Hong Kong has fallen into recession, hit by more than five months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-in-hong-kong-continue-rally-against-police-brutality-258386">anti-government protests</a> that show no signs of relenting, and is unlikely to achieve annual economic growth this year, the city's Financial Secretary said.

"The blow to our economy is comprehensive," Paul Chan said in a blog post on Sunday, adding that a preliminary estimate for third-quarter GDP on Thursday would show two successive quarters of contraction - the technical definition of a recession.

He also said it would be "extremely difficult" to achieve the government's pre-protest forecast of 0-1 per cent&nbsp;annual economic growth.

Protests in the former British colony have reached their<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-clear-rally-258401"> 21st week</a>. On Sunday, black-clad and masked demonstrators set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

Protesters have routinely torched store fronts and businesses including banks, particularly those owned by mainland Chinese companies and vandalised the city's metro system<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952"> MTR Corp </a>as they view it as acting at the government's behest to curtail protests.

The MTR has shut services early for the past few weeks and said it will close around two hours earlier than normal on Monday by 11 p.m. to repair damaged facilities.

Tourists numbers have plummeted, a decline Chan called an "emergency" with the drop in visitor numbers worsening in October, down nearly 50 percent.

Retail operators, from prime shopping malls to mom and pop businesses, have been forced to shutter for multiple days over the past few months.

While authorities have announced measures to support local small and medium seized enterprises, Chan said the measures could only "slightly reduce the pressure".

"Let citizens return to normal life, let industry and commerce to operate normally, and create more space for rational dialogue," he wrote.

Protesters are angry about what they view as increasing interference by Beijing in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland.

China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble.

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Hong Kong has fallen into recession, hit by more than five months of anti-government protests that show no signs of relenting, and is unlikely to achieve annual economic growth this year, the city's Financial Secretary said.

Hong Kong has fallen into recession, hit by more than five months of anti-government protests that show no signs of relenting, and is unlikely to achieve annual economic growth this year, the city's Financial Secretary said. "The blow to our economy is comprehensive," Paul Chan said in a blog post on Sunday, adding that a preliminary estimate for third-quarter GDP on Thursday would show two successive quarters of contraction - the technical definition of a recession. He also said it would be "extremely difficult" to achieve the government's pre-protest forecast of 0-1 per cent annual economic growth. Protests in the former British colony have reached their 21st week. On Sunday, black-clad and masked demonstrators set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Protesters have routinely torched store fronts and businesses including banks, particularly those owned by mainland Chinese companies and vandalised the city's metro system MTR Corp as they view it as acting at the government's behest to curtail protests. The MTR has shut services early for the past few weeks and said it will close around two hours earlier than normal on Monday by 11 p.m. to repair damaged facilities. Tourists numbers have plummeted, a decline Chan called an "emergency" with the drop in visitor numbers worsening in October, down nearly 50 percent. Retail operators, from prime shopping malls to mom and pop businesses, have been forced to shutter for multiple days over the past few months. While authorities have announced measures to support local small and medium seized enterprises, Chan said the measures could only "slightly reduce the pressure". "Let citizens return to normal life, let industry and commerce to operate normally, and create more space for rational dialogue," he wrote. Protesters are angry about what they view as increasing interference by Beijing in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland. China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble.

Hong Kong enters recession as protests show no sign of relenting

Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters, many wearing banned face masks, who converged on the Kowloon harbour-front tourist district on Sunday (October 27) to denounce perceived police brutality over months of unrest.

Protests in Hong Kong continue; Rally against police brutality

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-medics-join-anti-government-protests-to-resist-tyranny-258280">Hong Kong </a>riot police turned out in force on Sunday as thousands of protesters, many wearing now-banned face masks, converged on the Kowloon harbour front to denounce perceived police brutality over months of clashes in the Chinese-ruled city.

Police arrived early, warning protesters to disperse from the tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui, opposite the British colonial-era Peninsula Hotel, forming cordons and fuelling expectations they were ready to stop the rally before it was in full swing.

