suspended at Hong Kong airport

Hong Kong economy slumps, Government blames protesters

Hong Kong's Tourism Industry takes a hit

China on Monday slammed <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">violent protesters in Hong Kong</a> who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and linked them to "terrorism", as Beijing ramps up its rhetoric against pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.

"Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging," said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

"This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order,"&nbsp;he said at a press briefing in Beijing.

Yang's remarks came a day after thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the 10th weekend in a row.

Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at protestors after denying their requests for permits to stage a march.

But Yang focused on the violent behavior of a "tiny minority", which he condemned as "a serious challenge to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

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.

Watch: Anti-government protest in Hong Kong

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Meanwhile, Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.

"Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement.

The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police".

"Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said.

It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full.

"Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport."

Earlier in the day,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equipped-with-surveillance-cameras-hong-kong-police-unveils-water-cannon-after-new-protests-242370"> Hong Kong Police demonstrated water cannon trucks </a>in warning to the protestors after tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies.

The brand-new vehicles, complete with real-time surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, were wheeled out after police clashed with demonstrators at nearly a dozen locations on Sunday.

They 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.

China on Monday slammed violent protesters in Hong Kong who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and linked them to "terrorism", as Beijing ramps up its rhetoric against pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.

China on Monday slammed violent protesters in Hong Kong who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and linked them to "terrorism", as Beijing ramps up its rhetoric against pro-democracy protests in the financial hub. "Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging," said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. "This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order," he said at a press briefing in Beijing. Yang's remarks came a day after thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the 10th weekend in a row. Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at protestors after denying their requests for permits to stage a march. But Yang focused on the violent behavior of a "tiny minority", which he condemned as "a serious challenge to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability." 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. Watch: Anti-government protest in Hong Kong × Meanwhile, Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration. "Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement. The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police". "Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said. It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full. "Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport." Earlier in the day, Hong Kong Police demonstrated water cannon trucks in warning to the protestors after tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies. The brand-new vehicles, complete with real-time surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, were wheeled out after police clashed with demonstrators at nearly a dozen locations on Sunday. They 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.

China slams Hong Kong violence as 'terrorism'; airport cancels all flight operations due to protests

Hong Kong carrier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cathay-to-comply-with-china-rules-over-hong-kong-protests-ceo-rupert-hogg-242086">Cathay Pacific </a>on Monday warned its staff against supporting the pro-democracy protests that hit the semi-autonomous financial hub since June.

As the airline came under fire from Beijing, chief executive Rupert Hogg in a message to its staff warned&nbsp;that they could be fired if they "support or participate in illegal protests".

"Cathay Pacific Group has a zero tolerance approach to illegal activities. Specifically, in the current context, there will be disciplinary consequences for employees who support or participate in illegal protests," Hogg wrote.

"These consequences could be serious and may include termination of employment."

He also reminded his staff that the "actions and words of our employees made outside of working hours can have a significant effect on the company."

For the past two months, <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">Hong Kong has been embroiled in increasingly violent anti-government street protests</a>, which a Chinese official described last week as the greatest crisis since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

The Cathay pilot, whom the company did not name, was among over 40 people charged with rioting, during clashes with police near Beijing's main representative office in the city.

The airline moved fast to comply with the demand from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and suspended the pilot. It also fired two airport employees citing misconduct on Saturday.

In a separate memo on Saturday, Hogg told staff that in order to comply with the new regulatory demands it would not allow any crew supporting protests in Hong Kong to staff flights to the mainland from midnight on Aug. 10.

Passenger traffic in mainland China, Europe and North America accounted for over 50% of all Cathay's traffic in the first half of this year, according to Jefferies data.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific on Monday warned its staff against supporting the pro-democracy protests that hit the semi-autonomous financial hub since June. As the airline came under fire from Beijing, chief executive Rupert Hogg in a message to its staff warned that they could be fired if they "support or participate in illegal protests".

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific on Monday warned its staff against supporting the pro-democracy protests that hit the semi-autonomous financial hub since June. As the airline came under fire from Beijing, chief executive Rupert Hogg in a message to its staff warned that they could be fired if they "support or participate in illegal protests". "Cathay Pacific Group has a zero tolerance approach to illegal activities. Specifically, in the current context, there will be disciplinary consequences for employees who support or participate in illegal protests," Hogg wrote. "These consequences could be serious and may include termination of employment." He also reminded his staff that the "actions and words of our employees made outside of working hours can have a significant effect on the company." For the past two months, Hong Kong has been embroiled in increasingly violent anti-government street protests, which a Chinese official described last week as the greatest crisis since its return from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The Cathay pilot, whom the company did not name, was among over 40 people charged with rioting, during clashes with police near Beijing's main representative office in the city. The airline moved fast to comply with the demand from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and suspended the pilot. It also fired two airport employees citing misconduct on Saturday. In a separate memo on Saturday, Hogg told staff that in order to comply with the new regulatory demands it would not allow any crew supporting protests in Hong Kong to staff flights to the mainland from midnight on Aug. 10. Passenger traffic in mainland China, Europe and North America accounted for over 50% of all Cathay's traffic in the first half of this year, according to Jefferies data. (With inputs from agencies)

Cathay Pacific warns it could fire staff for supporting 'illegal protests'

Hong Kong police on Monday unveiled water cannon trucks as a new way to combat pro-democracy protesters after <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">tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies</a>.

The brand-new vehicles, complete with real-time surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, were wheeled out after police clashed with demonstrators at nearly a dozen locations on Sunday.

They 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;

Among them was a woman who suffered a serious face injury, reportedly after being hit by a bean bag round.&nbsp;

Images of her lying on the ground with blood pouring from her face quickly went viral and featured on posters calling for new demonstrations.

"An eye for an eye" read one call for a protest on Monday afternoon at the city's airport.

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.

Water cannons put on show

Police have defended themselves as accusations of using excessive force against protesters and on Monday unveiled two water cannons -- a method that has not yet been used during the crisis.

They demonstrated jets of water from the trucks on several dummy torsos placed at different distances from the vehicles.

Hong Kong has reportedly ordered three of the vehicles at a cost of HK$27 million ($3.4 million), though police declined to confirm the exact price-tag.

Police would only use the trucks in the event of a "large-scale public disturbance" leading to "casualties, property being destroyed wantonly, or public order and public safety coming under grave threat", senior superintendent Chan Kin-kwok told lawmakers.

The vehicles are "one of our options for our use of force or special tactics," he added during the Monday presentation.

Pro-democracy lawmakers attended the presentation holding signs that read "HK Police Murderers" and quarrelled with pro-Beijing lawmakers, who praised the police for their response to the demonstrations.

"We saw recently that the police's control of their emotions is extremely poor," said Lam Cheuk-ting, who accused police of having "abused their power to attack many protesters who aren't resisting".

It was the tenth consecutive weekend that protesters have taken to the streets in a movement that began over opposition to a bill allowing extradition to mainland China.

The protests have morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide of democratic freedoms in the southern Chinese city.

They have been seen as the biggest threat to Beijing's rule since Britain handed Hong Kong over in 1997.

Cathay caught in crossfire

Mainland authorities have harshly condemned the demonstrators and Hong Kong's flagship carrier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cathay-pacific-warns-it-could-fire-staff-for-supporting-illegal-protests-242349">Cathay Pacific has found itself caught in the crossfire</a>.

China's aviation regulator has issued new rules requiring that it submit lists of staff flying to the mainland or through its airspace and banning those involved with "illegal protests" in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific said it was obliged to comply with the new rules, citing the mainland's importance to its operations.

The airline has also found itself the target of a boycott call by mainland residents.

It has struggled to find middle ground after one of its pilots was arrested for rioting over his alleged participation in a Hong Kong protest.

The pilot has been suspended, and the airline has also fired two ground staff, reportedly after they leaked information on a Hong Kong police football team that was travelling to the mainland.

On Monday, the airline's chief executive Rupert Hogg warned staff in a message that they would face "disciplinary consequences" including being fired if they participated in or supported "illegal protests."

Hong Kong police on Monday unveiled water cannon trucks as a new way to combat pro-democracy protesters after tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies.

