<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-series-of-week-long-lunchtime-protests-begin-265716">Hong Kong</a> authorities granted protesters permission to march this weekend, organisers said on Thursday, giving the green light to a rally seen as a gauge of the pro-democracy movement's support following its sweeping victory in local elections.

The Civil Human Right Front, the group that organised million-strong marches in the China-ruled city in June, said it had received permission from police for a planned Human Rights Day rally on Sunday.

During the past six months of increasingly violent anti-Beijing demonstrations, authorities had denied requests from the group to hold rallies. Some calm has descended since the November 24 district elections when pro-democracy candidates won nearly 90% of the seats.

Also on Thursday, a protester who was shot by police in an altercation two months ago appeared in court for the first time to face charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer.

Tsang Chi-kin, who had been hospitalised after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-flash-mob-rallies-erupt-as-anger-mounts-over-shot-protester-253229">October shooting incident</a>, walked into a Hong Kong court and left about an hour later after his case was adjourned until February.

An officer shot Tsang in the chest with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in self-defence.

Police say they have exercised restraint in the face of escalating violence, but they are facing accusations of excessive use of force.

A rally has been planned for Friday evening to protest the use of tear gas by police.

Demonstrators have repeatedly called for an independent inquiry into police use of force as one of their "five demands" on government. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for an investigation into allegations of an excessive police force.

Hong Kong's Commissioner of Police Chris Tang will visit Beijing on Friday to discuss the security situation, his first such visit since his appointment last month.

Tang will pay a "courtesy visit" to Beijing, where he will call on the Ministry of Public Security, meet with counterparts and discuss the security situation, the Hong Kong government said in a statement.

He is due to return early on Sunday morning, according to police, hours before the afternoon rally.

Tang took office in November with a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force.

He replaced Stephen Lo amid a police siege of anti-government protesters at a university that saw some of the shocking scenes of violence.

Tang has called for people across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-fresh-economic-support-measures-worth-511-million-266164">Hong Kong</a> to end the unrest that has plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades.

The protests were sparked by a controversial and since-withdrawn extradition bill and have swelled into broader calls for greater democratic freedoms.

Protesters accuse China of increasingly interfering in freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs.

Hong Kong authorities granted protesters permission to march this weekend, organisers said on Thursday, giving the green light to a rally seen as a gauge of the pro-democracy movement's support following its sweeping victory in local elections.

Hong Kong authorities granted protesters permission to march this weekend, organisers said on Thursday, giving the green light to a rally seen as a gauge of the pro-democracy movement's support following its sweeping victory in local elections. The Civil Human Right Front, the group that organised million-strong marches in the China-ruled city in June, said it had received permission from police for a planned Human Rights Day rally on Sunday. During the past six months of increasingly violent anti-Beijing demonstrations, authorities had denied requests from the group to hold rallies. Some calm has descended since the November 24 district elections when pro-democracy candidates won nearly 90% of the seats. Also on Thursday, a protester who was shot by police in an altercation two months ago appeared in court for the first time to face charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer. Tsang Chi-kin, who had been hospitalised after the October shooting incident, walked into a Hong Kong court and left about an hour later after his case was adjourned until February. An officer shot Tsang in the chest with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in self-defence. Police say they have exercised restraint in the face of escalating violence, but they are facing accusations of excessive use of force. A rally has been planned for Friday evening to protest the use of tear gas by police. Demonstrators have repeatedly called for an independent inquiry into police use of force as one of their "five demands" on government. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called for an investigation into allegations of an excessive police force. Hong Kong's Commissioner of Police Chris Tang will visit Beijing on Friday to discuss the security situation, his first such visit since his appointment last month. Tang will pay a "courtesy visit" to Beijing, where he will call on the Ministry of Public Security, meet with counterparts and discuss the security situation, the Hong Kong government said in a statement. He is due to return early on Sunday morning, according to police, hours before the afternoon rally. Tang took office in November with a warning that "fake news" was undermining the reputation of his police force. He replaced Stephen Lo amid a police siege of anti-government protesters at a university that saw some of the shocking scenes of violence. Tang has called for people across Hong Kong to end the unrest that has plunged the city into its biggest political crisis in decades. The protests were sparked by a controversial and since-withdrawn extradition bill and have swelled into broader calls for greater democratic freedoms. Protesters accuse China of increasingly interfering in freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs.

Hong Kong gives protesters green light for big march on Sunday

A Czech mayor’s refusal to endorse Beijing’s One China policy potentially sets a high bar as Western powers grapple with how to respond to allegations of excessive use of violence by police against Hong Kong protesters and the implications of leaked documents detailing a brutal crackdown in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang.

Prague mayor Zdenek Hrib rejected a sister city agreement between the Czech capital and Beijing in late October because it included a clause endorsing the One China policy, which implicitly recognizes China's sovereignty over Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong and Tibet.

Hrib argued that the agreement was a cultural arrangement and not designed to address foreign policy issues that were the prerogative of the national government.

The mayor’s stance has since taken on added significance against the backdrop of US President Donald J Trump’s signing of legislation that allows for the sanctioning of Hong Kong officials, embarrassing Communist party leaks that document repression in Xinjiang, the election of a new Sri Lankan government that intends to adopt a tougher policy towards China, and simmering anti-Chinese sentiment in Central Asia and beyond.

Hrib’s rejection was, in fact, a reflection of anti-Chinese sentiment in the Czech Republic as well as opposition to the pro-China policy adopted by Czech president Milos Zeman.

To be sure, Hrib, a 38-year old medical doctor who interned in Taiwan, was shouldering little political or economic risk given Czech public anger at China’s failure to fulfil promises of significant investment in the country.

On the contrary, Hrib, since becoming mayor in mid-2018, appears to have made it his pastime to put Zeman on the spot by poking a finger at China.

Hrib visited Taiwan in the first six months of his mayorship, flew the Tibetan flag over Prague’s city hall, and rejected a request by the Chinese ambassador at a meeting with foreign diplomats to send Taiwanese representatives out of the room.

Beijing’s cancellation of a tour of China by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in response to Hrib’s provocations forced Zeman to describe the Chinese retaliation as “excessive” and his foreign minister, Tomas Petricek, to declare that "diplomacy is not conducted with threats."

Perhaps more importantly, Hrib was taking a stand based on principles and values rather than interests. In doing so, he was challenging the new normal of world leaders flagrantly ignoring international law to operate on the principle of might is right.

"Our conscience is not for sale," said Michaela Krausova, a leading member of the governing Pirate Party of the Prague city council. Krausova and Hrib’s party was founded to shake up Czech politics with its insistence on the safeguarding of civil liberties and political accountability and transparency.

While couched in terms of principle, Hrib’s stand strokes with newly installed Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s intention to wrest back control from China of the island’s strategic Hambantota port that serves key shipping lanes between Europe and Asia.

Hambantota became a symbol of what some critics have charged is Chinese debt-trap diplomacy after Sri Lanka was forced to hand over the port to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease because the government was unable to repay loans taken to build it.

"I believe that the Sri Lankan government must have control of all strategically important projects like Hambantota. The next generation will curse our generation for giving away precious assets otherwise," Rajapaksa said.

Fears of a debt trap coupled with the crackdown on Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, which targets not only Uighurs but also groups that trace their roots to Central Asian countries, have fuelled anti-Chinese sentiment in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

“Given that China is likely to continue to expand its presence, further irritating local publics, the temptation of opposition groups to exploit such anger will only grow. If that happens…the anti-Chinese demonstrations that have taken place to date will be only the prelude to a situation that could easily spiral out of control, ethnicizing politics in these countries still further,” said Central Asia scholar Paul Goble.

Beyond Xinjiang, anti-Chinese sentiment in Central Asia is fuelled by some of the same drivers that inform Czech attitudes towards China.

The shared drivers include unfulfilled promises, idle incomplete Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, widespread corruption associated with Chinese funding, and the influx of Chinese labour and materials at the expense of the local workforce and manufacturers.

Beyond Xinjiang, Central Asians worry about potential debt traps. The Washington-based Center for Global Development listed last year two Central Asian nations, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as risking China-related “debt distress.”

Warned China and Central Asia scholar Ayjaz Wani: “Chinese principles in Central Asia are hegemonic. China has always interacted with Central Asian states without regarding their cultural identities, but according to its own vested interests… However, the ongoing anti-China sentiments may be coming to a tipping point.” 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

A Czech mayor’s refusal to endorse Beijing’s One China policy potentially sets a high bar as Western powers grapple with how to respond to allegations of excessive use of violence by police against Hong Kong protesters and the implications of leaked documents detailing a brutal crackdown in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang.