The number of protesters was growing by the minute, streaming down the hotel and shopping artery of Nathan Road to the water's edge, facing the skyline of Hong Kong island opposite.

Police detained some protesters as they gathered, many yelling profanities while police used loudhailers to warn others away.

The rallying cry of the protesters is also for the protection of "Muslims, journalists and the people".

A police water cannon fired bursts of blue-dyed water at a small group of people outside a mosque during protests in Tsim Sha Tsui last Sunday, drawing criticism from some in the Muslim community.

Billy, 26, a salesman, who did not want to give his full name, said he turned out on Sunday because he was angry at the spraying of the mosque.

"Hong Kong people, regardless of our religion ... we come here to say no to our totalitarian government," he told Reuters, adding he wanted to protest peacefully. "I have a little bit of fear ... because our police sometimes they are uncontrollable and they threaten the safety of our people.”

Cindy Chu, 65, a retired nurse, said the police used to be a force for good.

"It's so simple. They are disturbing the Hong Kong people," she said. "And what for? What authority do they have to do that? It's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-bans-publishing-police-details-including-photos-258220">Hong Kong</a>, not China."

Chu said she was there to support journalists. When asked if she really wanted to give her full name, she said: "I am not afraid. If Hong Kong people are afraid of things like that, then the ending is not good."

Pro-democracy activists have in recent weeks attacked police with petrol bombs and rocks and slashed one officer in the neck with a knife. Police have responded with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds, wounding several protesters and a few journalists.

Police deny accusations of brutality, saying they have shown restraint in life-threatening situations. There has been a week-long lull in clashes.

Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping Chinese interference in Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms that are not enjoyed on the mainland.

China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of inciting the unrest.

Hong Kong riot police turned out in force on Sunday as thousands of protesters, many wearing now-banned face masks, converged on the Kowloon harbour front to denounce perceived police brutality over months of clashes in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong riot police turned out in force on Sunday as thousands of protesters, many wearing now-banned face masks, converged on the Kowloon harbour front to denounce perceived police brutality over months of clashes in the Chinese-ruled city. Police arrived early, warning protesters to disperse from the tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui, opposite the British colonial-era Peninsula Hotel, forming cordons and fuelling expectations they were ready to stop the rally before it was in full swing. The number of protesters was growing by the minute, streaming down the hotel and shopping artery of Nathan Road to the water's edge, facing the skyline of Hong Kong island opposite. Police detained some protesters as they gathered, many yelling profanities while police used loudhailers to warn others away. The rallying cry of the protesters is also for the protection of "Muslims, journalists and the people". A police water cannon fired bursts of blue-dyed water at a small group of people outside a mosque during protests in Tsim Sha Tsui last Sunday, drawing criticism from some in the Muslim community. Billy, 26, a salesman, who did not want to give his full name, said he turned out on Sunday because he was angry at the spraying of the mosque. "Hong Kong people, regardless of our religion ... we come here to say no to our totalitarian government," he told Reuters, adding he wanted to protest peacefully. "I have a little bit of fear ... because our police sometimes they are uncontrollable and they threaten the safety of our people.” Cindy Chu, 65, a retired nurse, said the police used to be a force for good. "It's so simple. They are disturbing the Hong Kong people," she said. "And what for? What authority do they have to do that? It's Hong Kong, not China." Chu said she was there to support journalists. When asked if she really wanted to give her full name, she said: "I am not afraid. If Hong Kong people are afraid of things like that, then the ending is not good." Pro-democracy activists have in recent weeks attacked police with petrol bombs and rocks and slashed one officer in the neck with a knife. Police have responded with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds, wounding several protesters and a few journalists. Police deny accusations of brutality, saying they have shown restraint in life-threatening situations. There has been a week-long lull in clashes. Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping Chinese interference in Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms that are not enjoyed on the mainland. China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of inciting the unrest.