Hong Kong police on Monday unveiled water cannon trucks as a new way to combat pro-democracy protesters after tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies. The brand-new vehicles, complete with real-time surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, were wheeled out after police clashed with demonstrators at nearly a dozen locations on Sunday. They 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. Among them was a woman who suffered a serious face injury, reportedly after being hit by a bean bag round. Images of her lying on the ground with blood pouring from her face quickly went viral and featured on posters calling for new demonstrations. "An eye for an eye" read one call for a protest on Monday afternoon at the city's airport. 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. Water cannons put on show Police have defended themselves as accusations of using excessive force against protesters and on Monday unveiled two water cannons -- a method that has not yet been used during the crisis. They demonstrated jets of water from the trucks on several dummy torsos placed at different distances from the vehicles. Hong Kong has reportedly ordered three of the vehicles at a cost of HK$27 million ($3.4 million), though police declined to confirm the exact price-tag. Police would only use the trucks in the event of a "large-scale public disturbance" leading to "casualties, property being destroyed wantonly, or public order and public safety coming under grave threat", senior superintendent Chan Kin-kwok told lawmakers. The vehicles are "one of our options for our use of force or special tactics," he added during the Monday presentation. Pro-democracy lawmakers attended the presentation holding signs that read "HK Police Murderers" and quarrelled with pro-Beijing lawmakers, who praised the police for their response to the demonstrations. "We saw recently that the police's control of their emotions is extremely poor," said Lam Cheuk-ting, who accused police of having "abused their power to attack many protesters who aren't resisting". It was the tenth consecutive weekend that protesters have taken to the streets in a movement that began over opposition to a bill allowing extradition to mainland China. The protests have morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide of democratic freedoms in the southern Chinese city. They have been seen as the biggest threat to Beijing's rule since Britain handed Hong Kong over in 1997. Cathay caught in crossfire Mainland authorities have harshly condemned the demonstrators and Hong Kong's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific has found itself caught in the crossfire. China's aviation regulator has issued new rules requiring that it submit lists of staff flying to the mainland or through its airspace and banning those involved with "illegal protests" in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific said it was obliged to comply with the new rules, citing the mainland's importance to its operations. The airline has also found itself the target of a boycott call by mainland residents. It has struggled to find middle ground after one of its pilots was arrested for rioting over his alleged participation in a Hong Kong protest. The pilot has been suspended, and the airline has also fired two ground staff, reportedly after they leaked information on a Hong Kong police football team that was travelling to the mainland. On Monday, the airline's chief executive Rupert Hogg warned staff in a message that they would face "disciplinary consequences" including being fired if they participated in or supported "illegal protests."

In warning to protesters, Hong Kong police demonstrates water cannons equipped with surveillance cameras

Several thousand people gathered on Monday for the fourth day of protest at Hong Kong's busy international airport. It came as police fired water cannon as pro-democracy street protests continued on the streets of one of the city's main shopping districts. Watch this video to know more about the story.

11th week of anti-government protest in Hong Kong

Hong Kong protesters readied to take to the streets again on Sunday, defying a police ban on marches in the Chinese-controlled territory and continuing a restive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourism-in-trouble-hong-kong-protests-hit-economy-242095">weekend of demonstrations</a> which saw police fire teargas overnight.

Anti-government protests were planned in different locations in the Asian financial hub, including one at the city's international airport for a third day.

On Saturday, police fired volleys of teargas to disperse protesters after activists rallied across the city, with thousands occupying the airport arrivals hall.

Increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing who has taken an increasingly tough line on the protests.

Police said on Sunday they had arrested 16 people during the protests on Saturday for charges including unlawful assembly and possession of an offensive weapon. Authorities have arrested over 600 people since the protests began in June.

China has said the central government would not sit idly by and let the situation continue. Hong Kong's government has also said the violence and illegal protests were pushing the city to an extremely dangerous edge.

China has also targeted the city's corporate giants, demanding that the city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations.

The airline told staff on Saturday it would bar any "overly radical" employees from crewing flights to the mainland and said it had removed a pilot who was arrested at protests last week from duty.

The former British colony of Hong Kong is roiling from months of protests that began against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China and have developed into calls for greater democracy.

Police have not given permission for Sunday's two protests planned in the city's working-class Sham Shui Po district in Kowloon or for North Point on Hong Kong Island.

Several leisure and public facilities have planned to close during the afternoon when the protests are expected.

Protesters have increasingly adopted flash tactics, playing a cat and mouse game with police to evade capture.

Young people have been at the forefront of recent protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, while also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city.

Elderly people have also been appearing. On Saturday in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre's business districts. Both marches and the airport protests were peaceful.

Hong Kong protesters readied to take to the streets again on Sunday, defying a police ban on marches in the Chinese-controlled territory and continuing a restive weekend of demonstrations which saw police fire teargas overnight.

Hong Kong protesters readied to take to the streets again on Sunday, defying a police ban on marches in the Chinese-controlled territory and continuing a restive weekend of demonstrations which saw police fire teargas overnight. Anti-government protests were planned in different locations in the Asian financial hub, including one at the city's international airport for a third day. On Saturday, police fired volleys of teargas to disperse protesters after activists rallied across the city, with thousands occupying the airport arrivals hall. Increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing who has taken an increasingly tough line on the protests. Police said on Sunday they had arrested 16 people during the protests on Saturday for charges including unlawful assembly and possession of an offensive weapon. Authorities have arrested over 600 people since the protests began in June. China has said the central government would not sit idly by and let the situation continue. Hong Kong's government has also said the violence and illegal protests were pushing the city to an extremely dangerous edge. China has also targeted the city's corporate giants, demanding that the city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. The airline told staff on Saturday it would bar any "overly radical" employees from crewing flights to the mainland and said it had removed a pilot who was arrested at protests last week from duty. The former British colony of Hong Kong is roiling from months of protests that began against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China and have developed into calls for greater democracy. Police have not given permission for Sunday's two protests planned in the city's working-class Sham Shui Po district in Kowloon or for North Point on Hong Kong Island. Several leisure and public facilities have planned to close during the afternoon when the protests are expected. Protesters have increasingly adopted flash tactics, playing a cat and mouse game with police to evade capture. Young people have been at the forefront of recent protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, while also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city. Elderly people have also been appearing. On Saturday in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre's business districts. Both marches and the airport protests were peaceful.

Hong Kong braces for fresh protests as marchers set to defy police ban

China warned Britain to stop "meddling" in Hong Kong after a top British official called the international financial hub's leader to voice concern about protests that have rocked the city for two months.

The pro-democracy protests, which are partly fuelled by widespread anger at erosion of liberties in Hong Kong, have become the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997.

On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had a call with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, where he emphasised the need for a "fully independent investigation into recent events", according to Britain's foreign ministry -- prompting a furious response from Beijing.

"China solemnly demands that the British side immediately stop all actions that meddle in Hong Kong affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying Saturday.

Slamming Raab's decision to call Carrie Lam as "wrong", Hua urged Britain to stop "stirring up trouble" in Hong Kong in an online statement.

Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous region as funded by the West but has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians.

Last week, the Chinese government slammed Washington after reports emerged that some US diplomats based in Hong Kong had met with pro-democracy activists.

The Chinese foreign ministry urged the US to "immediately make a clean break with various anti-China rioters" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs immediately".

Tensions are high in the Asian financial hub after two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.

Last week, the city witnessed a rare general strike and the most widespread unrest in two months of demonstrations -- with police firing 800 rounds of tear gas in a single day at a dozen locations.

A total of 420 people have been arrested since rallies began on June 9, according to Hong Kong police in early August.

China warned Britain to stop "meddling" in Hong Kong after a top British official called the international financial hub's leader to voice concern about protests that have rocked the city for two months.

China warned Britain to stop "meddling" in Hong Kong after a top British official called the international financial hub's leader to voice concern about protests that have rocked the city for two months. The pro-democracy protests, which are partly fuelled by widespread anger at erosion of liberties in Hong Kong, have become the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997. On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had a call with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, where he emphasised the need for a "fully independent investigation into recent events", according to Britain's foreign ministry -- prompting a furious response from Beijing. "China solemnly demands that the British side immediately stop all actions that meddle in Hong Kong affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying Saturday. Slamming Raab's decision to call Carrie Lam as "wrong", Hua urged Britain to stop "stirring up trouble" in Hong Kong in an online statement. Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous region as funded by the West but has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians. Last week, the Chinese government slammed Washington after reports emerged that some US diplomats based in Hong Kong had met with pro-democracy activists. The Chinese foreign ministry urged the US to "immediately make a clean break with various anti-China rioters" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs immediately". Tensions are high in the Asian financial hub after two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Last week, the city witnessed a rare general strike and the most widespread unrest in two months of demonstrations -- with police firing 800 rounds of tear gas in a single day at a dozen locations. A total of 420 people have been arrested since rallies began on June 9, according to Hong Kong police in early August.

China demands Britain stop 'meddling' in Hong Kong

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 11th, 2019

Empty hotel rooms, struggling shops and even disruption at Disneyland,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-during-another-weekend-of-protests-242034">months of protests in Hong Kong</a> have taken a major toll on the city's economy, with no end in sight.

City leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-chief-warns-of-economic-fall-rules-out-concessions-241809">Carrie Lam has warned that the international financial hub is facing an economic crisis</a> worse than either the 2003 SARS outbreak that paralysed Hong Kong or the 2008 financial crisis.

"The situation this time is more severe," she said. "In other words, the economic recovery will take a very long time."

The private sector, in particular, the tourism industry, has begun counting the cost of more than two months of demonstrations that erupted in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to China but have morphed into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The figures are stark,&nbsp;hotel occupancy rates are down "double-digit" percentages, as were visitor arrivals in July. Group tour bookings from the short-haul market have plunged up to 50 per cent.

"In recent months, what has happened in Hong Kong has indeed put local people's livelihoods as well as the economy in a worrying, or even dangerous situation," warned Edward Yau, Hong Kong's secretary for commerce and economic development.

The city's tourism industry says it feels under siege.

"I think the situation is getting more and more serious," Jason Wong, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, told AFP.&nbsp;

The impact is so bad that travel agents are considering putting staff on unpaid leave as they try to weather the storm, he warned.

Even Disneyland hit

Images of increasingly violent clashes between masked protesters and police firing tear gas in the city's streets have made global headlines, with protesters announcing new demonstrations throughout August as they press their demands.

A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesperson told AFP that the number of forwarding bookings in August and September has "dropped significantly," suggesting the economic toll will linger throughout the summer season.

A string of travel warnings issued by countries including the United States, Australia and Japan is likely to compound the industry's woes.

The fall in arrivals has hurt Hong Kong's carrier Cathay Pacific, which was also forced to cancel flights this week during a general strike that caused chaos in the city.

And even Disneyland Hong Kong has been hit, with CEO Bob Iger telling reporters: "We have seen an impact from the protests."

"There's definitely been disruption. That has impacted our visitation there."

The retail sector has also been hit by the drop in arriving visitors hunting for bargains, shops often forced to shutter during the sometimes daily protests.&nbsp;

Experts say the crisis is compounding the economic downturn Hong Kong was already experiencing as a result of being caught up in the US-China trade war.

It's a "double whammy," warned Stephen Innes, Managing Partner of Valour Markets."

"We always take a view that oh, this too will pass. But so far that view is not holding any water... and now it seems like every weekend we're dealing with further escalations," he told AFP.&nbsp;

'Nastier than expected'

The property market, which fell over 20 per cent during the 2008 financial crash, remains strong.

But Innes warned that the deepening crisis could result in capital outflows.

"All the money from the mainland that has propped up Hong Kong property markets could reverse as quickly as it flowed in," he said.

"This is getting a little bit nastier than any of us had expected."

The economic picture for the city was far from pretty even before the protests began, with growth shrinking from 4.6 per cent to 0.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter -- the worst quarterly performance in a decade.&nbsp;

Preliminary data suggests the second quarter fared no better, and while the government still hopes for 2-3 per cent growth this year, predictions from major banks are more pessimistic.

Those falls reflect the effects of the US-China trade war on an economy that relies heavily on logistics processing and is vulnerable to a fall in trade.

The impact of the protests on growth will not be clear until later in the year, but Martin Rasmussen, China Economist at Capital Economics, said the crisis was likely to weigh heavily.

"In the beginning, they were quite peaceful, you could say comparable to the protests back in 2014," he said, referring to pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in the city.

"Now they've become much more extreme, so we think the impact on the economy will begin to take its toll." 
&nbsp;

Empty hotel rooms, struggling shops and even disruption at Disneyland, months of protests in Hong Kong have taken a major toll on the city's economy, with no end in sight.

Empty hotel rooms, struggling shops and even disruption at Disneyland, months of protests in Hong Kong have taken a major toll on the city's economy, with no end in sight. City leader Carrie Lam has warned that the international financial hub is facing an economic crisis worse than either the 2003 SARS outbreak that paralysed Hong Kong or the 2008 financial crisis. "The situation this time is more severe," she said. "In other words, the economic recovery will take a very long time." The private sector, in particular, the tourism industry, has begun counting the cost of more than two months of demonstrations that erupted in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to China but have morphed into a broader pro-democracy movement. The figures are stark, hotel occupancy rates are down "double-digit" percentages, as were visitor arrivals in July. Group tour bookings from the short-haul market have plunged up to 50 per cent. "In recent months, what has happened in Hong Kong has indeed put local people's livelihoods as well as the economy in a worrying, or even dangerous situation," warned Edward Yau, Hong Kong's secretary for commerce and economic development. The city's tourism industry says it feels under siege. "I think the situation is getting more and more serious," Jason Wong, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, told AFP. The impact is so bad that travel agents are considering putting staff on unpaid leave as they try to weather the storm, he warned. Even Disneyland hit Images of increasingly violent clashes between masked protesters and police firing tear gas in the city's streets have made global headlines, with protesters announcing new demonstrations throughout August as they press their demands. A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesperson told AFP that the number of forwarding bookings in August and September has "dropped significantly," suggesting the economic toll will linger throughout the summer season. A string of travel warnings issued by countries including the United States, Australia and Japan is likely to compound the industry's woes. The fall in arrivals has hurt Hong Kong's carrier Cathay Pacific, which was also forced to cancel flights this week during a general strike that caused chaos in the city. And even Disneyland Hong Kong has been hit, with CEO Bob Iger telling reporters: "We have seen an impact from the protests." "There's definitely been disruption. That has impacted our visitation there." The retail sector has also been hit by the drop in arriving visitors hunting for bargains, shops often forced to shutter during the sometimes daily protests. Experts say the crisis is compounding the economic downturn Hong Kong was already experiencing as a result of being caught up in the US-China trade war. It's a "double whammy," warned Stephen Innes, Managing Partner of Valour Markets." "We always take a view that oh, this too will pass. But so far that view is not holding any water... and now it seems like every weekend we're dealing with further escalations," he told AFP. 'Nastier than expected' The property market, which fell over 20 per cent during the 2008 financial crash, remains strong. But Innes warned that the deepening crisis could result in capital outflows. "All the money from the mainland that has propped up Hong Kong property markets could reverse as quickly as it flowed in," he said. "This is getting a little bit nastier than any of us had expected." The economic picture for the city was far from pretty even before the protests began, with growth shrinking from 4.6 per cent to 0.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter -- the worst quarterly performance in a decade. Preliminary data suggests the second quarter fared no better, and while the government still hopes for 2-3 per cent growth this year, predictions from major banks are more pessimistic. Those falls reflect the effects of the US-China trade war on an economy that relies heavily on logistics processing and is vulnerable to a fall in trade. The impact of the protests on growth will not be clear until later in the year, but Martin Rasmussen, China Economist at Capital Economics, said the crisis was likely to weigh heavily. "In the beginning, they were quite peaceful, you could say comparable to the protests back in 2014," he said, referring to pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in the city. "Now they've become much more extreme, so we think the impact on the economy will begin to take its toll."

Tourism in trouble: Hong Kong protests hit economy

Police removed barricades put up by the protesters. 3 days protest still underway at Hong Kong Airport. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Relentless protest enters 3rd month, Leader refuses to buckle down

Hong Kong protests continue, thousands participated in a flash mob defying a police ban on demonstrations. The protest soon turned violent as police fire tear gas at marchers. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Protesters defy ban, organise flash mob

Cathay Pacific said Saturday it will comply with new rules from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-orders-cathay-pacific-to-suspend-staff-backing-hong-kong-protests-241882">China banning staff who support Hong Kong's protesters</a> from working on flights to the mainland or through its airspace.

The Hong Kong carrier also confirmed it had suspended a pilot charged with rioting and fired two ground staff for misconduct apparently related to the protest movement that has engulfed the city.

China's aviation regulator on Friday had ordered the airline to hand over identifying information for staff on mainland-bound flights starting Sunday.

It warned that staff deemed to support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-during-another-weekend-of-protests-242034">Hong Kong's "illegal protests"</a> were banned from flights landing in mainland China or travelling through its airspace.

CEO Rupert Hogg said in a message to employees on Saturday that the carrier was obliged to comply with the new rules set out by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

"Cathay Pacific Group's operations in mainland China are key to our business. In addition to flying in and out of mainland China, a large number of our routes both to Europe and to the USA also fly through mainland China airspace," Hogg wrote.

"We are therefore legally required to follow CAAC regulations and, as is the case with any notices issued by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over us, we must and will comply."

Watch: Several families join pro-democracy Hong Kong protest

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Cathay appears to have become a target of Beijing's ire after some of its crew joined protests and media reported one of its pilots had been charged with rioting.