A Czech mayor’s refusal to endorse Beijing’s One China policy potentially sets a high bar as Western powers grapple with how to respond to allegations of excessive use of violence by police against Hong Kong protesters and the implications of leaked documents detailing a brutal crackdown in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang. Prague mayor Zdenek Hrib rejected a sister city agreement between the Czech capital and Beijing in late October because it included a clause endorsing the One China policy, which implicitly recognizes China's sovereignty over Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong and Tibet. Hrib argued that the agreement was a cultural arrangement and not designed to address foreign policy issues that were the prerogative of the national government. The mayor’s stance has since taken on added significance against the backdrop of US President Donald J Trump’s signing of legislation that allows for the sanctioning of Hong Kong officials, embarrassing Communist party leaks that document repression in Xinjiang, the election of a new Sri Lankan government that intends to adopt a tougher policy towards China, and simmering anti-Chinese sentiment in Central Asia and beyond. Hrib’s rejection was, in fact, a reflection of anti-Chinese sentiment in the Czech Republic as well as opposition to the pro-China policy adopted by Czech president Milos Zeman. To be sure, Hrib, a 38-year old medical doctor who interned in Taiwan, was shouldering little political or economic risk given Czech public anger at China’s failure to fulfil promises of significant investment in the country. On the contrary, Hrib, since becoming mayor in mid-2018, appears to have made it his pastime to put Zeman on the spot by poking a finger at China. Hrib visited Taiwan in the first six months of his mayorship, flew the Tibetan flag over Prague’s city hall, and rejected a request by the Chinese ambassador at a meeting with foreign diplomats to send Taiwanese representatives out of the room. Beijing’s cancellation of a tour of China by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in response to Hrib’s provocations forced Zeman to describe the Chinese retaliation as “excessive” and his foreign minister, Tomas Petricek, to declare that "diplomacy is not conducted with threats." Perhaps more importantly, Hrib was taking a stand based on principles and values rather than interests. In doing so, he was challenging the new normal of world leaders flagrantly ignoring international law to operate on the principle of might is right. "Our conscience is not for sale," said Michaela Krausova, a leading member of the governing Pirate Party of the Prague city council. Krausova and Hrib’s party was founded to shake up Czech politics with its insistence on the safeguarding of civil liberties and political accountability and transparency. While couched in terms of principle, Hrib’s stand strokes with newly installed Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s intention to wrest back control from China of the island’s strategic Hambantota port that serves key shipping lanes between Europe and Asia. Hambantota became a symbol of what some critics have charged is Chinese debt-trap diplomacy after Sri Lanka was forced to hand over the port to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease because the government was unable to repay loans taken to build it. "I believe that the Sri Lankan government must have control of all strategically important projects like Hambantota. The next generation will curse our generation for giving away precious assets otherwise," Rajapaksa said. Fears of a debt trap coupled with the crackdown on Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, which targets not only Uighurs but also groups that trace their roots to Central Asian countries, have fuelled anti-Chinese sentiment in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. “Given that China is likely to continue to expand its presence, further irritating local publics, the temptation of opposition groups to exploit such anger will only grow. If that happens…the anti-Chinese demonstrations that have taken place to date will be only the prelude to a situation that could easily spiral out of control, ethnicizing politics in these countries still further,” said Central Asia scholar Paul Goble. Beyond Xinjiang, anti-Chinese sentiment in Central Asia is fuelled by some of the same drivers that inform Czech attitudes towards China. The shared drivers include unfulfilled promises, idle incomplete Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, widespread corruption associated with Chinese funding, and the influx of Chinese labour and materials at the expense of the local workforce and manufacturers. Beyond Xinjiang, Central Asians worry about potential debt traps. The Washington-based Center for Global Development listed last year two Central Asian nations, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as risking China-related “debt distress.” Warned China and Central Asia scholar Ayjaz Wani: “Chinese principles in Central Asia are hegemonic. China has always interacted with Central Asian states without regarding their cultural identities, but according to its own vested interests… However, the ongoing anti-China sentiments may be coming to a tipping point.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Standing up to China's alleged human rights abuses

Hong Kong Airlines, controlled by cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, must shore up its financial position by December&nbsp;7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence, a Hong Kong air transport regulator said on Monday.

The Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) said in a statement that it attached new conditions to the licence of the city's second-largest airline, requiring it to raise money and maintain certain cash levels.

It said if the conditions are not met, a decision on whether to suspend or revoke the airline's licence will be announced by December&nbsp;7.

Hong Kong Airlines said in a statement posted on its website it is actively communicating with shareholders and other stakeholders to meet the new requirements from ATLA as requested.

"Our operation is still running normally and we remain committed to flying our passengers to their destinations safely," it said.

The airline is not publicly listed and does not disclose financial data, but in April, it told shareholders that it needed at least HK$2 billion ($256 million) in fresh funds or it would lose its operating license.

The carrier told them at the time it had lost HK$3 billion in 2018 and an infusion was crucial, according to people present.

Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Board said in a separate statement on Monday it met with the airline on November&nbsp;27 and expressed "grave dissatisfaction and deep concern" that the carrier's financial position had not improved.

Several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-new-zealand-named-top-carrier-globally-in-annual-airline-awards-264722">airlines</a> have collapsed in 2019 because of financial problems, including India's Jet Airways Ltd, Britain's Thomas Cook and Iceland's WOW.

Hong Kong Airlines was struggling financially even before months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-series-of-week-long-lunchtime-protests-begin-265716">anti-government protests</a> led to a plunge in visitors to the Asian financial capital.

"As weak travel demand resulting from the social unrest in Hong Kong has continued to affect our business and revenue, Hong Kong Airlines has reduced its capacity and flights in the coming months as well as further consolidated its network under the challenging business environment," it said in its statement.

The airline said on Friday it would further reduce capacity, suspending flights to Vancouver, Ho Chi Minh City and Tianjin.

On Saturday, the carrier said on its website that its in-flight entertainment system would be out of service until further notice.

Hong Kong Airlines, controlled by cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, must shore up its financial position by December 7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence, a Hong Kong air transport regulator said on Monday.

Hong Kong Airlines, controlled by cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, must shore up its financial position by December 7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence, a Hong Kong air transport regulator said on Monday. The Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) said in a statement that it attached new conditions to the licence of the city's second-largest airline, requiring it to raise money and maintain certain cash levels. It said if the conditions are not met, a decision on whether to suspend or revoke the airline's licence will be announced by December 7. Hong Kong Airlines said in a statement posted on its website it is actively communicating with shareholders and other stakeholders to meet the new requirements from ATLA as requested. "Our operation is still running normally and we remain committed to flying our passengers to their destinations safely," it said. The airline is not publicly listed and does not disclose financial data, but in April, it told shareholders that it needed at least HK$2 billion ($256 million) in fresh funds or it would lose its operating license. The carrier told them at the time it had lost HK$3 billion in 2018 and an infusion was crucial, according to people present. Hong Kong's Transport and Housing Board said in a separate statement on Monday it met with the airline on November 27 and expressed "grave dissatisfaction and deep concern" that the carrier's financial position had not improved. Several airlines have collapsed in 2019 because of financial problems, including India's Jet Airways Ltd, Britain's Thomas Cook and Iceland's WOW. Hong Kong Airlines was struggling financially even before months of anti-government protests led to a plunge in visitors to the Asian financial capital. "As weak travel demand resulting from the social unrest in Hong Kong has continued to affect our business and revenue, Hong Kong Airlines has reduced its capacity and flights in the coming months as well as further consolidated its network under the challenging business environment," it said in its statement. The airline said on Friday it would further reduce capacity, suspending flights to Vancouver, Ho Chi Minh City and Tianjin. On Saturday, the carrier said on its website that its in-flight entertainment system would be out of service until further notice.

Hong Kong Airlines told to improve finances or risk losing licence

Hundreds of protesters joined the march to show their gratitude to the US act. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Protesters march for 'five demands'

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 - November 29th, 2019

Hong Kong police entered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-polytechnic-university-searched-one-protester-found-264625">Polytechnic University</a> on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

It was unclear whether any protesters remained at the site as a team of about 100 plain-clothed police moved into the sprawling campus to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said any protesters found would receive medical treatment and arrests were not a priority.

The university <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-seige-8-students-arrested-as-protests-fizzle-out-263764">became a battleground</a> in mid-November, when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week, some while trying to escape.

Reuters witnesses at the university said garbage and abandoned gear including sleeping bags, helmets and gas masks were strewn everywhere, but no protesters could be seen.

More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers increasing exponentially in October and November as violence escalated.

Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary.

China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at the handover and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation repeated on Thursday in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">US&nbsp;law</a>.

"This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;plot is doomed," the Chinese foreign ministry statement said.

Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could prove self-defeating for the United States, which has benefited from the business-friendly conditions in the territory of 7.4 million residents.

Trade between Hong Kong and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-overtakes-united-states-in-number-of-diplomatic-missions-264784">United States</a> was estimated to be worth $67.3 billion in 2018, with the United States running a $33.8 billion surplus - its biggest with any country or territory, according to the Office of the US&nbsp;Trade Representative.

Li Ka-shing, the city’s most prominent tycoon, told Reuters he was getting used to “the unfounded verbal and text punches” thrown at him by both sides of the political divide in Hong Kong.

Li and his fellow Hong Kong tycoons are under mounting pressure from Beijing to speak out against the protests, which present the most serious challenge to Communist Party rule since Tiananmen.

Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces.

Hong Kong police entered the Polytechnic University on Thursday at the end of a nearly two-week siege that saw some of the worst clashes between protesters and security forces. It was unclear whether any protesters remained at the site as a team of about 100 plain-clothed police moved into the sprawling campus to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said any protesters found would receive medical treatment and arrests were not a priority. The university became a battleground in mid-November, when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week, some while trying to escape. Reuters witnesses at the university said garbage and abandoned gear including sleeping bags, helmets and gas masks were strewn everywhere, but no protesters could be seen. More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers increasing exponentially in October and November as violence escalated. Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary. China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at the handover and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation repeated on Thursday in response to the US law. "This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US. The US plot is doomed," the Chinese foreign ministry statement said. Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could prove self-defeating for the United States, which has benefited from the business-friendly conditions in the territory of 7.4 million residents. Trade between Hong Kong and the United States was estimated to be worth $67.3 billion in 2018, with the United States running a $33.8 billion surplus - its biggest with any country or territory, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. Li Ka-shing, the city’s most prominent tycoon, told Reuters he was getting used to “the unfounded verbal and text punches” thrown at him by both sides of the political divide in Hong Kong. Li and his fellow Hong Kong tycoons are under mounting pressure from Beijing to speak out against the protests, which present the most serious challenge to Communist Party rule since Tiananmen.

Hong Kong police enter Polytechnic University as siege ends

Trump signs Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Watch video to know more.

Trump signs Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 28th, 2019

China warned the United States on Thursday that it would take "firm countermeasures" in response to US legislation backing anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, and said attempts to interfere in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-enter-ruined-polytechnic-university-265013"> Chinese-ruled city were doomed to fail</a>.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law congressional legislation which supported the protesters, despite angry objections from Beijing, with which he is seeking a deal to end a damaging trade war.

Protesters in Hong Kong responded by staging a "Thanksgiving" rally, with thousands, some draped in US flags, gathering in the heart of the city.

"The rationale for us having this rally is to show our gratitude and thank the US Congress and also President Trump for passing the bill," said 23-year-old Sunny Cheung, a member of the student group that lobbied for the legislation.