Hong Kong unrest: Protesters gather in force, rally against police brutality

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US&nbsp;company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

In a major policy speech on China that touched on an array of disputes ahead of talks with Beijing to ease a trade war, Pence said the United States does not seek confrontation or to "de-couple" from its main economic rival.

But he pulled no punches when addressing some of the political rifts between the two countries.

Criticizing China's construction of a "surveillance state," and "increasingly provocative" military action, Pence held up Taiwan's Democracy as a better path for Chinese people and took Beijing to task for its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for more than four months.

"Hong Kong is a living example of what can happen when China embraces liberty," he said. "And yet, for the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties that Hong Kong's people were guaranteed through a binding international agreement."

He said the United States stands with the protesters in Hong Kong, millions of whom have taken to the streets in sometimes violent clashes over what they see as China's tightening grip.

"We stand with you, we are inspired by you. We urge you to stay on the path of non-violent protest," Pence said in his address at a Washington think tank.

He also slammed China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region.

Pence directed some of his harshest words at sports apparel giant Nike and the NBA, which he accused of siding with China's Communist Party over freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

The vice president, who is often the face of the Trump administration's tougher policies on China, said the NBA and Nike had failed to defend basketball team Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, after he tweeted support of Hong Kong protesters earlier this month.

"Some of the NBA's biggest players and owners, who routinely exercise their freedom to criticize this country, lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of other peoples," he said.

By "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime," Pence said.

Nike stores in China removed Rockets merchandise after Beijing criticized Morey, Pence noted.

"Nike promotes itself as a so-called social-justice champion, but when it comes to Hong Kong, it prefers checking its social conscience at the door," he said.

Pence said "far too many American multinational corporations have kowtowed to the lure of China's money and markets by muzzling not only criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, but even affirmative expressions of American values."

Nike, the NBA and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the remarks.

Influential Chinese state-backed newspaper the Global Times, however, said in an editorial that while Pence reiterated many of his previous criticisms, there was still "room for optimism."

"He emphasized the US&nbsp;does not want to 'decouple' and repeated how US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is willing to start a new future with China," it said.

Trade talks

The closely watched speech set a discordant tone just weeks before a summit in Chile where US&nbsp;President Donald Trump hopes to finalize a partial trade deal with China's Xi Jinping.

The S&amp;P 500 US&nbsp;stock index briefly moved lower after his comments.

Analysts said Pence's speech appeared aimed at keeping the way open for a trade deal while seeking to convince Trump's support base that he was tough on China going into the 2020 election.

Douglas Paal, a China expert with Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called it "a superficial and political speech, not a guiding strategic document."

Scott Kennedy, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, saw it as a bid to provide a rationale for "policy moves on security, economics and politics which originally were much less coordinated and less integrated."

A new round of talks between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese officials to try to end the bruising trade dispute is set for Friday.

The United States launched a trade war with China 15 months ago, alleging unfair trading practices such as theft of US&nbsp;intellectual property and generous industrial subsidies at the expense of foreign competitors.

Fears of antagonizing Beijing had prompted the White House to postpone Pence's speech, which was originally scheduled for June, ahead of a meeting Trump and Xi aimed at getting trade talks back on track.

Many China watchers had expected Pence to tread lightly on sensitive topics on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the bombastic tone of his first major China policy address a year ago. But some saw signs of a rapprochement as well.

"In contrast to the Hudson Institute speech of October 2018, the Vice President's equally hard-hitting Wilson speech offered the beginnings of a positive vision for US-China relations," said Robert Daly of the Kissinger Institute on China.

Pence said the United States was "not seeking to contain China's development." "We want a constructive relationship with China's leaders," he said, calling on Beijing to "seize this unique moment in history to start anew by ending the trade practices that have taken advantage of the American people for far too long."