Pro-democracy protesters have staged two months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous financial hub, which Beijing has viewed as a challenge to its control.

The carrier's chairman John Slosar earlier this week defended his staff's right to freedom of thought, saying "we certainly wouldn't dream of telling them what they have to think about something".

But Hogg cautioned staff about their behaviour.

"Though people may share different views, it is essential that we all respect each other, our customers and members of the public," he wrote.

"We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour that affects the safe operation of our flights and the service experience we provide to our customers."

Cathay separately confirmed to reporters that it had suspended at the end of July a pilot who has been accused of rioting after allegedly participating in the Hong Kong protests.

It also said two airport ground staff had been fired, without specifying why, but local media reported that they were accused of leaking the travel details of a Hong Kong police soccer team that was travelling to the mainland.

Cathay Pacific said Saturday it will comply with new rules from China banning staff who support Hong Kong's protesters from working on flights to the mainland or through its airspace.

Cathay Pacific said Saturday it will comply with new rules from China banning staff who support Hong Kong's protesters from working on flights to the mainland or through its airspace. The Hong Kong carrier also confirmed it had suspended a pilot charged with rioting and fired two ground staff for misconduct apparently related to the protest movement that has engulfed the city. China's aviation regulator on Friday had ordered the airline to hand over identifying information for staff on mainland-bound flights starting Sunday. It warned that staff deemed to support Hong Kong's "illegal protests" were banned from flights landing in mainland China or travelling through its airspace. CEO Rupert Hogg said in a message to employees on Saturday that the carrier was obliged to comply with the new rules set out by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). "Cathay Pacific Group's operations in mainland China are key to our business. In addition to flying in and out of mainland China, a large number of our routes both to Europe and to the USA also fly through mainland China airspace," Hogg wrote. "We are therefore legally required to follow CAAC regulations and, as is the case with any notices issued by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over us, we must and will comply." Watch: Several families join pro-democracy Hong Kong protest × Cathay appears to have become a target of Beijing's ire after some of its crew joined protests and media reported one of its pilots had been charged with rioting. Pro-democracy protesters have staged two months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous financial hub, which Beijing has viewed as a challenge to its control. The carrier's chairman John Slosar earlier this week defended his staff's right to freedom of thought, saying "we certainly wouldn't dream of telling them what they have to think about something". But Hogg cautioned staff about their behaviour. "Though people may share different views, it is essential that we all respect each other, our customers and members of the public," he wrote. "We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour that affects the safe operation of our flights and the service experience we provide to our customers." Cathay separately confirmed to reporters that it had suspended at the end of July a pilot who has been accused of rioting after allegedly participating in the Hong Kong protests. It also said two airport ground staff had been fired, without specifying why, but local media reported that they were accused of leaking the travel details of a Hong Kong police soccer team that was travelling to the mainland.

Cathay to comply with China rules over Hong Kong protests: CEO Rupert Hogg

Hong Kong: Rally turns violent as police fire tear gas at marchers

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters rallied on Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourism-in-trouble-hong-kong-protests-hit-economy-242095">defying a police ban on marches</a> in the Chinese-controlled territory and continuing a restive weekend of demonstrations which saw police fire teargas overnight.

Anti-government protests took place in different locations across the Asian financial hub, including one at the city's international airport for a third day.

Increasingly violent demonstration have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing which has taken an increasingly tough line.

By Sunday afternoon, over a thousand black-clad protesters peacefully swarmed the airport arrivals hall, chanting "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time."

In the city's Victoria Park, thousands of people including elderly and families with children braved the sweltering heat to demand authorities listen to the public's demands, particularly

an independent inquiry into the government's handling of the crisis and what they say is police brutality.

Police said on Sunday they had arrested 16 people during the protests on Saturday for charges including unlawful assembly and possession of an offensive weapon. Authorities have arrested over 600 people since the rallies began in June.

Jason Liu, a 29-year-old protester who works as an arborist making sure the city's trees are healthy, said the police made him the most angry as they acted like enemies rather than protecting the people.

"But our main target is obviously the government. They didn't respond to any of our requests."

The former British colony of Hong Kong is roiling from months of protests that began against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China and have developed into calls for greater democracy.

On Saturday, police fired volleys of teargas to disperse protesters after activists rallied across the city.

In the working class district of Sham Shui Po, over a thousand people, including middle aged and elderly marched to protest against the government. Many shops in the area were shuttered.

"We have lived in Hong Kong all our lives and this is the hardest time because the government is not listening to the citizens," said a 63-year-old man surnamed Leung, who was accompanied by his 93-year-old father in a wheelchair.

There was no police presence at any of the demonstration points in the afternoon and the atmosphere remained jovial and calm, with people even bringing their dogs.

Authorities have not given permission for Sunday's two protests planned in Sham Shui Po or North Point, but the rally at Victoria Park was permitted.

CHINA TARGET

China has said the central government would not sit idly by and let the situation continue. Hong Kong's government has also said the violence and illegal protests were pushing the city to an extremely dangerous edge.

China has also targeted the city's corporate giants, demanding that the city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations.

The airline told staff on Saturday it would bar any "overly radical" employees from crewing flights to the mainland and said it had removed a pilot who was arrested at protests last week from duty.

China has shown strong support for the city's police force with state news agency Xinhua on Sunday stating that 245 representatives from Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations met on Saturday in the city's North Point area to show their support for police.

Protesters have increasingly adopted flash tactics, playing a cat and mouse game with police to evade capture.

Young people have been at the forefront of recent protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, while also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city.

Elderly people have also been appearing. On Saturday in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre's business districts. Both marches and the airport protests were peaceful.

Several leisure and public facilities have planned to close on Sunday afternoon when the protests are expected.

"I don't care if it is legal or illegal," said 18 year old university student Polly." We have so many people on our side."

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters rallied on Sunday, defying a police ban on marches in the Chinese-controlled territory and continuing a restive weekend of demonstrations which saw police fire teargas overnight.

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters rallied on Sunday, defying a police ban on marches in the Chinese-controlled territory and continuing a restive weekend of demonstrations which saw police fire teargas overnight. Anti-government protests took place in different locations across the Asian financial hub, including one at the city's international airport for a third day. Increasingly violent demonstration have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing which has taken an increasingly tough line. By Sunday afternoon, over a thousand black-clad protesters peacefully swarmed the airport arrivals hall, chanting "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our time." In the city's Victoria Park, thousands of people including elderly and families with children braved the sweltering heat to demand authorities listen to the public's demands, particularly an independent inquiry into the government's handling of the crisis and what they say is police brutality. Police said on Sunday they had arrested 16 people during the protests on Saturday for charges including unlawful assembly and possession of an offensive weapon. Authorities have arrested over 600 people since the rallies began in June. Jason Liu, a 29-year-old protester who works as an arborist making sure the city's trees are healthy, said the police made him the most angry as they acted like enemies rather than protecting the people. "But our main target is obviously the government. They didn't respond to any of our requests." The former British colony of Hong Kong is roiling from months of protests that began against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China and have developed into calls for greater democracy. On Saturday, police fired volleys of teargas to disperse protesters after activists rallied across the city. In the working class district of Sham Shui Po, over a thousand people, including middle aged and elderly marched to protest against the government. Many shops in the area were shuttered. "We have lived in Hong Kong all our lives and this is the hardest time because the government is not listening to the citizens," said a 63-year-old man surnamed Leung, who was accompanied by his 93-year-old father in a wheelchair. There was no police presence at any of the demonstration points in the afternoon and the atmosphere remained jovial and calm, with people even bringing their dogs. Authorities have not given permission for Sunday's two protests planned in Sham Shui Po or North Point, but the rally at Victoria Park was permitted. CHINA TARGET China has said the central government would not sit idly by and let the situation continue. Hong Kong's government has also said the violence and illegal protests were pushing the city to an extremely dangerous edge. China has also targeted the city's corporate giants, demanding that the city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. The airline told staff on Saturday it would bar any "overly radical" employees from crewing flights to the mainland and said it had removed a pilot who was arrested at protests last week from duty. China has shown strong support for the city's police force with state news agency Xinhua on Sunday stating that 245 representatives from Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations met on Saturday in the city's North Point area to show their support for police. Protesters have increasingly adopted flash tactics, playing a cat and mouse game with police to evade capture. Young people have been at the forefront of recent protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong, while also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city. Elderly people have also been appearing. On Saturday in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre's business districts. Both marches and the airport protests were peaceful. Several leisure and public facilities have planned to close on Sunday afternoon when the protests are expected. "I don't care if it is legal or illegal," said 18 year old university student Polly." We have so many people on our side."

Thousands rally in Hong Kong in fresh protests, marchers defy police ban

The anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong are now eight weeks old and still going strong, but the level of violence is rising.