"We are really grateful about that and we really appreciate the effort made by Americans who support Hong Kong, who stand with Hong Kong, who do not choose to side with Beijing," he said, urging other countries to pass similar legislation.

The law requires the State Department to certify, at least annually, that Hong Kong is autonomous enough to justify favourable US trading terms that have helped it become a world financial centre.

It also threatens sanctions for human rights violations.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the United States would shoulder the consequences of China's countermeasures if it continued to "act arbitrarily" in regards to Hong Kong.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-summons-us-envoy-after-trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-265018">summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad</a> and demanded that Washington immediately stop interfering in China's domestic affairs.

Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government said the legislation sent the wrong signal to demonstrators and "clearly interfered" with the city's internal affairs.

China is considering barring the drafters of the legislation, whose US Senate sponsor is Florida Republican Marco Rubio, from entering mainland China as well as Hong Kong and Macau, Xu Xijin, the editor of China's Global Times tabloid, said on Twitter.

'Sinister intentions'

More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers grew in October and November as violence escalated.

Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary.

China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula put in place at the handover, and blames foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation it repeated in response to the US law.

"This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US," the foreign ministry said. "The US plot is doomed."

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang declined to comment on any countermeasures planned by Beijing.

"You better stay tuned, and follow up on this," he said. "What will come will come."

Gao Feng, a spokesman for China's commerce ministry, did not comment directly on whether the law would affect trade talks, saying there were no new details of their progress to disclose. Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could harm the United States, which has benefited from business-friendly conditions in the territory.

Lull in violence

Anti-government protests have roiled the former British colony for six months, at times forcing businesses, government, schools and even the international airport to close.

Hong Kong has enjoyed a rare lull in violence over the past week, with local elections on Sunday delivering a landslide victory to pro-democracy candidates.

Prominent activists Joshua Wong and Denise Ho addressed the rally on Thursday night, thanking frontline protesters for the passage of the bill. Crowds sang the protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong", waving their phone torches.

Several hundred people also gathered outside the Polytechnic University, which police entered after a nearly two-week siege.

"The situation in Poly U is still a disaster," said 30-year-old Ng, dressed in black and wearing a surgical mask. "We are out to show we will never forget the Poly U incident."

The university became a battleground in mid-November when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week.

It was unclear whether any protesters remained on campus as about 100 plainclothes police moved in on Thursday morning to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs.

Police said they found more than 3,000 molotov cocktails and hundreds of bottles of corrosive liquids.

"The operation is going to finish today," said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Chow Yat-ming.

He urged any remaining protesters to seek medical treatment, saying arrests were not a priority, though police were seen brushing molotov cocktails for fingerprints earlier in the day.

China warned the United States on Thursday that it would take "firm countermeasures" in response to US legislation backing anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, and said attempts to interfere in the Chinese-ruled city were doomed to fail.

China warned the United States on Thursday that it would take "firm countermeasures" in response to US legislation backing anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, and said attempts to interfere in the Chinese-ruled city were doomed to fail. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law congressional legislation which supported the protesters, despite angry objections from Beijing, with which he is seeking a deal to end a damaging trade war. Protesters in Hong Kong responded by staging a "Thanksgiving" rally, with thousands, some draped in US flags, gathering in the heart of the city. "The rationale for us having this rally is to show our gratitude and thank the US Congress and also President Trump for passing the bill," said 23-year-old Sunny Cheung, a member of the student group that lobbied for the legislation. "We are really grateful about that and we really appreciate the effort made by Americans who support Hong Kong, who stand with Hong Kong, who do not choose to side with Beijing," he said, urging other countries to pass similar legislation. The law requires the State Department to certify, at least annually, that Hong Kong is autonomous enough to justify favourable US trading terms that have helped it become a world financial centre. It also threatens sanctions for human rights violations. The Chinese foreign ministry said the United States would shoulder the consequences of China's countermeasures if it continued to "act arbitrarily" in regards to Hong Kong. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad and demanded that Washington immediately stop interfering in China's domestic affairs. Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government said the legislation sent the wrong signal to demonstrators and "clearly interfered" with the city's internal affairs. China is considering barring the drafters of the legislation, whose US Senate sponsor is Florida Republican Marco Rubio, from entering mainland China as well as Hong Kong and Macau, Xu Xijin, the editor of China's Global Times tabloid, said on Twitter. 'Sinister intentions' More than 5,800 people have been arrested since the unrest broke out in June over a proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, the numbers grew in October and November as violence escalated. Demonstrators are angry at police violence and what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, such as an independent judiciary. China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula put in place at the handover, and blames foreign forces for fomenting the unrest, an allegation it repeated in response to the US law. "This so-called legislation will only strengthen the resolve of the Chinese people, including the Hong Kong people, and raise awareness of the sinister intentions and hegemonic nature of the US," the foreign ministry said. "The US plot is doomed." Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang declined to comment on any countermeasures planned by Beijing. "You better stay tuned, and follow up on this," he said. "What will come will come." Gao Feng, a spokesman for China's commerce ministry, did not comment directly on whether the law would affect trade talks, saying there were no new details of their progress to disclose. Some analysts say any move to end Hong Kong's special treatment could harm the United States, which has benefited from business-friendly conditions in the territory. Lull in violence Anti-government protests have roiled the former British colony for six months, at times forcing businesses, government, schools and even the international airport to close. Hong Kong has enjoyed a rare lull in violence over the past week, with local elections on Sunday delivering a landslide victory to pro-democracy candidates. Prominent activists Joshua Wong and Denise Ho addressed the rally on Thursday night, thanking frontline protesters for the passage of the bill. Crowds sang the protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong", waving their phone torches. Several hundred people also gathered outside the Polytechnic University, which police entered after a nearly two-week siege. "The situation in Poly U is still a disaster," said 30-year-old Ng, dressed in black and wearing a surgical mask. "We are out to show we will never forget the Poly U incident." The university became a battleground in mid-November when protesters barricaded themselves in and clashed with riot police in a hail of petrol bombs, water cannon and tear gas. About 1,100 people were arrested last week. It was unclear whether any protesters remained on campus as about 100 plainclothes police moved in on Thursday morning to collect evidence and remove dangerous items such as petrol bombs. Police said they found more than 3,000 molotov cocktails and hundreds of bottles of corrosive liquids. "The operation is going to finish today," said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Chow Yat-ming. He urged any remaining protesters to seek medical treatment, saying arrests were not a priority, though police were seen brushing molotov cocktails for fingerprints earlier in the day.

Draped in US flag, protestors stage 'Thanksgiving' rally after Trump signs Hong Kong Democracy act

Donald Trump signs bills backing HK protesters. Watch video to know more.

Donald Trump signs bills backing HK protesters

US President Donald Trump signs bills backing Hong Kong protesters. Watch video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Trump signs bills backing Hong Kong protesters

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 27th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 25th, 2019

Hong Kong Election: Pro-Democracy parties ahead in 12 out of 18 districts. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong Election: Pro-Democracy parties ahead in 12 out of 18 districts

Hong Kong election: Pro-democracy parties make major gains. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong election: Pro-democracy parties make major gains

'We will continue to fight': Hong Kongers react to record turnout in local body elections

More than a million voters thronged polling stations across Hong Kong on Sunday in district elections viewed as a key barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, besieged by nearly six months of often violent pro-democracy protests.

The turnout in the first four hours matched a figure only reached at 6.30 pm in the last election four years ago, government data showed, as concern grew in the city of 7.4 million that polling could be halted if violence erupts.

Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence as voting began, in contrast to reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost the entire force of 31,000 would be on duty.

"Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," said Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker, adding that he had come to vote early in a bid to escape any disruptions later.

A record 1,104 candidates are vying for 452 seats and a record 4.1 million people in the Chinese-ruled city have enrolled to vote for district councillors who control some spending and decide issues such as recycling and public health.

If the pro-democracy campaigners gain control, they could secure six seats on Hong Kong's Legislative Council or parliament, and 117 seats on the 1,200-member panel that selects its chief executive.

Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot in front of television cameras and pledged that her government, widely seen as out of touch with the population, would listen "more intensively" to the views of district councils.

She also expressed hope that a rare lull in violence over the past few days would endure.

"I hope this kind of stability and calm is not only for today's election, but to show that everyone does not want Hong Kong to fall into a chaotic situation again, hoping to get out of this dilemma and let us have a fresh start," Lam said.

The anti-China protests have at times forced the closure of government, businesses and schools in the city's worst political crisis in decades, as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon in response to petrol bombs and bows and arrows.

Restaurant manager Jeremy Chan saw the elections in the Asian financial hub as offering protest opponents a chance to share their opinions without fear.

"They believe they are fighting for democracy, fighting for Hong Kong, but the rioters only listen to what they want to hear," said the 55-year-old, citing vandalism of businesses seen as pro-Beijing. "Freedom of speech is lost."

The protests started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial but rapidly evolved into calls for full democracy.

The unrest now poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

University siege staggers on

Sunday was the seventh day of a stand-off at Polytechnic University, its campus surrounded by police as some protesters hid out on the sprawling grounds roamed by first-aid workers.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are also responding to excessive use of force by police.

China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula for the autonomy of Hong Kong, where police deny accusations of brutality and say they have shown restraint.

Brutal attacks on election candidates have thrust Hong Kong's lowest tier of governance into the world spotlight as the government struggles to rein in protests.

"I'm so proud to see so many people out here," said bank dealing manager Wong, 32, as he waited to vote in Yuen Long, near the Chinese border. "I hate the government so much. July 21 is four months ago, but there is so much anger here."

He was referring to an attack that day by suspected triad gangsters on anti-government protesters and commuters at a nearby railway station.

Young pro-democracy activists are now battling in some seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates.

But Joshua Wong, one of the most prominent activists, whom authorities barred from running, on Sunday urged people to vote to show "our discontent with Beijing".

Jimmy Sham, a candidate of the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised some of the mass anti-government rallies of recent months, was beaten by men with hammers in October.