US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech. In a major policy speech on China that touched on an array of disputes ahead of talks with Beijing to ease a trade war, Pence said the United States does not seek confrontation or to "de-couple" from its main economic rival. But he pulled no punches when addressing some of the political rifts between the two countries. Criticizing China's construction of a "surveillance state," and "increasingly provocative" military action, Pence held up Taiwan's Democracy as a better path for Chinese people and took Beijing to task for its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for more than four months. "Hong Kong is a living example of what can happen when China embraces liberty," he said. "And yet, for the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties that Hong Kong's people were guaranteed through a binding international agreement." He said the United States stands with the protesters in Hong Kong, millions of whom have taken to the streets in sometimes violent clashes over what they see as China's tightening grip. "We stand with you, we are inspired by you. We urge you to stay on the path of non-violent protest," Pence said in his address at a Washington think tank. He also slammed China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region. Pence directed some of his harshest words at sports apparel giant Nike and the NBA, which he accused of siding with China's Communist Party over freedom of speech in Hong Kong. The vice president, who is often the face of the Trump administration's tougher policies on China, said the NBA and Nike had failed to defend basketball team Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, after he tweeted support of Hong Kong protesters earlier this month. "Some of the NBA's biggest players and owners, who routinely exercise their freedom to criticize this country, lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of other peoples," he said. By "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime," Pence said. Nike stores in China removed Rockets merchandise after Beijing criticized Morey, Pence noted. "Nike promotes itself as a so-called social-justice champion, but when it comes to Hong Kong, it prefers checking its social conscience at the door," he said. Pence said "far too many American multinational corporations have kowtowed to the lure of China's money and markets by muzzling not only criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, but even affirmative expressions of American values." Nike, the NBA and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the remarks. Influential Chinese state-backed newspaper the Global Times, however, said in an editorial that while Pence reiterated many of his previous criticisms, there was still "room for optimism." "He emphasized the US does not want to 'decouple' and repeated how US President Donald Trump is willing to start a new future with China," it said. Trade talks The closely watched speech set a discordant tone just weeks before a summit in Chile where US President Donald Trump hopes to finalize a partial trade deal with China's Xi Jinping. The S&P 500 US stock index briefly moved lower after his comments. Analysts said Pence's speech appeared aimed at keeping the way open for a trade deal while seeking to convince Trump's support base that he was tough on China going into the 2020 election. Douglas Paal, a China expert with Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called it "a superficial and political speech, not a guiding strategic document." Scott Kennedy, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, saw it as a bid to provide a rationale for "policy moves on security, economics and politics which originally were much less coordinated and less integrated." A new round of talks between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese officials to try to end the bruising trade dispute is set for Friday. The United States launched a trade war with China 15 months ago, alleging unfair trading practices such as theft of US intellectual property and generous industrial subsidies at the expense of foreign competitors. Fears of antagonizing Beijing had prompted the White House to postpone Pence's speech, which was originally scheduled for June, ahead of a meeting Trump and Xi aimed at getting trade talks back on track. Many China watchers had expected Pence to tread lightly on sensitive topics on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the bombastic tone of his first major China policy address a year ago. But some saw signs of a rapprochement as well. "In contrast to the Hudson Institute speech of October 2018, the Vice President's equally hard-hitting Wilson speech offered the beginnings of a positive vision for US-China relations," said Robert Daly of the Kissinger Institute on China. Pence said the United States was "not seeking to contain China's development." "We want a constructive relationship with China's leaders," he said, calling on Beijing to "seize this unique moment in history to start anew by ending the trade practices that have taken advantage of the American people for far too long."

Pence backs Hong Kong protests in China speech, slams NBA and Nike

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-terror-hong-kongs-china-critics-beaten-in-targeted-attacks-257848">Hong Kong</a> is gearing up for what is expected to be a relatively quiet weekend of protests, although there is no sign that anti-government activists are backing down on their calls for greater democracy and other demands.

Hundreds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-to-rally-in-support-of-catalan-activists-257825">Hong Kong protesters</a>, some waving Catalan flags and banners urging "a fight for freedom together", rallied in support of a separate Catalonia on Thursday, broaching an issue that is anathema to the city's rulers in Beijing.