Nobody expects a replay of 1989’s Tiananmen Square massacre, but the weekend after weekend, the confrontation grows more tense. Last week, China’s defence ministry even warned that it might use troops to quell the unrest, saying the protests were “intolerable” and that the army would mobilise troops to restore public order if requested by the Hong Kong government.

Yang Guang, spokesman for Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, followed the paranoid official line on Monday, blaming “irresponsible people” in the West for stirring up trouble in a bid to “contain China’s development”. But when asked if Beijing would send in troops to stop the protests, he only repeated that the Hong Kong government could ask for help if it needed it.

This is a major crisis in the only part of mainland China that is not ruled directly by the Communist Party, but Beijing clearly does not want to go nuclear if it can avoid it. Which it probably can, because at this point, the whole confrontation has become purely symbolic.

It started out in early June as a real struggle over an important issue. The Hong Kong government introduced a bill that would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be extradited to China and face trial in Communist Party-controlled mainland courts (which have a 99% conviction rate).

Everybody assumed that it was acting on orders from Beijing. The protesters were out in the streets at once. The rule of law still exists in Hong Kong, but nobody would be safe if they could be extradited to the People’s Republic at Beijing’s whim.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, backed down very quickly. She “suspended” the draft extradition bill, and various people close to her reminded the media that it would automatically die when the current session of the legislature ends next July.&nbsp;

But, she did not formally withdraw the bill, presumably because that would involve too grave a loss of face for the regime in Beijing.

Since then, the demonstrations have been purely symbolic. The extradition bill is not going to happen, but the protesters want Lam to kill it officially and publicly. Even if she complied, she could always bring it back in the next session of the legislature (whose members have to be approved by Beijing). So even if they win, they have no guarantees for the future. Why bother?

Hong Kong was not a democracy under British rule before 1997, and it is not one now. But it was, and still is, a place where the rule of law prevails, the media is free, and individual rights are respected. However, this special status within China, which was supposed to last for 50 years after the hand-over, has been under growing pressure from Beijing since the rise of President Xi Jinping.

Xi, who has abolished term limits on the presidency, is relentlessly centralising power in China, presumably in the belief that this is the only way to preserve Communist rule in the long run.

He has turned the heavily Muslim province of Xinjiang into an enormous open-air prison, and he is building an online system of ‘social credit’ that will score citizens on their degree of compliance with the regime’s goals and norms. People with low scores will have a hard time in life. And he is nibbling away at Hong Kong’s civil rights, because they set a bad example for other Chinese.

The demonstrators in Hong Kong have carried on because they are trying to make a point: that interfering with Hong Kong’s freedoms is more trouble than it’s worth. So long as Hong Kong remains economically important to the People’s Republic, they have a chance of succeeding, but they can never expect a decisive victory.

Seven-and-a-half million people in Hong Kong are never going to force the Beijing regime to do anything. With the right tactics, however, they can probably preserve their own freedoms, and continue to serve as living proof that an ethnic Chinese society does not have to be a tyranny.&nbsp;

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-hong-kong-protestors-have-made-their-point-to-china-2779218">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong are now eight weeks old and still going strong, but the level of violence is rising. Nobody expects a replay of 1989’s Tiananmen Square massacre, but the weekend after weekend, the confrontation grows more tense.

The anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong are now eight weeks old and still going strong, but the level of violence is rising. Nobody expects a replay of 1989’s Tiananmen Square massacre, but the weekend after weekend, the confrontation grows more tense. Last week, China’s defence ministry even warned that it might use troops to quell the unrest, saying the protests were “intolerable” and that the army would mobilise troops to restore public order if requested by the Hong Kong government. Yang Guang, spokesman for Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, followed the paranoid official line on Monday, blaming “irresponsible people” in the West for stirring up trouble in a bid to “contain China’s development”. But when asked if Beijing would send in troops to stop the protests, he only repeated that the Hong Kong government could ask for help if it needed it. This is a major crisis in the only part of mainland China that is not ruled directly by the Communist Party, but Beijing clearly does not want to go nuclear if it can avoid it. Which it probably can, because at this point, the whole confrontation has become purely symbolic. It started out in early June as a real struggle over an important issue. The Hong Kong government introduced a bill that would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be extradited to China and face trial in Communist Party-controlled mainland courts (which have a 99% conviction rate). Everybody assumed that it was acting on orders from Beijing. The protesters were out in the streets at once. The rule of law still exists in Hong Kong, but nobody would be safe if they could be extradited to the People’s Republic at Beijing’s whim. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, backed down very quickly. She “suspended” the draft extradition bill, and various people close to her reminded the media that it would automatically die when the current session of the legislature ends next July. But, she did not formally withdraw the bill, presumably because that would involve too grave a loss of face for the regime in Beijing. Since then, the demonstrations have been purely symbolic. The extradition bill is not going to happen, but the protesters want Lam to kill it officially and publicly. Even if she complied, she could always bring it back in the next session of the legislature (whose members have to be approved by Beijing). So even if they win, they have no guarantees for the future. Why bother? Hong Kong was not a democracy under British rule before 1997, and it is not one now. But it was, and still is, a place where the rule of law prevails, the media is free, and individual rights are respected. However, this special status within China, which was supposed to last for 50 years after the hand-over, has been under growing pressure from Beijing since the rise of President Xi Jinping. Xi, who has abolished term limits on the presidency, is relentlessly centralising power in China, presumably in the belief that this is the only way to preserve Communist rule in the long run. He has turned the heavily Muslim province of Xinjiang into an enormous open-air prison, and he is building an online system of ‘social credit’ that will score citizens on their degree of compliance with the regime’s goals and norms. People with low scores will have a hard time in life. And he is nibbling away at Hong Kong’s civil rights, because they set a bad example for other Chinese. The demonstrators in Hong Kong have carried on because they are trying to make a point: that interfering with Hong Kong’s freedoms is more trouble than it’s worth. So long as Hong Kong remains economically important to the People’s Republic, they have a chance of succeeding, but they can never expect a decisive victory. Seven-and-a-half million people in Hong Kong are never going to force the Beijing regime to do anything. With the right tactics, however, they can probably preserve their own freedoms, and continue to serve as living proof that an ethnic Chinese society does not have to be a tyranny. (This article was originally published on The DNA. 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 protesters have made their point to China

Hong Kong is facing its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-warns-hong-kong-protesters-not-to-mistake-restraint-for-weakness-241090">biggest crisis </a>since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the head of China`s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office said on Wednesday, as more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protest-9th-week-of-protest-in-a-row-protesters-pelt-stones-at-police-station-240708">protests</a> were set to rock the Asian financial hub.

Zhang Xiaoming, one of the most senior Chinese officials overseeing Hong Kong affairs, made the comments during a meeting in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

Zhang was holding a forum that included Hong Kong delegates to China`s parliament, the National People`s Congress and China`s main consultative body, the CPPCC, to discuss the political crisis in the territory.

Hong Kong has faced months of sometimes violent protests that began with opposition to a now-suspended extradition law, which would have allowed suspects to be tried in mainland courts controlled by the Communist Party.

But the protests have broadened into a backlash against the Hong Kong government, fuelled by many residents` fears of eroding freedoms under the tightening control of China`s Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Hong Kong lawyers dressed in black are set to march in silence on Wednesday to call on the government to safeguard the independence of the city`s justice department.

Watch: China's warning to Hong Kong's protesters: Do not play with fire

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Protesters plan to surround Hong Kong`s Revenue Tower on Wednesday, after police late on Tuesday fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Sham Shui Po, one of the city`s poorest districts.

Hong Kong`s lawyers fear the Department of Justice`s prosecutions of arrested protesters is taking on an increasingly political slant after 44 protesters were charged with rioting, an offence which carries a 10-year jail term.

Last week a group of unnamed government prosecutors published an open letter accusing Justice Chief Teresa Cheng of putting politics above legal principles.

Hong Kong`s mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, states that the city`s Department of Justice "shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference".

Hong Kong was guaranteed freedoms not granted in mainland China, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula, when Britain handed it back to China in 1997. But many residents see the now suspended extradition bill as part of a relentless march toward mainland control.

Protesters are demanding a complete withdrawal of the bill, an independent inquiry into the crisis, an investigation into what they say is excessive use of force by police, and for Hong Kong`s leader Carrie Lam to step down.