"We can see Hongkongers are longing for a chance to express their stand," said Sham. "We don’t know yet, at the end of the day, if the democrats can win a majority. But I hope our Hong Kong citizens can vote for the future of Hong Kong."

More than a million voters thronged polling stations across Hong Kong on Sunday in district elections viewed as a key barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, besieged by nearly six months of often violent pro-democracy protests.

More than a million voters thronged polling stations across Hong Kong on Sunday in district elections viewed as a key barometer of support for city leader Carrie Lam, besieged by nearly six months of often violent pro-democracy protests. The turnout in the first four hours matched a figure only reached at 6.30 pm in the last election four years ago, government data showed, as concern grew in the city of 7.4 million that polling could be halted if violence erupts. Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence as voting began, in contrast to reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost the entire force of 31,000 would be on duty. "Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," said Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker, adding that he had come to vote early in a bid to escape any disruptions later. A record 1,104 candidates are vying for 452 seats and a record 4.1 million people in the Chinese-ruled city have enrolled to vote for district councillors who control some spending and decide issues such as recycling and public health. If the pro-democracy campaigners gain control, they could secure six seats on Hong Kong's Legislative Council or parliament, and 117 seats on the 1,200-member panel that selects its chief executive. Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot in front of television cameras and pledged that her government, widely seen as out of touch with the population, would listen "more intensively" to the views of district councils. She also expressed hope that a rare lull in violence over the past few days would endure. "I hope this kind of stability and calm is not only for today's election, but to show that everyone does not want Hong Kong to fall into a chaotic situation again, hoping to get out of this dilemma and let us have a fresh start," Lam said. The anti-China protests have at times forced the closure of government, businesses and schools in the city's worst political crisis in decades, as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon in response to petrol bombs and bows and arrows. Restaurant manager Jeremy Chan saw the elections in the Asian financial hub as offering protest opponents a chance to share their opinions without fear. "They believe they are fighting for democracy, fighting for Hong Kong, but the rioters only listen to what they want to hear," said the 55-year-old, citing vandalism of businesses seen as pro-Beijing. "Freedom of speech is lost." The protests started over a now-withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial but rapidly evolved into calls for full democracy. The unrest now poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. University siege staggers on Sunday was the seventh day of a stand-off at Polytechnic University, its campus surrounded by police as some protesters hid out on the sprawling grounds roamed by first-aid workers. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are also responding to excessive use of force by police. China says it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula for the autonomy of Hong Kong, where police deny accusations of brutality and say they have shown restraint. Brutal attacks on election candidates have thrust Hong Kong's lowest tier of governance into the world spotlight as the government struggles to rein in protests. "I'm so proud to see so many people out here," said bank dealing manager Wong, 32, as he waited to vote in Yuen Long, near the Chinese border. "I hate the government so much. July 21 is four months ago, but there is so much anger here." He was referring to an attack that day by suspected triad gangsters on anti-government protesters and commuters at a nearby railway station. Young pro-democracy activists are now battling in some seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. But Joshua Wong, one of the most prominent activists, whom authorities barred from running, on Sunday urged people to vote to show "our discontent with Beijing". Jimmy Sham, a candidate of the Civil Human Rights Front, which organised some of the mass anti-government rallies of recent months, was beaten by men with hammers in October. "We can see Hongkongers are longing for a chance to express their stand," said Sham. "We don’t know yet, at the end of the day, if the democrats can win a majority. But I hope our Hong Kong citizens can vote for the future of Hong Kong."

More than a million turn out in Hong Kong test of support for China-backed leader

Election result to bring change in Hong Kong? Watch video to know more.

Election result to bring change in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong voters at some polling stations for district council elections were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democrats-seek-to-hit-government-at-district-polls-264145">queuing up by the hundreds on Sunday morning</a>, citing concerns voting could be halted later in the day after six months of sometimes violent unrest in the Chinese-controlled city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barred-election-candidate-joshua-wong-urges-hong-kong-to-vote-to-show-discontent-264141">Brutal attacks on candidates</a> have thrust Hong Kong's lowest-tier government onto the international stage, with the district elections seen as an important barometer of support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's embattled administration.

Many see the polls as a "referendum" on support for the anti-government protest movement, coming as the city grapples with its biggest political crisis in decades.

A stand-off at Polytechnic University on Sunday entered its seventh day, with the campus surrounded by police as some protesters remained in classrooms and first-aid workers roamed the campus.

As voting got underway at 7:30 am (2330 GMT on Saturday), Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence, in contrast to earlier reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost all officers in the 31,000 strong force would be on duty.

Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker near the front of the line outside Wong Tai Sin primary school in Kowloon, said he came early over fears he wouldn't be able to vote later.

"Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," he said as hundreds of voters in the landlocked neighbourhood of housing estates wound around a block waiting their turn.

"We have to show we stand with Hong Kong," Lai said. "Most of the councillors stand with the government and are not helping Hong Kong."

Chan, 31, who was in front of the queue at the Fung Kam Sports Centre in Yuen Long, a rural district near the Chinese border, said she came early because she was expecting a big turnout.

"I have not seen an election like this before, but because of the situation it is important to vote .. .and I know many people feel like me," said Chan, who works in sales.

She said she grew up in Yuen Long but did not want to reveal any political allegiances. As she spoke, election officials prepared the ballot box in the middle of a basketball court. A lone police officer watched them.

The Fung Kam polling station is one of the closest to the Yuen Long railway station where suspected triad gangsters attacked anti-government protesters and commuters on July 21.

A record 1,104 people are running for 452 district seats and a record 4.1 million Hong Kong people have enrolled to vote for district councillors, who control some local spending, and whose daily decisionmaking spans a range of neighbourhood issues including recycling, transport and public healthcare.

Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot at 8:30 a.m. in front of television cameras.

Some of the seats that were once uncontested, and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates, are now being fought for by young pro-democracy activists.

One of the candidates running in Sha Tin is Jimmy Sham of Civil Human Rights Front, organiser of some of the mass anti-government rallies in recent months who was beaten by men with hammers in October.

The protests started over a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial, but which soon evolved into calls for full democracy, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong voters at some polling stations for district council elections were queuing up by the hundreds on Sunday morning, citing concerns voting could be halted later in the day after six months of sometimes violent unrest in the Chinese-controlled city.

Hong Kong voters at some polling stations for district council elections were queuing up by the hundreds on Sunday morning, citing concerns voting could be halted later in the day after six months of sometimes violent unrest in the Chinese-controlled city. Brutal attacks on candidates have thrust Hong Kong's lowest-tier government onto the international stage, with the district elections seen as an important barometer of support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's embattled administration. Many see the polls as a "referendum" on support for the anti-government protest movement, coming as the city grapples with its biggest political crisis in decades. A stand-off at Polytechnic University on Sunday entered its seventh day, with the campus surrounded by police as some protesters remained in classrooms and first-aid workers roamed the campus. As voting got underway at 7:30 am (2330 GMT on Saturday), Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence, in contrast to earlier reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost all officers in the 31,000 strong force would be on duty. Kevin Lai, a 45-year-old IT worker near the front of the line outside Wong Tai Sin primary school in Kowloon, said he came early over fears he wouldn't be able to vote later. "Some people are afraid the elections will be stopped by unpredictable reasons — maybe some protests," he said as hundreds of voters in the landlocked neighbourhood of housing estates wound around a block waiting their turn. "We have to show we stand with Hong Kong," Lai said. "Most of the councillors stand with the government and are not helping Hong Kong." Chan, 31, who was in front of the queue at the Fung Kam Sports Centre in Yuen Long, a rural district near the Chinese border, said she came early because she was expecting a big turnout. "I have not seen an election like this before, but because of the situation it is important to vote .. .and I know many people feel like me," said Chan, who works in sales. She said she grew up in Yuen Long but did not want to reveal any political allegiances. As she spoke, election officials prepared the ballot box in the middle of a basketball court. A lone police officer watched them. The Fung Kam polling station is one of the closest to the Yuen Long railway station where suspected triad gangsters attacked anti-government protesters and commuters on July 21. A record 1,104 people are running for 452 district seats and a record 4.1 million Hong Kong people have enrolled to vote for district councillors, who control some local spending, and whose daily decisionmaking spans a range of neighbourhood issues including recycling, transport and public healthcare. Beijing-backed Lam cast her ballot at 8:30 a.m. in front of television cameras. Some of the seats that were once uncontested, and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates, are now being fought for by young pro-democracy activists. One of the candidates running in Sha Tin is Jimmy Sham of Civil Human Rights Front, organiser of some of the mass anti-government rallies in recent months who was beaten by men with hammers in October. The protests started over a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial, but which soon evolved into calls for full democracy, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Hong Kong voters queue up early over fears of later clashes

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged people to vote on Sunday (November 24) to show the city's discontent to Beijing. Wong, a leader of those protests when just 17, was disqualified from running in Sunday's elections because of his links to a political group promoting independence for Hong Kong, a red line for Communist Party rulers in Beijing.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged people to vote on Sunday (November 24) to show the city's discontent to Beijing. Wong, a leader of those protests when just 17, was disqualified from running in Sunday's elections because of his links to a political group promoting independence for Hong Kong, a red line for Communist Party rulers in Beijing. Wong said he was the only person disqualified out of more than 1,100 candidates in the district council elections. Many Hong Kong people see the polls as a "referendum" on support for the anti-government protest movement, coming as the city grapples with its biggest political crisis in decades. As voting got underway at 7:30 a.m. (2330 GMT on Saturday), Reuters witnesses said there was only a small police presence, in contrast to earlier reports that riot police planned to guard all polling stations and almost all officers in the 31,000 strong force would be on duty.

Barred election candidate Joshua Wong urges Hong Kong to vote to show discontent

Hong Kong: Record numbers vote in district council polls. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong: Record numbers vote in district council polls

Chinese state media urged Hong Kongers to "vote to end violence" Sunday, as<a href="State media on the mainland urged voters to give support to pro-establishment forces to &quot;end social chaos&quot;, but the big turnout is widely expected to benefit democratic forces. "> record numbers turned out for district elections</a> after months of unrest in the city.