Hong Kong is now in its fifth month of protests, which have plunged it into its biggest political crisis in decades and taken a heavy toll on the economy.

A rally dubbed "Medical Workers Resisting Tyranny" is planned at Chater Garden in the heart of the financial centre on Saturday evening, with another protest, "Fight Against Police Brutality, Stand with Muslims, Citizens and Journalists", due to take place on Sunday across the harbour in Kowloon district.

A police water cannon truck shot bursts of blue-dyed water at a small clutch of people on the footpath outside a mosque during protests in Kowloon on Sunday, hitting its gate and steps, drawing criticism from some in the Muslim community.

Police, already facing criticism for heavy-handed tactics, issued a statement saying the incident was "most unfortunate" and unintended, while senior officers went to meet Muslim leaders late at night to offer apologies.

Hong Kong was returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that allowed it to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

However, many Hong Kong residents are angry at what they see as a relentless march towards mainland control.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused China on Thursday of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted U.S. company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

The Chinese central government has condemned the protests and accused foreign powers of fuelling unrest. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly warned other nations against interfering in Hong Kong, reiterating that it was an "internal affair".

Hong Kong is gearing up for what is expected to be a relatively quiet weekend of protests, although there is no sign that anti-government activists are backing down on their calls for greater democracy and other demands.

Hong Kong is gearing up for what is expected to be a relatively quiet weekend of protests, although there is no sign that anti-government activists are backing down on their calls for greater democracy and other demands. Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters, some waving Catalan flags and banners urging "a fight for freedom together", rallied in support of a separate Catalonia on Thursday, broaching an issue that is anathema to the city's rulers in Beijing. Hong Kong is now in its fifth month of protests, which have plunged it into its biggest political crisis in decades and taken a heavy toll on the economy. A rally dubbed "Medical Workers Resisting Tyranny" is planned at Chater Garden in the heart of the financial centre on Saturday evening, with another protest, "Fight Against Police Brutality, Stand with Muslims, Citizens and Journalists", due to take place on Sunday across the harbour in Kowloon district. A police water cannon truck shot bursts of blue-dyed water at a small clutch of people on the footpath outside a mosque during protests in Kowloon on Sunday, hitting its gate and steps, drawing criticism from some in the Muslim community. Police, already facing criticism for heavy-handed tactics, issued a statement saying the incident was "most unfortunate" and unintended, while senior officers went to meet Muslim leaders late at night to offer apologies. Hong Kong was returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that allowed it to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest. However, many Hong Kong residents are angry at what they see as a relentless march towards mainland control. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused China on Thursday of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted U.S. company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech. The Chinese central government has condemned the protests and accused foreign powers of fuelling unrest. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly warned other nations against interfering in Hong Kong, reiterating that it was an "internal affair".

Hong Kong set for more subdued, quiet weekend of protests

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters, some waving Catalan flags and banners urging to "fight for freedom together", rallied in support of a separate Catalonia on Thursday (October 24), broaching an issue that is anathema to Hong Kong's Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Hong Kong Protesters rally for Catalan Freedom

Beijing slammed US Vice President Mike Pence for his "arrogance and hypocrisy" on Friday after he voiced support for Hong Kong democracy protesters and accused the NBA of kowtowing to China.