In China`s sharpest rebuke yet of the protesters, the government on Tuesday warned them not to "play with fire", saying they were pushing Hong Kong into a "dangerous abyss" and called on Hong Kong citizens to protect their homeland.&nbsp;

Global Times, a Chinese tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party`s People`s Daily, showed a video on its official Twitter feed of thousands of police officers taking part in an anti-riot training drill in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen which borders Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The video showed officers in helmets and shields clashing with people in black shirts and yellow construction hats, similar to the unofficial uniform of protesters in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Hong Kong is facing its biggest crisis since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the head of China`s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office said on Wednesday, as more protests were set to rock the Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong is facing its biggest crisis since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the head of China`s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office said on Wednesday, as more protests were set to rock the Asian financial hub. Zhang Xiaoming, one of the most senior Chinese officials overseeing Hong Kong affairs, made the comments during a meeting in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Zhang was holding a forum that included Hong Kong delegates to China`s parliament, the National People`s Congress and China`s main consultative body, the CPPCC, to discuss the political crisis in the territory. Hong Kong has faced months of sometimes violent protests that began with opposition to a now-suspended extradition law, which would have allowed suspects to be tried in mainland courts controlled by the Communist Party. But the protests have broadened into a backlash against the Hong Kong government, fuelled by many residents` fears of eroding freedoms under the tightening control of China`s Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Hong Kong lawyers dressed in black are set to march in silence on Wednesday to call on the government to safeguard the independence of the city`s justice department. Watch: China's warning to Hong Kong's protesters: Do not play with fire × Protesters plan to surround Hong Kong`s Revenue Tower on Wednesday, after police late on Tuesday fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Sham Shui Po, one of the city`s poorest districts. Hong Kong`s lawyers fear the Department of Justice`s prosecutions of arrested protesters is taking on an increasingly political slant after 44 protesters were charged with rioting, an offence which carries a 10-year jail term. Last week a group of unnamed government prosecutors published an open letter accusing Justice Chief Teresa Cheng of putting politics above legal principles. Hong Kong`s mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, states that the city`s Department of Justice "shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference". Hong Kong was guaranteed freedoms not granted in mainland China, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula, when Britain handed it back to China in 1997. But many residents see the now suspended extradition bill as part of a relentless march toward mainland control. Protesters are demanding a complete withdrawal of the bill, an independent inquiry into the crisis, an investigation into what they say is excessive use of force by police, and for Hong Kong`s leader Carrie Lam to step down. In China`s sharpest rebuke yet of the protesters, the government on Tuesday warned them not to "play with fire", saying they were pushing Hong Kong into a "dangerous abyss" and called on Hong Kong citizens to protect their homeland. Global Times, a Chinese tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party`s People`s Daily, showed a video on its official Twitter feed of thousands of police officers taking part in an anti-riot training drill in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen which borders Hong Kong. The video showed officers in helmets and shields clashing with people in black shirts and yellow construction hats, similar to the unofficial uniform of protesters in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong facing biggest crisis since handover: Senior China official

Police have fired tear gas in Hong Kong as they face off with protesters at multiple locations in the city. Outside the legislative complex, tear gas engulfed protesters, many of whom were holding umbrellas and wearing helmets and gas masks.

Police fire tear gas at multiple protests in HKong

About 14,000 protesters also have joined the city-wide strikes. These Anti-government protesters blocked the trains & commuters. Protesters defy the warnings of Beijing.

Hong Kong protest wakes up to Monday, pro-democracy protest gets drastic

Hong Kong protesters out on the streets once again. Demonstrators continued to demand democratic reforms. Protesters announced the nationwide strike on Monday. They defy the warnings of Beijing.

Hong Kong Protest: 9th week of protest in a row, protesters pelt stones at police station

Riot police fired tear gas at pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong Sunday evening during a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-as-city-is-again-roiled-by-protests-240515"> second consecutive night of clashes</a>, as China delivered fresh warnings over the unrest battering the city.

The semi-autonomous southern Chinese city is reeling from two months of protests and violence triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that has evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.

In the latest unrest, police fired brief volleys of tear gas at protesters who were approaching their lines in the well-heeled Sheung Wan district.

The clashes were short-lived as protesters rushed into the subway and moved to a new location -- the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay where multiple roads were occupied.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hong-kong-a-timeline-of-protests-since-china-handover-240626">In&nbsp;pics : A timeline of anti-government protests in Hong Kong since China handover</a>

The latest unrest came as China's official Xinhua news agency published a new commentary on Sunday saying "ugly forces" were threatening the country's "bottom line".&nbsp;

"The central government will not sit idly by and let this situation continue," the agency wrote.

Hong Kong's protests constitute the most significant popular revolt in decades, directly challenging Beijing's rule as well as channelling rage at both the local leaders and police.&nbsp;

But they have had little luck persuading their opponents who have only hardened their stance.&nbsp;

More than 200 protesters have been arrested -- dozens charged with rioting -- while the Chinese military has said it is ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested.

Violence escalates

The last fortnight has seen a surge in violence on both sides with police repeatedly firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse increasingly hostile projectile-throwing crowds.

This weekend proved little different -- but the protests were more fluid and diffuse.

Demonstrators have embraced the mantra "be water" -- a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee -- in a bid to keep the city's already overstretched police force guessing.

On Saturday evening police fought hours-long battles with small groups of hardcore protesters in Tsim Sha Tsui -- a harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels -- after they besieged a police station and used a giant slingshot to fire bricks at the building.&nbsp;

Further clashes occurred in Wong Tai Sin, a nearby working-class district where large crowds of angry residents joined protesters.

On Sunday afternoon, protesters held two large rallies in Tseung Kwan O and Kennedy Town that began peacefully but soon descended into violence as protesters took over nearby roads.

Small groups of masked protesters threw bricks and eggs at the local police station, smashing multiple windows.

By Sunday evening roads were still occupied in Causeway Bay and Tseung Kwan O, and a tunnel under the harbour was blockaded for the third time this weekend.&nbsp;

Protesters have vowed to keep hitting the streets.

"I'm more worried than hopeful," Florence Tung, a 22-year-old trainee lawyer who was among the thousands marching through Tseung Kwan O, told AFP.

"It's like no matter how much us citizens do, we cannot change the government," she added, referring to the city's unelected pro-Beijing leaders.

Kai Hou, a 41-year-old education worker, said he disagreed with the tactics of more hardcore violent protesters but supported their overall goals.

"Not everyone may approve of their radical acts, but their goal is simple, they want to build a better Hong Kong," he told AFP.

Sliding freedoms

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, Hong Kong has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill, and has shied away from public appearances.

Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders.

Protesters hope to ramp up pressure on Lam by launching a city-wide strike on Monday as well as seven simultaneous rallies, a feat that would be a rare accomplishment in a freewheeling finance hub where unions have little sway.

The strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts in the last few weeks as the civil disobedience campaign intensifies.&nbsp;

Riot police fired tear gas at pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong Sunday evening during a second consecutive night of clashes, as China delivered fresh warnings over the unrest battering the city.

Riot police fired tear gas at pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong Sunday evening during a second consecutive night of clashes, as China delivered fresh warnings over the unrest battering the city. The semi-autonomous southern Chinese city is reeling from two months of protests and violence triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that has evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. In the latest unrest, police fired brief volleys of tear gas at protesters who were approaching their lines in the well-heeled Sheung Wan district. The clashes were short-lived as protesters rushed into the subway and moved to a new location -- the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay where multiple roads were occupied. In pics : A timeline of anti-government protests in Hong Kong since China handover The latest unrest came as China's official Xinhua news agency published a new commentary on Sunday saying "ugly forces" were threatening the country's "bottom line". "The central government will not sit idly by and let this situation continue," the agency wrote. Hong Kong's protests constitute the most significant popular revolt in decades, directly challenging Beijing's rule as well as channelling rage at both the local leaders and police. But they have had little luck persuading their opponents who have only hardened their stance. More than 200 protesters have been arrested -- dozens charged with rioting -- while the Chinese military has said it is ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested. Violence escalates The last fortnight has seen a surge in violence on both sides with police repeatedly firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse increasingly hostile projectile-throwing crowds. This weekend proved little different -- but the protests were more fluid and diffuse. Demonstrators have embraced the mantra "be water" -- a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee -- in a bid to keep the city's already overstretched police force guessing. On Saturday evening police fought hours-long battles with small groups of hardcore protesters in Tsim Sha Tsui -- a harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels -- after they besieged a police station and used a giant slingshot to fire bricks at the building. Further clashes occurred in Wong Tai Sin, a nearby working-class district where large crowds of angry residents joined protesters. On Sunday afternoon, protesters held two large rallies in Tseung Kwan O and Kennedy Town that began peacefully but soon descended into violence as protesters took over nearby roads. Small groups of masked protesters threw bricks and eggs at the local police station, smashing multiple windows. By Sunday evening roads were still occupied in Causeway Bay and Tseung Kwan O, and a tunnel under the harbour was blockaded for the third time this weekend. Protesters have vowed to keep hitting the streets. "I'm more worried than hopeful," Florence Tung, a 22-year-old trainee lawyer who was among the thousands marching through Tseung Kwan O, told AFP. "It's like no matter how much us citizens do, we cannot change the government," she added, referring to the city's unelected pro-Beijing leaders. Kai Hou, a 41-year-old education worker, said he disagreed with the tactics of more hardcore violent protesters but supported their overall goals. "Not everyone may approve of their radical acts, but their goal is simple, they want to build a better Hong Kong," he told AFP. Sliding freedoms Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, Hong Kong has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill, and has shied away from public appearances. Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders. Protesters hope to ramp up pressure on Lam by launching a city-wide strike on Monday as well as seven simultaneous rallies, a feat that would be a rare accomplishment in a freewheeling finance hub where unions have little sway. The strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts in the last few weeks as the civil disobedience campaign intensifies.