Lengthy queues snaked out of polling stations across the semi-autonomous territory in the election for 18 district councils -- largely toothless bodies which set policy on issues such as bus routes and garbage collection.

State media on the mainland urged voters to give support to pro-establishment forces to "end social chaos", but the big turnout is widely expected to benefit democratic forces.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the nationalistic Global Times asked voters: "What would you choose? A peaceful and prosperous city or a violent uncivilized one?"

"The choice is yours," the tabloid posted, along with pictures of long polling queues and the text: "Cast vote to end violence".

An editorial in the Beijing News said it was an opportunity for voters to "end the social chaos and violence in Hong Kong with their own hands, and restore the social order".

One interviewee told state broadcaster CGTN that turnout was high because voters wanted to end the unrest.

"You can see that there's a high turnout... because people are very dissatisfied, they feel disgruntled politically with this bunch of rioters," Lawrence Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, told CGTN.

"So, as a result, they want to use their vote now, today.. so that they can vote out the opposition. I think this is the current sentiment in Hong Kong."

A bylined commentary in the state-run China Daily called for Hong Kong residents to "save your home by casting votes!" and also urged the electorate to support pro-establishment politicians.

"It is hoped that more Hong Kong residents will go to voting sites and cast their votes in favour of those who truly love Hong Kong," ran the opinion piece.

In the latest example of state media using music to convey its message, the Global Times also posted a rap video showing shots of Hong Kong clashes and pro-police demonstrations and urged people to: "Go tell 'em/ people want a peaceful place."

"I can see the sadness in your eyes when you blaming a rioter, you just wanna tell him your thoughts and they set you on fire," the rapper said over video footage of a man being set on fire by a masked assailant.

"I know this is a hard time, it’s a tough situation, but you already know, what's your best decision," the rap continued.

Earlier this year a music video by a patriotic Chinese rap group shared by Chinese state media also attacked Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement as being fuelled by international forces.

"Get those foreign agents outta town then we can talk about it," riffed the English-language rap by nationalistic group CD Rev.

Chinese state media urged Hong Kongers to "vote to end violence" Sunday, as record numbers turned out for district elections after months of unrest in the city. Lengthy queues snaked out of polling stations across the semi-autonomous territory in the election for 18 district councils -- largely toothless bodies which set policy on issues such as bus routes and garbage collection.

Chinese state media urged Hong Kongers to "vote to end violence" Sunday, as record numbers turned out for district elections after months of unrest in the city. Lengthy queues snaked out of polling stations across the semi-autonomous territory in the election for 18 district councils -- largely toothless bodies which set policy on issues such as bus routes and garbage collection. State media on the mainland urged voters to give support to pro-establishment forces to "end social chaos", but the big turnout is widely expected to benefit democratic forces. In a tweet, the nationalistic Global Times asked voters: "What would you choose? A peaceful and prosperous city or a violent uncivilized one?" "The choice is yours," the tabloid posted, along with pictures of long polling queues and the text: "Cast vote to end violence". An editorial in the Beijing News said it was an opportunity for voters to "end the social chaos and violence in Hong Kong with their own hands, and restore the social order". One interviewee told state broadcaster CGTN that turnout was high because voters wanted to end the unrest. "You can see that there's a high turnout... because people are very dissatisfied, they feel disgruntled politically with this bunch of rioters," Lawrence Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, told CGTN. "So, as a result, they want to use their vote now, today.. so that they can vote out the opposition. I think this is the current sentiment in Hong Kong." A bylined commentary in the state-run China Daily called for Hong Kong residents to "save your home by casting votes!" and also urged the electorate to support pro-establishment politicians. "It is hoped that more Hong Kong residents will go to voting sites and cast their votes in favour of those who truly love Hong Kong," ran the opinion piece. In the latest example of state media using music to convey its message, the Global Times also posted a rap video showing shots of Hong Kong clashes and pro-police demonstrations and urged people to: "Go tell 'em/ people want a peaceful place." "I can see the sadness in your eyes when you blaming a rioter, you just wanna tell him your thoughts and they set you on fire," the rapper said over video footage of a man being set on fire by a masked assailant. "I know this is a hard time, it’s a tough situation, but you already know, what's your best decision," the rap continued. Earlier this year a music video by a patriotic Chinese rap group shared by Chinese state media also attacked Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement as being fuelled by international forces. "Get those foreign agents outta town then we can talk about it," riffed the English-language rap by nationalistic group CD Rev.

Chinese state media urge Hong Kongers to 'vote to end violence'

Hong Kong's voters turned out in record numbers Sunday for local council elections that the city's pro-democracy movement hopes will add pressure on the Beijing-backed government to heed their demands after months of violent protest.

Lengthy queues snaked out of polling stations across the territory in the election for 18 district councils, where high turnout is expected to benefit democratic forces.

The Electoral Affairs Commission said a record 47.26 per cent of the 4.13 million citizens registered to vote had cast their ballots by late Sunday afternoon.

It was already the highest turnout in Hong Kong's history of district council elections post-handover, with several hours of voting still to go.

The selection of 452 councillors -- handling community-level concerns such as bus routes and garbage collection -- traditionally generates little excitement but has taken on new significance following months of political unrest.

Hong Kong has been buffeted by months of mass rallies and violent clashes pitting police against protesters who are agitating for direct popular elections of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's government, as well as a probe into alleged police brutality.

District councils have long been dominated by the pro-Beijing establishment, and voters seeking change hope that weakening that grip will give their movement fresh momentum.

"Even though one ballot can only help a little, I still hope it can bring change to society and support street protests in some way," 19-year-old student Michael Ng, voting for the first time, told AFP.

The vote is the closest Hong Kongers get to direct representation.

Voting for choice

The territory's top-level legislature is elected by a mix of popular vote and seats reserved for industry groups stacked with China loyalists, which ensures Beijing's control of the city of around 7.3 million.

The pro-democracy camp is calling Sunday's vote a referendum on Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing government, who have resisted the movement's demands.

"We are voting to give our judgement on what has happened... we're also voting to make a choice for what is yet to come," said Jimmy Sham, a pro-democracy candidate and a prominent figure in the largely leaderless protest movement.

But the polls are not entirely symbolic: some candidates for next year's legislative elections will be drawn from district councillors, and the bodies also will contribute 117 members to the 1,200-strong Beijing-controlled electoral college that chooses the chief executive.

Protests have been muted in recent days after pro-democracy figures urged citizens to cease disruptions to avoid giving the government an excuse to delay or suspend the polls.

Police were deployed at some polling stations and on city streets, but their presence was not particularly heavy.&nbsp;

No violence or other disturbances were reported.

"I'm pleased to say that... we should have a relatively peaceful and calm environment to conduct these elections successfully," Lam said after voting in her constituency on Hong Kong island.

The political unrest kicked into high gear with giant rallies in June against a bill backed by Lam that would allow extraditions to China's opaque justice system.&nbsp;

The bill was eventually withdrawn as public pressure grew, but the anger that it unleashed sparked wider calls for democracy.

Analysts expect pro-democracy candidates to see gains in the district councils but still fall short of a majority of slots.

Campaigning has been marred by acrimony, with one pro-democracy candidate having his ear bitten off in an attack, while 17 other candidates of all stripes have been arrested over protest-related activities.&nbsp;

Election authorities banned leading democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll for backing Hong Kong "self-determination".

Hong Kong's voters turned out in record numbers Sunday for local council elections that the city's pro-democracy movement hopes will add pressure on the Beijing-backed government to heed their demands after months of violent protest.

Hong Kong's voters turned out in record numbers Sunday for local council elections that the city's pro-democracy movement hopes will add pressure on the Beijing-backed government to heed their demands after months of violent protest. Lengthy queues snaked out of polling stations across the territory in the election for 18 district councils, where high turnout is expected to benefit democratic forces. The Electoral Affairs Commission said a record 47.26 per cent of the 4.13 million citizens registered to vote had cast their ballots by late Sunday afternoon. It was already the highest turnout in Hong Kong's history of district council elections post-handover, with several hours of voting still to go. The selection of 452 councillors -- handling community-level concerns such as bus routes and garbage collection -- traditionally generates little excitement but has taken on new significance following months of political unrest. Hong Kong has been buffeted by months of mass rallies and violent clashes pitting police against protesters who are agitating for direct popular elections of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's government, as well as a probe into alleged police brutality. District councils have long been dominated by the pro-Beijing establishment, and voters seeking change hope that weakening that grip will give their movement fresh momentum. "Even though one ballot can only help a little, I still hope it can bring change to society and support street protests in some way," 19-year-old student Michael Ng, voting for the first time, told AFP. The vote is the closest Hong Kongers get to direct representation. Voting for choice The territory's top-level legislature is elected by a mix of popular vote and seats reserved for industry groups stacked with China loyalists, which ensures Beijing's control of the city of around 7.3 million. The pro-democracy camp is calling Sunday's vote a referendum on Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing government, who have resisted the movement's demands. "We are voting to give our judgement on what has happened... we're also voting to make a choice for what is yet to come," said Jimmy Sham, a pro-democracy candidate and a prominent figure in the largely leaderless protest movement. But the polls are not entirely symbolic: some candidates for next year's legislative elections will be drawn from district councillors, and the bodies also will contribute 117 members to the 1,200-strong Beijing-controlled electoral college that chooses the chief executive. Protests have been muted in recent days after pro-democracy figures urged citizens to cease disruptions to avoid giving the government an excuse to delay or suspend the polls. Police were deployed at some polling stations and on city streets, but their presence was not particularly heavy. No violence or other disturbances were reported. "I'm pleased to say that... we should have a relatively peaceful and calm environment to conduct these elections successfully," Lam said after voting in her constituency on Hong Kong island. The political unrest kicked into high gear with giant rallies in June against a bill backed by Lam that would allow extraditions to China's opaque justice system. The bill was eventually withdrawn as public pressure grew, but the anger that it unleashed sparked wider calls for democracy. Analysts expect pro-democracy candidates to see gains in the district councils but still fall short of a majority of slots. Campaigning has been marred by acrimony, with one pro-democracy candidate having his ear bitten off in an attack, while 17 other candidates of all stripes have been arrested over protest-related activities. Election authorities banned leading democracy activist Joshua Wong from running in the district poll for backing Hong Kong "self-determination".