Beijing slammed US Vice President Mike Pence for his "arrogance and hypocrisy" on Friday after he voiced support for Hong Kong democracy protesters and accused the NBA of kowtowing to China. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing that the United States should "cease expressing irresponsible opinions". In a wide-ranging speech on US-China relations, Pence on Thursday also lashed Beijing over its trading behaviour, assertive military posture and treatment of religious minorities. Pence rebuked the NBA for "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech" over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey earlier this month that voiced support for demonstrations in Hong Kong. China, a major basketball market, retaliated by ending sponsorships and cancelling broadcasts of two pre-season games held in the country. NBA commissioner Adam Silver later said China had asked the NBA to fire Morey, which Beijing has denied. Hua hit out at the US on Friday for losing "all trace of morality and trustworthiness" and urged Washington to "cease actions that harm the relations and mutual trust between the two countries". She accused Pence of "attempting to distract the American public by slandering other countries" and decried the United States' "stubborn withdrawal from international treaties and agreements". Pence's speech was billed as follow-up to an address he gave last year in which he accused China of improperly seeking to influence congressional elections to defeat US President Trump. Pence, who also said the US ultimately wanted a "constructive" relationship with China, made his remarks at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars amid ongoing negotiations over a deal between the trade-war rivals. "The United States does not seek confrontation with China. We seek a level playing field, open markets, fair trade and respect for our values," Pence said. Trump said on Monday that he expected to "sign a completed document with China on phase one" next month. Hua warned on Friday that "China-US relations are at a crucial stage." The protests that have wracked semi-autonomous Hong Kong for months have been met with rare bipartisan support in the US. The House of Representatives passed a bill on October 15 that would end Hong Kong's special trading status unless the State Department certifies annually that Hong Kong authorities are respecting human rights and the rule of law.

China blasts 'arrogance and hypocrisy' of US Vice President Pence speech

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668">Hong Kong protesters</a> plan to rally on Thursday evening to show solidarity with people demonstrating in Spain's wealthiest region of Catalonia over jail sentences handed out to nine separatist leaders.

The protests in Catalonia share some noticeable comparisons with the demonstrations in Hong Kong, where millions have taken to the streets for five months to vent their anger over what they see as Beijing's tightening grip on the city.

Most protesters in Hong Kong want greater democracy, among other demands, although a small minority are calling for independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Independence is also a highly divisive issue in Catalonia, which, like Hong Kong, has more than 7 million inhabitants, its own language, parliament and flag.

Some demonstrators waved the Catalonian flag at a protest in Hong Kong on Sunday, while activists in Spain's northeastern region have adopted some of the tactics used by people in the Chinese-ruled city.

Students in Catalonia have boycotted classes, while protesters there have focused on strategic targets to cause maximum disruption, including the international airport serving Barcelona - similar to strategies used by Hong Kong activists.

Catalonian demonstrators are angry at what they see as attempts to thwart their desire for greater autonomy from the rest of Spain, fears that resonate with many protesters in the former British colony of Hong Kong.

Some Hong Kong protesters are going online ahead of the demonstration to urge people not to attend, saying it is too provocative and risks denting international support for their cause.

Hong Kong authorities formally banned a group promoting independence from China in September last year, the first outlawing of a political organisation since the handover.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover from Britain, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest.

However, many Hong Kong residents are angry at what they see as a relentless march towards mainland control.

Hong Kong's legislature formally withdrew on Wednesday planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, a bill that triggered the unrest, but the move was unlikely to end the protests because it met just one of the pro-democracy demonstrators' five demands.

Hong Kong protesters plan to rally on Thursday evening to show solidarity with people demonstrating in Spain's wealthiest region of Catalonia over jail sentences handed out to nine separatist leaders.