Second night of tear gas as Hong Kong protesters defy warnings; China says it will not 'sit idly by'

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police fired multiple tear gas rounds on Saturday night in confrontations with black-clad activists in the city's Kowloon area, as the Chinese-controlled territory was again <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-at-protesters-in-tourist-district-240476">rocked by anti-government protests</a>.

Police had kept out of sight during the afternoon as tens of thousands of protesters marched through Mong Kok, usually a busy shopping district. But they charged onto the streets after 9 pm (1300 GMT), with hundreds of officers in riot gear pushing back crowds who jeered them.

At around midnight in Wong Tai Sin, a residential area, protesters hurled umbrellas and other objects at police, who responded with pepper spray and then tear gas.

Throughout the evening in Kowloon, police confronted protesters who retreated and regrouped. Some were detained.

Protests against a proposed bill allowing people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China have grown increasingly violent since June, with police accused of excessive force and failing to protect protesters from suspected gang attacks.

On Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-seize-roads-in-defiance-of-china-warnings-240463">protesters set fires in the streets</a>, outside a police station and in rubbish bins, and blocked the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, cutting a major artery linking&nbsp;Hong Kong&nbsp;island and the Kowloon peninsula.

"I've never seen anything like this. The protesters are right, but they shouldn't be violent," said Ray, 57, a retired hotel worker who came from his flat on a side street near where police and protesters were in a stand-off.

"The government should listen to the people and what they need," he said.

In a statement issued after midnight, the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government said it "strongly condemns the radical protesters."

After the afternoon march, protesters had dispersed to different parts of Kowloon, setting up barriers across busy streets to block traffic.&nbsp;

Many carried hiking sticks and some held homemade shields.

Protesters, many masked and wearing helmets and goggles, have adopted increasingly sophisticated tactics.

"We don't stay in the same place. We are using hit-and-run tactics," said a construction worker in Mong Kok who called himself "Water".

"If the police are too strong, we will leave. They are a rock, so we must be like water," he added, echoing a refrain of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;martial arts legend Bruce Lee that has been taken up by activists.

Organizers said 120,000 people joined the rally. Police said 42,000 people had joined the march at its peak.

Shuttered shops

In the Nathan Road area, normally packed on a Saturday, shops were shuttered, including 7-11 convenience stores, jewellery chain Chow Tai Fook and watch brands Rolex and Tudor.

The main entrance to the landmark Peninsula Hotel was closed.

Protesters -- many wearing yellow or white hard hats -- chanted "age of revolution!" and "Hong&nbsp;Kongers, add oil!" -- a popular exhortation in Cantonese.

Earlier, marchers carried posters showing protesters tending to a young child, with the words "protect the future". The crowd was mostly young, but also included families and older people. Some young couples held hands.

Police supporters

At a separate afternoon rally in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;island's Victoria Park, thousands of people, mostly wearing white, with many waving&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and Chinese flags, shouted slogans in support of the police.

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was greeted with strong applause. 
"We are the real&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people who are not the same as those black-shirted thugs. We don't need a so-called 'HK revolution', we only need to do our best, which is enough," he told the crowd.

Sylvia Lam, 61, who described herself as a housewife, said she had turned up at the pro-police rally to oppose violence.

"I feel extremely uncomfortable when every time I watch TV, the scenes are so radical," she said. "Young people should stop and think, don't become someone's political tools, be rational please."

The organiser estimated the size of the Victoria Park crowd as 90,000, while the police said it was 26,000 at its peak.

More protests planned

The protests against the extradition bill have become the most serious political crisis in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago after being governed by Britain.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been allowed to retain extensive freedoms, such as an independent judiciary, but many residents see as the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control.

The protests also mark the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took office in 2012.

He is already grappling with an escalating trade war with the United States and a slowing economy. This is an especially sensitive year for China's Communist Party leadership, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on October 1.

Further anti-government protests were scheduled in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;for Sunday, with activists calling for a mass strike on Monday.

Months of demonstrations are taking a growing toll on the city's economy, as local shoppers and tourists avoid parts of one of the world's most famous shopping destinations.

On Friday evening, thousands of civil servants defied a warning from authorities to remain politically neutral and joined the anti-government protests for the first time.

In Washington on Friday, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers called on the Trump administration to halt future sales of munitions and crowd-control equipment to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's police force, which has been accused of using excessive force against protesters. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong police fired multiple tear gas rounds on Saturday night in confrontations with black-clad activists in the city's Kowloon area, as the Chinese-controlled territory was again rocked by anti-government protests.

Hong Kong police fired multiple tear gas rounds on Saturday night in confrontations with black-clad activists in the city's Kowloon area, as the Chinese-controlled territory was again rocked by anti-government protests. Police had kept out of sight during the afternoon as tens of thousands of protesters marched through Mong Kok, usually a busy shopping district. But they charged onto the streets after 9 pm (1300 GMT), with hundreds of officers in riot gear pushing back crowds who jeered them. At around midnight in Wong Tai Sin, a residential area, protesters hurled umbrellas and other objects at police, who responded with pepper spray and then tear gas. Throughout the evening in Kowloon, police confronted protesters who retreated and regrouped. Some were detained. Protests against a proposed bill allowing people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China have grown increasingly violent since June, with police accused of excessive force and failing to protect protesters from suspected gang attacks. On Saturday, protesters set fires in the streets, outside a police station and in rubbish bins, and blocked the entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, cutting a major artery linking Hong Kong island and the Kowloon peninsula. "I've never seen anything like this. The protesters are right, but they shouldn't be violent," said Ray, 57, a retired hotel worker who came from his flat on a side street near where police and protesters were in a stand-off. "The government should listen to the people and what they need," he said. In a statement issued after midnight, the Hong Kong government said it "strongly condemns the radical protesters." After the afternoon march, protesters had dispersed to different parts of Kowloon, setting up barriers across busy streets to block traffic. Many carried hiking sticks and some held homemade shields. Protesters, many masked and wearing helmets and goggles, have adopted increasingly sophisticated tactics. "We don't stay in the same place. We are using hit-and-run tactics," said a construction worker in Mong Kok who called himself "Water". "If the police are too strong, we will leave. They are a rock, so we must be like water," he added, echoing a refrain of Hong Kong martial arts legend Bruce Lee that has been taken up by activists. Organizers said 120,000 people joined the rally. Police said 42,000 people had joined the march at its peak. Shuttered shops In the Nathan Road area, normally packed on a Saturday, shops were shuttered, including 7-11 convenience stores, jewellery chain Chow Tai Fook and watch brands Rolex and Tudor. The main entrance to the landmark Peninsula Hotel was closed. Protesters -- many wearing yellow or white hard hats -- chanted "age of revolution!" and "Hong Kongers, add oil!" -- a popular exhortation in Cantonese. Earlier, marchers carried posters showing protesters tending to a young child, with the words "protect the future". The crowd was mostly young, but also included families and older people. Some young couples held hands. Police supporters At a separate afternoon rally in Hong Kong island's Victoria Park, thousands of people, mostly wearing white, with many waving Hong Kong and Chinese flags, shouted slogans in support of the police. Pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was greeted with strong applause. "We are the real Hong Kong people who are not the same as those black-shirted thugs. We don't need a so-called 'HK revolution', we only need to do our best, which is enough," he told the crowd. Sylvia Lam, 61, who described herself as a housewife, said she had turned up at the pro-police rally to oppose violence. "I feel extremely uncomfortable when every time I watch TV, the scenes are so radical," she said. "Young people should stop and think, don't become someone's political tools, be rational please." The organiser estimated the size of the Victoria Park crowd as 90,000, while the police said it was 26,000 at its peak. More protests planned The protests against the extradition bill have become the most serious political crisis in Hong Kong since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago after being governed by Britain. Hong Kong has been allowed to retain extensive freedoms, such as an independent judiciary, but many residents see as the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control. The protests also mark the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took office in 2012. He is already grappling with an escalating trade war with the United States and a slowing economy. This is an especially sensitive year for China's Communist Party leadership, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on October 1. Further anti-government protests were scheduled in Hong Kong for Sunday, with activists calling for a mass strike on Monday. Months of demonstrations are taking a growing toll on the city's economy, as local shoppers and tourists avoid parts of one of the world's most famous shopping destinations. On Friday evening, thousands of civil servants defied a warning from authorities to remain politically neutral and joined the anti-government protests for the first time. In Washington on Friday, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers called on the Trump administration to halt future sales of munitions and crowd-control equipment to Hong Kong's police force, which has been accused of using excessive force against protesters.