Hong Kong elections: 47.26%  voting turnout recorded by afternoon, highest so far in history

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-votes-for-district-councillors-amid-anti-government-protests-263841">Hong Kong university campus</a> under siege for more than a week was a deserted wasteland on Saturday, with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-would-be-obliterated-in-14-minutes-if-not-for-me-donald-trump-263961">handful of protesters</a> holed up in hidden refuges across the trashed grounds, as the city's focus turned to local elections.

The end of the siege at Polytechnic University on the Kowloon peninsula was approaching as some protesters desperately sought a way out and others vowed not to surrender, days after some of the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations escalated in June.

"If they storm in, there are a lot of places for us to hide," said Sam, a 21-year-old student, who was eating two-minute noodles in the cafeteria, while plotting his escape.

Police have set up high plastic barricades and a fence on the perimeter of the campus, which they have surrounded for more than a week. Early on Saturday, a Reuters witness saw three police vans drive in as about a dozen officers stood guard.

Watch: I saved lives in Hong Kong says Donald Trump

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About 1,000 people have been arrested in the siege in the Chinese-ruled city, about 300 of them younger than 18.

A single armed Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier stood guard inside the Gun Club Hill Barracks next to the police fence on the edges of the university.

Rotting rubbish and boxes of unused petrol bombs littered the grounds, where many levels of the buildings resemble abandoned hideouts littered with items such as rucksacks, masks and water bottles.

In the early hours of Saturday, fire department officers inspected part of a sewer system through which some students had tried to flee earlier in the week, leaving backpacks, masks and other belongings scattered nearby.

The university standoff is nearing an end as a record 1,104 people gear up to run for 452 district council seats in elections on Sunday.

A record 4.1 million Hong Kong people, from a population of 7.4 million, have enrolled to vote, spurred in part by registration campaigns during months of protests.

Young pro-democracy activists are now running in some of the seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates.

The protests snowballed from June after years of resentment over what many residents see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula by which Hong Kong is governed. It denies meddling in the affairs of the Asian financial hub and accuses foreign governments of stirring up trouble.

In an interview with Fox News Channel on Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had told Chinese President Xi Jinping that crushing the protests would have "a tremendous negative impact" on efforts to end the two countries' 16-month-long trade war.

"If it weren't for me Hong Kong would have been obliterated in 14 minutes," Trump said, without offering any evidence.

"He's got a million soldiers standing outside of Hong Kong that aren't going in only because I ask him, 'Please don't do it, you'll be making a big mistake, it's going to have a tremendous negative impact on the trade deal,' and he wants to make a trade deal."

A Hong Kong university campus under siege for more than a week was a deserted wasteland on Saturday, with a handful of protesters holed up in hidden refuges across the trashed grounds, as the city's focus turned to local elections.

A Hong Kong university campus under siege for more than a week was a deserted wasteland on Saturday, with a handful of protesters holed up in hidden refuges across the trashed grounds, as the city's focus turned to local elections. The end of the siege at Polytechnic University on the Kowloon peninsula was approaching as some protesters desperately sought a way out and others vowed not to surrender, days after some of the worst violence since anti-government demonstrations escalated in June. "If they storm in, there are a lot of places for us to hide," said Sam, a 21-year-old student, who was eating two-minute noodles in the cafeteria, while plotting his escape. Police have set up high plastic barricades and a fence on the perimeter of the campus, which they have surrounded for more than a week. Early on Saturday, a Reuters witness saw three police vans drive in as about a dozen officers stood guard. Watch: I saved lives in Hong Kong says Donald Trump × About 1,000 people have been arrested in the siege in the Chinese-ruled city, about 300 of them younger than 18. A single armed Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier stood guard inside the Gun Club Hill Barracks next to the police fence on the edges of the university. Rotting rubbish and boxes of unused petrol bombs littered the grounds, where many levels of the buildings resemble abandoned hideouts littered with items such as rucksacks, masks and water bottles. In the early hours of Saturday, fire department officers inspected part of a sewer system through which some students had tried to flee earlier in the week, leaving backpacks, masks and other belongings scattered nearby. The university standoff is nearing an end as a record 1,104 people gear up to run for 452 district council seats in elections on Sunday. A record 4.1 million Hong Kong people, from a population of 7.4 million, have enrolled to vote, spurred in part by registration campaigns during months of protests. Young pro-democracy activists are now running in some of the seats that were once uncontested and dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. The protests snowballed from June after years of resentment over what many residents see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula by which Hong Kong is governed. It denies meddling in the affairs of the Asian financial hub and accuses foreign governments of stirring up trouble. In an interview with Fox News Channel on Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had told Chinese President Xi Jinping that crushing the protests would have "a tremendous negative impact" on efforts to end the two countries' 16-month-long trade war. "If it weren't for me Hong Kong would have been obliterated in 14 minutes," Trump said, without offering any evidence. "He's got a million soldiers standing outside of Hong Kong that aren't going in only because I ask him, 'Please don't do it, you'll be making a big mistake, it's going to have a tremendous negative impact on the trade deal,' and he wants to make a trade deal."

University campus siege nears end as Hong Kong gears up for election

Soldiers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) practised drills at an army barracks bordering Hong Kong's Polytechnic University on Saturday (November 23) according to a Reuters witness.

The soldiers carried shields and wore helmets with face guards, and were glimpsed from a high building marching in formation on an inner parade ground not visible from the road.

PLA soldiers have not publicly engaged in anti-riot efforts on the streets of Hong Kong but such drills suggest a high degree of preparedness amid the current protests.

Both Chinese and Hong Kong leaders have repeatedly said that Hong Kong police can handle the situation but Beijing has more than doubled the number of troops in the city since late August, with up to 12,000 on bases scattered across the territory.

An uneasy calm settled over Hong Kong on Saturday as the city prepared to go to the polls for local elections seen as a referendum on months of anti-government protests, after weeks of especially violent clashes between police and demonstrators.

The protests snowballed from June after years of resentment over what many residents see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Soldiers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) practised drills at an army barracks bordering Hong Kong's Polytechnic University on Saturday (November 23) according to a Reuters witness.

Soldiers in the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) practised drills at an army barracks bordering Hong Kong's Polytechnic University on Saturday (November 23) according to a Reuters witness. The soldiers carried shields and wore helmets with face guards, and were glimpsed from a high building marching in formation on an inner parade ground not visible from the road. PLA soldiers have not publicly engaged in anti-riot efforts on the streets of Hong Kong but such drills suggest a high degree of preparedness amid the current protests. Both Chinese and Hong Kong leaders have repeatedly said that Hong Kong police can handle the situation but Beijing has more than doubled the number of troops in the city since late August, with up to 12,000 on bases scattered across the territory. An uneasy calm settled over Hong Kong on Saturday as the city prepared to go to the polls for local elections seen as a referendum on months of anti-government protests, after weeks of especially violent clashes between police and demonstrators. The protests snowballed from June after years of resentment over what many residents see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Chinese soldiers in riot gear practice drills near Hong Kong university: Witness

Hong Kong: Inside Polytechnic University, a few dozen holdouts plot their next move. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong: Inside Polytechnic University, a few dozen holdouts plot their next move

US President Donald Trump said Friday he had saved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-seige-8-students-arrested-as-protests-fizzle-out-263764">Hong Kong </a>from being destroyed by persuading Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold off on sending in troops to crush its pro-democracy movement.

"If it weren't for me, Hong Kong would have been obliterated in 14 minutes," Trump said in a scattershot early morning interview with Fox News.

Trump's comments come as he mulls signing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-house-passes-hong-kong-rights-bill-president-trump-expected-to-sign-263483">congressionally-approved legislation </a>in support of the pro-democracy activists -- or bow to Beijing's threats of retaliation if the law is enacted.

Asked whether he would veto the legislation, green-lit by an overwhelming margin in Congress on Wednesday, Trump equivocated.

"I'll tell you we have to stand with Hong Kong but I'm also standing with President Xi. He is a friend of mine he is an incredible guy," Trump said. "I would like to see them work it out. We have to see them work it out," he added.

Trump cast his relationship with Xi as the bulwark keeping China from moving against the pro-democracy movement that has rocked Hong Kong during almost six months of increasingly violent protests.

He added that a "million soldiers standing outside of Hong Kong are not going only because I asked him: 'Please don't do that. You will be making a big mistake. It will have a tremendous negative impact on the trade deal.'"

Trump acknowledged that the tension over the former British colony -- handed back to China in 1997 -- has complicated efforts to strike a trade deal with Beijing, a top Trump priority and source of economic uncertainty as Washington heads into an election year.

US and Chinese trade negotiators are "potentially very close" to a deal, he said.

'Fightback'&nbsp;

Earlier in Beijing, Xi met a group of former US officials and other foreign dignitaries, including Richard Nixon's Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, ex-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Trump's erstwhile economic advisor Gary Cohn.

"As we always said we don't want to start the trade war but we are not afraid," Xi said. "When necessary we will fightback but we have been working actively to try not to have a trade war."

The Hong Kong bill awaiting Trump's signature supports human rights and democracy in the city while threatening to revoke its special economic status.

A separate measure bans the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by the security forces to suppress pro-democracy protests.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi denounced the bill as "naked interference" in China's internal affairs and vowed retaliatory measures.

The law's overwhelming passage, first by a unanimous vote in the Senate followed by a 417-1 vote in House of Representatives on Wednesday, underscored the rare bipartisan support for the measure in the US Congress. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said Friday he had saved Hong Kong from being destroyed by persuading Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold off on sending in troops to crush its pro-democracy movement.