Hong Kong protesters plan to rally on Thursday evening to show solidarity with people demonstrating in Spain's wealthiest region of Catalonia over jail sentences handed out to nine separatist leaders. The protests in Catalonia share some noticeable comparisons with the demonstrations in Hong Kong, where millions have taken to the streets for five months to vent their anger over what they see as Beijing's tightening grip on the city. Most protesters in Hong Kong want greater democracy, among other demands, although a small minority are calling for independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Independence is also a highly divisive issue in Catalonia, which, like Hong Kong, has more than 7 million inhabitants, its own language, parliament and flag. Some demonstrators waved the Catalonian flag at a protest in Hong Kong on Sunday, while activists in Spain's northeastern region have adopted some of the tactics used by people in the Chinese-ruled city. Students in Catalonia have boycotted classes, while protesters there have focused on strategic targets to cause maximum disruption, including the international airport serving Barcelona - similar to strategies used by Hong Kong activists. Catalonian demonstrators are angry at what they see as attempts to thwart their desire for greater autonomy from the rest of Spain, fears that resonate with many protesters in the former British colony of Hong Kong. Some Hong Kong protesters are going online ahead of the demonstration to urge people not to attend, saying it is too provocative and risks denting international support for their cause. Hong Kong authorities formally banned a group promoting independence from China in September last year, the first outlawing of a political organisation since the handover. Under the terms of the 1997 handover from Britain, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest. However, many Hong Kong residents are angry at what they see as a relentless march towards mainland control. Hong Kong's legislature formally withdrew on Wednesday planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, a bill that triggered the unrest, but the move was unlikely to end the protests because it met just one of the pro-democracy demonstrators' five demands.

Hong Kong protesters to rally in support of Catalan activists

Hong Kong's legislature on Wednesday (October 23) formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-plans-to-replace-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-report-257610"> mainland China</a>, after enduring five months of unrest in the city.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June. An earlier opportunity to withdraw was lost last Wednesday (October 16) when pro-democracy lawmakers heckled Lam and forced the suspension of the parliament.

If the bill was passed into law, residents could be extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary.

Despite the withdrawal, Hong Kong is not likely to see an end to months of unrest, as the move met just one of five demands of pro-democracy protesters, who were also calling for Lam to stand down and for an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality.

Hong Kong's legislature on Wednesday (October 23) formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, after enduring five months of unrest in the city.

Hong Kong's legislature on Wednesday (October 23) formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, after enduring five months of unrest in the city. Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June. An earlier opportunity to withdraw was lost last Wednesday (October 16) when pro-democracy lawmakers heckled Lam and forced the suspension of the parliament. If the bill was passed into law, residents could be extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary. Despite the withdrawal, Hong Kong is not likely to see an end to months of unrest, as the move met just one of five demands of pro-democracy protesters, who were also calling for Lam to stand down and for an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality.

Hong Kong legislature officially kills controversial extradition bill

Season of discontent: A look at protests across the world

Hong Kong released a murder suspect in a case that indirectly sparked mass protests in opposition to an unpopular extradition bill.

Hong Kong releases murder suspect Chan Tong-kai

Hong Kong's embattled government announced extra financial support on Tuesday for the Chinese-ruled city battered by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-and-water-cannon-as-crowds-defy-hong-kong-rally-ban-257060">political unrest</a> and facing its first recession in a decade.

Massive and violent anti-government protests over the past five months have shaken Hong Kong's reputation as an Asian financial centre and damaged its all important tourism and retail sectors, with many businesses forced to close.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced relief measures of $255 million&nbsp;to support the city's economy, particularly in its transport, tourism and retail industries.

"Since the economic situation is worsening quite fast, we rolled out this package to target certain sectors which are hard hit," Chan told a news conference.

The move follows a $2.4 billion&nbsp;package in August to support the underprivileged and businesses, and Chan said more assistance would be given if needed. The support measures would ultimately increase the "probability of a fiscal deficit", but the government's finances were strong, he said.

A government colleague said the best medicine for the economy would be fewer, less violent protests.

"If society could come to harmony, with less demonstrations, and perhaps the stoppage of violence, that would help even more than what we can offer," Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan told the news conference.

As yet, there seems no end in sight to the pro-democracy protests, or the violent ways of hardcore activists who have fought with police, throwing petrol bombs and bricks.

After a few weeks of relative calm, a massive march on Sunday by tens of thousands of protesters, ranging from young students to the elderly, descended in chaos with riot police and black-clad protesters staging running clashes into the night.

On Monday night riot police again fired tear gas to disperse smaller <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-democracy-crowds-defy-police-after-activists-attacked-257019">groups of protesters</a> and were jeered by angry residents who believe police are using excessive force.