Hong Kong police fire tear gas as city is again roiled by protests

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Friday urged the Trump Administration to suspend future sales of munitions and crowd-control equipment to Hong Kong police which has been accused of using excessive force against anti-government protesters.

A Hong Kong democracy activist, Joshua Wong, this week tweeted pictures of teargas shells and rubber bullets he said were used by police against protesters.

Representatives Christopher Smith and James McGovern, chairs of a congressional human rights commission, made their request in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

"We ask that you suspend future sales of munitions and crowd and riot control equipment to the Hong Kong Police Force and publicly announce that the US&nbsp;will not contribute to the internal repression of peaceful protest in Hong Kong," they wrote.

They also urged the secretaries to push back "against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments` efforts to characterize the demonstrations as `riots` and to blame the US for political instability which they alone created."

The State Department and the Commerce Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"All these weapons are imported from the United States. Given the innumerable proof of police brutality in recent protests, all countries should call a halt to the sale of arms to the notorious Hong Kong Police," Wong said on Twitter.

Thousands of civil servants joined in the anti-government protests in Hong Kong on Friday for the first time since they started two months ago, defying a warning from the authorities to remain politically neutral.

Protests against a proposed bill that would allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China have grown increasingly violent, with police accused of excessive use of force and failing to protect protesters from suspected gang attacks.&nbsp;

The human rights commission is composed of more than 40 members of the US House of Representatives. Smith is Republican and McGovern a Democrat.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Friday urged the Trump Administration to suspend future sales of munitions and crowd-control equipment to Hong Kong police which has been accused of using excessive force against anti-government protesters.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Friday urged the Trump Administration to suspend future sales of munitions and crowd-control equipment to Hong Kong police which has been accused of using excessive force against anti-government protesters. A Hong Kong democracy activist, Joshua Wong, this week tweeted pictures of teargas shells and rubber bullets he said were used by police against protesters. Representatives Christopher Smith and James McGovern, chairs of a congressional human rights commission, made their request in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "We ask that you suspend future sales of munitions and crowd and riot control equipment to the Hong Kong Police Force and publicly announce that the US will not contribute to the internal repression of peaceful protest in Hong Kong," they wrote. They also urged the secretaries to push back "against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments` efforts to characterize the demonstrations as `riots` and to blame the US for political instability which they alone created." The State Department and the Commerce Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "All these weapons are imported from the United States. Given the innumerable proof of police brutality in recent protests, all countries should call a halt to the sale of arms to the notorious Hong Kong Police," Wong said on Twitter. Thousands of civil servants joined in the anti-government protests in Hong Kong on Friday for the first time since they started two months ago, defying a warning from the authorities to remain politically neutral. Protests against a proposed bill that would allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China have grown increasingly violent, with police accused of excessive use of force and failing to protect protesters from suspected gang attacks. The human rights commission is composed of more than 40 members of the US House of Representatives. Smith is Republican and McGovern a Democrat.

Lawmakers urge US to block sales of crowd-control gear to Hong Kong

Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas on Saturday evening at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-seize-roads-in-defiance-of-china-warnings-240463">pro-democracy protesters in a popular tourist district</a>, as violence rocked the international finance hub once more despite increasingly stern warnings from China.

The semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.

Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military saying it was ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested.

But protesters have remained unyielding, vowing to hold multiple occupations and rallies in the coming days.&nbsp;

Saturday's violence -- the ninth consecutive weekend of clashes -- took place in Tsim Sha Tsui, a usually bustling harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels.

Officers with gas masks and shields charged at hundreds of protesters who had been besieging a nearby police station.

Masked demonstrators had smashed the windows of cars in the police parking lot and daubed nearby walls with graffiti. One team of protesters created a large slingshot -- held up by two members -- to launch bricks at the building.

Watch: Hong Kong protests - protesters gather in Mong Kok

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Police fired volleys of tear gas followed by baton charges and made multiple arrests.

Earlier in the day tens of thousands of protesters had marched through nearby streets, embracing their mantra "be water" -- a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee.

The seized roads, built barricades and even briefly blocked a cross-harbour tunnel.

"We will fight as guerrillas today and be water," a masked and helmeted 19-year-old, who gave her surname Lee, told AFP.

City-wide strike

Hong Kong has witnessed two months of huge rallies -- often followed by violent clashes between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.

And there is no sign of the chaos abating.

Many of the chants and graffiti tags are thrown up Saturday called for residents to join a planned city-wide strike on Monday.

"The more the government suppresses us, the more we will come out until the government responds to our demands," protester Ah Kit, 36, told AFP.

Two marches are also planned for Sunday while the call for strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland.

Anger towards the police is at record levels with officers increasingly seen as Beijing's enforcers -- although police deny using excessive force and say they are facing increasingly hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

Violence escalating

The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds.

A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked demonstrators, putting 45 people in hospital.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and shied away from public appearances.

Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders.

Thousands of pro-government supporters also held a rally in a separate park on Saturday, many waving Chinese flags and chanting slogans in support of the police -- who have refuted allegations of using excessive force.

Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests as funded by the West.

China has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians and critics say Beijing's accusations of foreign meddling ignore Hong Kongers' legitimate grievances.

Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas on Saturday evening at pro-democracy protesters in a popular tourist district, as violence rocked the international finance hub once more despite increasingly stern warnings from China.

Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas on Saturday evening at pro-democracy protesters in a popular tourist district, as violence rocked the international finance hub once more despite increasingly stern warnings from China. The semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military saying it was ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested. But protesters have remained unyielding, vowing to hold multiple occupations and rallies in the coming days. Saturday's violence -- the ninth consecutive weekend of clashes -- took place in Tsim Sha Tsui, a usually bustling harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels. Officers with gas masks and shields charged at hundreds of protesters who had been besieging a nearby police station. Masked demonstrators had smashed the windows of cars in the police parking lot and daubed nearby walls with graffiti. One team of protesters created a large slingshot -- held up by two members -- to launch bricks at the building. Watch: Hong Kong protests - protesters gather in Mong Kok × Police fired volleys of tear gas followed by baton charges and made multiple arrests. Earlier in the day tens of thousands of protesters had marched through nearby streets, embracing their mantra "be water" -- a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The seized roads, built barricades and even briefly blocked a cross-harbour tunnel. "We will fight as guerrillas today and be water," a masked and helmeted 19-year-old, who gave her surname Lee, told AFP. City-wide strike Hong Kong has witnessed two months of huge rallies -- often followed by violent clashes between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. And there is no sign of the chaos abating. Many of the chants and graffiti tags are thrown up Saturday called for residents to join a planned city-wide strike on Monday. "The more the government suppresses us, the more we will come out until the government responds to our demands," protester Ah Kit, 36, told AFP. Two marches are also planned for Sunday while the call for strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts. Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland. Anger towards the police is at record levels with officers increasingly seen as Beijing's enforcers -- although police deny using excessive force and say they are facing increasingly hardcore protesters. Violence escalating The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked demonstrators, putting 45 people in hospital. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and shied away from public appearances. Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders. Thousands of pro-government supporters also held a rally in a separate park on Saturday, many waving Chinese flags and chanting slogans in support of the police -- who have refuted allegations of using excessive force. Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests as funded by the West. China has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians and critics say Beijing's accusations of foreign meddling ignore Hong Kongers' legitimate grievances.

Hong Kong unrest: Violence rise despite warnings from China, riot police fire tear gas at protesters

PLA Garrison Commander Says Violence By Hong Kong Protesters Won't Be Tolerated A threat wrapped into the video, that's what PLA's Anti-riot video seems like. Is China preparing for military intervention ahead of another weekend of protests in Hong Kong? What does this propaganda video show? Will Hong Kong's protesters be intimidated? Palki takes a look at some crucial questions.

Gravitas: PLA's propaganda video: A warning for Hong Kong's protesters?

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