US President Donald Trump said Friday he had saved Hong Kong from being destroyed by persuading Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold off on sending in troops to crush its pro-democracy movement. "If it weren't for me, Hong Kong would have been obliterated in 14 minutes," Trump said in a scattershot early morning interview with Fox News. Trump's comments come as he mulls signing congressionally-approved legislation in support of the pro-democracy activists -- or bow to Beijing's threats of retaliation if the law is enacted. Asked whether he would veto the legislation, green-lit by an overwhelming margin in Congress on Wednesday, Trump equivocated. "I'll tell you we have to stand with Hong Kong but I'm also standing with President Xi. He is a friend of mine he is an incredible guy," Trump said. "I would like to see them work it out. We have to see them work it out," he added. Trump cast his relationship with Xi as the bulwark keeping China from moving against the pro-democracy movement that has rocked Hong Kong during almost six months of increasingly violent protests. He added that a "million soldiers standing outside of Hong Kong are not going only because I asked him: 'Please don't do that. You will be making a big mistake. It will have a tremendous negative impact on the trade deal.'" Trump acknowledged that the tension over the former British colony -- handed back to China in 1997 -- has complicated efforts to strike a trade deal with Beijing, a top Trump priority and source of economic uncertainty as Washington heads into an election year. US and Chinese trade negotiators are "potentially very close" to a deal, he said. 'Fightback' Earlier in Beijing, Xi met a group of former US officials and other foreign dignitaries, including Richard Nixon's Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, ex-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Trump's erstwhile economic advisor Gary Cohn. "As we always said we don't want to start the trade war but we are not afraid," Xi said. "When necessary we will fightback but we have been working actively to try not to have a trade war." The Hong Kong bill awaiting Trump's signature supports human rights and democracy in the city while threatening to revoke its special economic status. A separate measure bans the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by the security forces to suppress pro-democracy protests. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi denounced the bill as "naked interference" in China's internal affairs and vowed retaliatory measures. The law's overwhelming passage, first by a unanimous vote in the Senate followed by a 417-1 vote in House of Representatives on Wednesday, underscored the rare bipartisan support for the measure in the US Congress.

Hong Kong would be 'obliterated in 14 minutes' if not for me: Donald Trump

Inside the increasingly empty and trashed campus of a Hong Kong university only a handful of activists held out on Thursday as they desperately searched for ways to escape or hide while squads of police encircled the grounds.

Hong Kong's Polytechnic University is the last campus still occupied after a week that has seen the most intense violence since anti-government protests escalated more than five months ago.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong autonomy.

For more than a week-and-a-half, hundreds of protesters had fortified Polytechnic University's Kowloon peninsula campus and often fought fiery street battles with riot police.

But now the number of protesters has dwindled to fewer than 100, turning the grounds that normally teem with 33,000 students and staff into an eerily empty compound scattered with debris and defaced with political slogans.

"I am by myself, all my peers have left, but I am too scared to escape," said Yan, a man in his 30s who said he had been helping in the canteen used by the protesters during the siege.

Unshaven and shoeless, Yan said he was avoiding contact with the handful of others still on the campus because he feared running into undercover police.

He had been hiding in a building for the past two days, and when he heard the sound of Reuters journalists approaching tried to take cover in a stationery cupboard.

"I don't dare to walk around, I don't talk to people," he told Reuters. "I feel scared and helpless. I am stuck."

Another young protester clad in makeshift body armour was patrolling the grounds armed with an axe, saying he was on the lookout for a dozen undercover officers he suspected had infiltrated the campus.

Uneasy calm

Hong Kong has had a brief respite from months of often violent demonstrations, with relative calm across the city for the past two days and nights ahead of a district council election set for Sunday. The government says it is monitoring the situation to see whether the election can be held safely.

Police said they were committed to a peaceful solution and "flexible approach" to ending the university stand-off, and called on the remaining protesters to leave in an orderly manner, promising they would be guaranteed fair treatment.

Some protesters have surrendered while others were held during escape attempts that included clambering down from a bridge to waiting motorbikes and fleeing through the sewers. More than 1,000 have been arrested or registered by police.

Much of the campus is damaged, with rooms vandalised and windows shattered, though electricity and water are still functioning. In a library, most books were untouched but makeshift petrol bombs were left on desks.

Some protesters told Reuters they were holding out not for a showdown with police, but because they were innocent and looking for an escape route.

"I won't consider surrendering. Surrendering is for people who are guilty. None of us inside are guilty," said Michelle, a 20-year-old student.

Graffiti sprayed on campus buildings read: "I have nothing to lose. I have no stake in society."

One protester, dressed in black with gloves, elbow and knee pads, had about a dozen colourful lighters strapped to his chest, apparently to light petrol bombs. He told Reuters the hold-outs were discussing what to do next.

In the past two weeks, protesters have torched buildings, a footbridge, mass transit stations and toll booths at the city's Cross Harbour Tunnel linking Hong Kong island to Kowloon.

The protesters say that they are angry at the way the MTR, Hong Kong's public rail network, has helped riot police, and shutting down key infrastructure forces the government to listen to their demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police violence, among other things.

The Cross Harbour Tunnel remained shut because of extensive damage, authorities said.

'Erroneous signal'

China has accused the United States and Britain of stirring up trouble in Hong Kong and criticised the US&nbsp;House of Representatives for passing two bills aimed at supporting the protesters and sending a warning to China about human rights.

China opposed the bills and would never allow anyone to undermine the "one country, two systems" principle, or to destroy Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said.

China's state Xinhua news agency said a top Chinese official in Hong Kong, Xie Feng, had summoned the US&nbsp;consul-general to denounce the legislation as gross interference and a violation of international law.

The Hong Kong government said the bills would harm Hong Kong's relations with the United States.

"The two acts will ... also send an erroneous signal to the violent protesters, which would not be conducive to de-escalating the situation," the city government said.

Anger over the US&nbsp;legislation, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign, comes as the two countries are locked in delicate trade talks.

Inside the increasingly empty and trashed campus of a Hong Kong university only a handful of activists held out on Thursday as they desperately searched for ways to escape or hide while squads of police encircled the grounds.

Inside the increasingly empty and trashed campus of a Hong Kong university only a handful of activists held out on Thursday as they desperately searched for ways to escape or hide while squads of police encircled the grounds. Hong Kong's Polytechnic University is the last campus still occupied after a week that has seen the most intense violence since anti-government protests escalated more than five months ago. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong autonomy. For more than a week-and-a-half, hundreds of protesters had fortified Polytechnic University's Kowloon peninsula campus and often fought fiery street battles with riot police. But now the number of protesters has dwindled to fewer than 100, turning the grounds that normally teem with 33,000 students and staff into an eerily empty compound scattered with debris and defaced with political slogans. "I am by myself, all my peers have left, but I am too scared to escape," said Yan, a man in his 30s who said he had been helping in the canteen used by the protesters during the siege. Unshaven and shoeless, Yan said he was avoiding contact with the handful of others still on the campus because he feared running into undercover police. He had been hiding in a building for the past two days, and when he heard the sound of Reuters journalists approaching tried to take cover in a stationery cupboard. "I don't dare to walk around, I don't talk to people," he told Reuters. "I feel scared and helpless. I am stuck." Another young protester clad in makeshift body armour was patrolling the grounds armed with an axe, saying he was on the lookout for a dozen undercover officers he suspected had infiltrated the campus. Uneasy calm Hong Kong has had a brief respite from months of often violent demonstrations, with relative calm across the city for the past two days and nights ahead of a district council election set for Sunday. The government says it is monitoring the situation to see whether the election can be held safely. Police said they were committed to a peaceful solution and "flexible approach" to ending the university stand-off, and called on the remaining protesters to leave in an orderly manner, promising they would be guaranteed fair treatment. Some protesters have surrendered while others were held during escape attempts that included clambering down from a bridge to waiting motorbikes and fleeing through the sewers. More than 1,000 have been arrested or registered by police. Much of the campus is damaged, with rooms vandalised and windows shattered, though electricity and water are still functioning. In a library, most books were untouched but makeshift petrol bombs were left on desks. Some protesters told Reuters they were holding out not for a showdown with police, but because they were innocent and looking for an escape route. "I won't consider surrendering. Surrendering is for people who are guilty. None of us inside are guilty," said Michelle, a 20-year-old student. Graffiti sprayed on campus buildings read: "I have nothing to lose. I have no stake in society." One protester, dressed in black with gloves, elbow and knee pads, had about a dozen colourful lighters strapped to his chest, apparently to light petrol bombs. He told Reuters the hold-outs were discussing what to do next. In the past two weeks, protesters have torched buildings, a footbridge, mass transit stations and toll booths at the city's Cross Harbour Tunnel linking Hong Kong island to Kowloon. The protesters say that they are angry at the way the MTR, Hong Kong's public rail network, has helped riot police, and shutting down key infrastructure forces the government to listen to their demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police violence, among other things. The Cross Harbour Tunnel remained shut because of extensive damage, authorities said. 'Erroneous signal' China has accused the United States and Britain of stirring up trouble in Hong Kong and criticised the US House of Representatives for passing two bills aimed at supporting the protesters and sending a warning to China about human rights. China opposed the bills and would never allow anyone to undermine the "one country, two systems" principle, or to destroy Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said. China's state Xinhua news agency said a top Chinese official in Hong Kong, Xie Feng, had summoned the US consul-general to denounce the legislation as gross interference and a violation of international law. The Hong Kong government said the bills would harm Hong Kong's relations with the United States. "The two acts will ... also send an erroneous signal to the violent protesters, which would not be conducive to de-escalating the situation," the city government said. Anger over the US legislation, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign, comes as the two countries are locked in delicate trade talks.

'Too scared to escape': Isolated protesters hold out on trashed Hong Kong campus

Many protesters holed up in university as Hong Kong protests simmer down

Arms covered in cling film and torches in hand as they drop into the sewers, clusters of pro-democracy protesters still inside a Hong Kong campus are plotting increasingly ingenious -- and desperate -- ways to escape a police siege.

Among the detritus of a scorched and graffiti-sprayed concourse at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, several plastic covers -- some with torches placed above them -- betray extraordinary underground escape plans.

Protesters have removed metal manholes, some making exploratory forays into the fetid tunnels, following rumours of successful exfiltrations from a campus ringed for three days by baton-wielding police determined to arrest them.

Pockets of protesters, some with thick bandages wrapped around their knees in anticipation of a long crawl to freedom, knot the holes discussing an unlikely -- and highly dangerous -- breakout.&nbsp;

AFP reporters saw one group on their stomachs practising crawling. Another group hugged each other in consolation after apparently agreeing not to take the route down into the unknown.

"The people outside can't help us," a protester told local television as he prepared to descend into a sewer. "So what can we do?"

One protester, gas mask on, and cling film wrapped around his arms, carried a torch as he descended with his backpack down the metal rungs into the subterranean gloom.&nbsp;

Desperation has stalked the protesters for two days since the occupation of the city centre campus turned into a police siege.

"We can get through today... I don't know about tomorrow," Fung, 43, a kitchen volunteer helping feed protesters in a campus canteen told AFP on Monday.

So far the daring escape bids have been matched by their danger.&nbsp;

Late on Monday dozens of protesters in civilian clothes slid down several metres of rope onto a flyover, where a cavalcade of motorbikes conducted a smash and grab rescue mission.

Police said 37 of the escapees and bike drivers were later arrested -- but many others are thought to have got away. &nbsp;&nbsp;

'Liberty or Death'

Earlier Monday scores of protesters faced a gauntlet of batons from Hong Kong's bruising riot cops as they made a dash along another bridge.&nbsp;

Some escaped but images showed those who did not on the receiving end of brutal flurries of baton strikes, kicks and stamps.

On Tuesday a group of around 20 protesters who had moved from the campus into a nearby building overnight slipped away, after riot police left their post.

"It's at most 10 years in jail if I am convicted of rioting," said Issac, aged 17. "But it will be a whole life in a larger prison if I stop coming out."

The teenager said that although his decision to leave would give him "a sense of shame", the remaining protesters needed to split up.

"I knew we couldn't leave together," he said. "But If we all got trapped and arrested, the movement would fail and die because I believe most of the frontliners were on campus."

Under-18s have also been escorted out by teachers -- their details taken but not immediately arrested on exit from the campus -- while Monday was pock-marked by sporadic failed escape bids by clusters of protesters.&nbsp;

Inside, desolation has replaced defiance.

"Liberty or Death" has been sprayed on the glass entrance to one building, where a 7/11 has been looted and a Bank of China ATM has been smashed up.

Classroom furniture, bottles for petrol bombs, mats, bollards and bins are chaotically piled across the campus, whose walls are scarred by scorch marks from large fires.

Black clothes, the colour of a rebellion whose narrow initial aims against a specific law have widened into calls for democracy in Hong Kong, are strewn everywhere as the mainly young activists shed protest 'uniforms' before making a break for it.

A hardcore contingent remains, willing to defend the campus despite stark warnings by police that officers are ready to use lethal force if they come under attack.&nbsp;

Tears in his eyes, exhausted and injured in one leg, Wong explained the dilemma of a youth movement whose lives have been upended by months of protest.

"If I give up can I face those who have sacrificed?" he said, of those arrested in the campus siege.

"I don't mind giving up my future so that others can step on our bodies and keep going forward."&nbsp;

Arms covered in cling film and torches in hand as they drop into the sewers, clusters of pro-democracy protesters still inside a Hong Kong campus are plotting increasingly ingenious -- and desperate -- ways to escape a police siege.

Arms covered in cling film and torches in hand as they drop into the sewers, clusters of pro-democracy protesters still inside a Hong Kong campus are plotting increasingly ingenious -- and desperate -- ways to escape a police siege. Among the detritus of a scorched and graffiti-sprayed concourse at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, several plastic covers -- some with torches placed above them -- betray extraordinary underground escape plans. Protesters have removed metal manholes, some making exploratory forays into the fetid tunnels, following rumours of successful exfiltrations from a campus ringed for three days by baton-wielding police determined to arrest them. Pockets of protesters, some with thick bandages wrapped around their knees in anticipation of a long crawl to freedom, knot the holes discussing an unlikely -- and highly dangerous -- breakout. AFP reporters saw one group on their stomachs practising crawling. Another group hugged each other in consolation after apparently agreeing not to take the route down into the unknown. "The people outside can't help us," a protester told local television as he prepared to descend into a sewer. "So what can we do?" One protester, gas mask on, and cling film wrapped around his arms, carried a torch as he descended with his backpack down the metal rungs into the subterranean gloom. Desperation has stalked the protesters for two days since the occupation of the city centre campus turned into a police siege. "We can get through today... I don't know about tomorrow," Fung, 43, a kitchen volunteer helping feed protesters in a campus canteen told AFP on Monday. So far the daring escape bids have been matched by their danger. Late on Monday dozens of protesters in civilian clothes slid down several metres of rope onto a flyover, where a cavalcade of motorbikes conducted a smash and grab rescue mission. Police said 37 of the escapees and bike drivers were later arrested -- but many others are thought to have got away. 'Liberty or Death' Earlier Monday scores of protesters faced a gauntlet of batons from Hong Kong's bruising riot cops as they made a dash along another bridge. Some escaped but images showed those who did not on the receiving end of brutal flurries of baton strikes, kicks and stamps. On Tuesday a group of around 20 protesters who had moved from the campus into a nearby building overnight slipped away, after riot police left their post. "It's at most 10 years in jail if I am convicted of rioting," said Issac, aged 17. "But it will be a whole life in a larger prison if I stop coming out." The teenager said that although his decision to leave would give him "a sense of shame", the remaining protesters needed to split up. "I knew we couldn't leave together," he said. "But If we all got trapped and arrested, the movement would fail and die because I believe most of the frontliners were on campus." Under-18s have also been escorted out by teachers -- their details taken but not immediately arrested on exit from the campus -- while Monday was pock-marked by sporadic failed escape bids by clusters of protesters. Inside, desolation has replaced defiance. "Liberty or Death" has been sprayed on the glass entrance to one building, where a 7/11 has been looted and a Bank of China ATM has been smashed up. Classroom furniture, bottles for petrol bombs, mats, bollards and bins are chaotically piled across the campus, whose walls are scarred by scorch marks from large fires. Black clothes, the colour of a rebellion whose narrow initial aims against a specific law have widened into calls for democracy in Hong Kong, are strewn everywhere as the mainly young activists shed protest 'uniforms' before making a break for it. A hardcore contingent remains, willing to defend the campus despite stark warnings by police that officers are ready to use lethal force if they come under attack. Tears in his eyes, exhausted and injured in one leg, Wong explained the dilemma of a youth movement whose lives have been upended by months of protest. "If I give up can I face those who have sacrificed?" he said, of those arrested in the campus siege. "I don't mind giving up my future so that others can step on our bodies and keep going forward."

Desperate Hong Kong protesters explore sewers in campus escape bid

The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-defy-lams-surrender-warning-as-authorities-struggle-to-free-university-campus-263094">Hong Kong demonstrators'</a> resorting to extreme violence, including against police, was "deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned" and voiced concern that the situation could deteriorate further.

Spokesman Rupert Colville urged Hong Kong authorities to de-escalate the situation at the Polytechnic University - where about 100 protesters are holed up - and address the humanitarian situation of those inside "which is clearly deteriorating".

Hong Kong's embattled leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/university-protesters-in-hong-kong-must-surrender-to-resolve-stand-off-peacefully-carrie-lam-263037">Carrie Lam said</a> on Tuesday she hoped the standoff between police and a group of anti-government protesters at the university could be resolved and she had told police to handle it humanely.

Dozens of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;protesters staged a dramatic escape from a university campus sealed off by police on Monday by shimmying down plastic hosing from a bridge and fleeing on waiting motorbikes as the police fired projectiles.

Many more anti-government protesters remained trapped inside the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Polytechnic University, and two prominent figures were allowed by police onto the campus late on Monday to mediate, a sign that there is a growing risk of bloodshed.

Polytechnic University in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's Kowloon district is at the centre of a standoff in the past week that has seen the most intense violence in five months of anti-government demonstrations.

Some of the protesters who escaped on Monday lowered themselves several metres from a bridge they had occupied on the campus to a flyover below. They then sped off on the back of motorcycles that were already waiting or arrived quickly.

A number of them appeared subsequently to have been arrested, a Reuters witness said.

Other protesters, hurling petrol bombs, tried repeatedly to break into the campus but police fired tear gas and water cannon to push them back.

The United States expressed concern about the situation but China's ambassador to London accused Western countries of interfering.

The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that some Hong Kong demonstrators' resorting to extreme violence, including against police, was "deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned" and voiced concern that the situation could deteriorate further.

The U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday that some Hong Kong demonstrators' resorting to extreme violence, including against police, was "deeply regrettable and cannot be condoned" and voiced concern that the situation could deteriorate further. Spokesman Rupert Colville urged Hong Kong authorities to de-escalate the situation at the Polytechnic University - where about 100 protesters are holed up - and address the humanitarian situation of those inside "which is clearly deteriorating". Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday she hoped the standoff between police and a group of anti-government protesters at the university could be resolved and she had told police to handle it humanely. Dozens of Hong Kong protesters staged a dramatic escape from a university campus sealed off by police on Monday by shimmying down plastic hosing from a bridge and fleeing on waiting motorbikes as the police fired projectiles. Many more anti-government protesters remained trapped inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and two prominent figures were allowed by police onto the campus late on Monday to mediate, a sign that there is a growing risk of bloodshed. Polytechnic University in Hong Kong's Kowloon district is at the centre of a standoff in the past week that has seen the most intense violence in five months of anti-government demonstrations. Some of the protesters who escaped on Monday lowered themselves several metres from a bridge they had occupied on the campus to a flyover below. They then sped off on the back of motorcycles that were already waiting or arrived quickly. A number of them appeared subsequently to have been arrested, a Reuters witness said. Other protesters, hurling petrol bombs, tried repeatedly to break into the campus but police fired tear gas and water cannon to push them back. The United States expressed concern about the situation but China's ambassador to London accused Western countries of interfering.

U.N. decries Hong Kong protesters' violence, calls for calm

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