The unrest was sparked by concerns Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong and has developed into worst political crisis since Britain handed the city back to China in 1997.

It also poses the biggest popular challenge to China's President Xi Jinping since he came to power. Xi has warned he would crush any attempt to split China.

China has rejected charges it is eroding Hong Kong's freedoms under a "one country, two systems" rule which allows the city 's residents more freedoms than on the mainland.

Beijing says nations, like Britain and the United States, are inciting the unrest.

During the clashes the past few months, police have fired more than 3,000 rounds of tear gas and hundreds of rubber bullets against protesters throwing petrol bombs and bricks. Police said protesters detonated a small home made bomb, but no one was hurt.

Two people have been shot and wounded by police and thousands injured since the protests escalated in June. More than 2,600 people have been arrested, one as young as 12.

The Hong Kong government will have a chance on Wednesday to formally withdraw a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extradition-bill-fury-likely-to-fuel-numbers-at-hong-kong-annual-rally-231787"> China extradition bill</a>, one of the protesters five demands, when it receives a second reading in the Legislative Council.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June, but it has still to be formally withdrawn.

An earlier opportunity was lost last Wednesday when heckling pro-democracy lawmakers forced the suspension of the parliament.

If the bill was passed into law, residents could extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary.

Even if the government does withdraw it, the move is not expected to end the unrest which has widened into a pro-democracy movement fuelled by grievances such as social inequality and claims of police brutality.

Protesters are now also demanding universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police actions, an amnesty for those arrested in protests, and an end to labelling protesters as rioters. Rioting carries a maximum 10-year jail term.

Lam has rejected those four demands, steadfastly defending police actions and calling for protesters to stop the violence.

She has further infuriated protesters by invoking a colonial-era emergency law banning face masks at pubic rallies. Protesters and residents have been defying the ban, despite the risk of a maximum one-year jail term.

Hong Kong's embattled government announced extra financial support on Tuesday for the Chinese-ruled city battered by political unrest and facing its first recession in a decade.

Hong Kong's embattled government announced extra financial support on Tuesday for the Chinese-ruled city battered by political unrest and facing its first recession in a decade. Massive and violent anti-government protests over the past five months have shaken Hong Kong's reputation as an Asian financial centre and damaged its all important tourism and retail sectors, with many businesses forced to close. Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced relief measures of $255 million to support the city's economy, particularly in its transport, tourism and retail industries. "Since the economic situation is worsening quite fast, we rolled out this package to target certain sectors which are hard hit," Chan told a news conference. The move follows a $2.4 billion package in August to support the underprivileged and businesses, and Chan said more assistance would be given if needed. The support measures would ultimately increase the "probability of a fiscal deficit", but the government's finances were strong, he said. A government colleague said the best medicine for the economy would be fewer, less violent protests. "If society could come to harmony, with less demonstrations, and perhaps the stoppage of violence, that would help even more than what we can offer," Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan told the news conference. As yet, there seems no end in sight to the pro-democracy protests, or the violent ways of hardcore activists who have fought with police, throwing petrol bombs and bricks. After a few weeks of relative calm, a massive march on Sunday by tens of thousands of protesters, ranging from young students to the elderly, descended in chaos with riot police and black-clad protesters staging running clashes into the night. On Monday night riot police again fired tear gas to disperse smaller groups of protesters and were jeered by angry residents who believe police are using excessive force. The unrest was sparked by concerns Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong and has developed into worst political crisis since Britain handed the city back to China in 1997. It also poses the biggest popular challenge to China's President Xi Jinping since he came to power. Xi has warned he would crush any attempt to split China. China has rejected charges it is eroding Hong Kong's freedoms under a "one country, two systems" rule which allows the city 's residents more freedoms than on the mainland. Beijing says nations, like Britain and the United States, are inciting the unrest. During the clashes the past few months, police have fired more than 3,000 rounds of tear gas and hundreds of rubber bullets against protesters throwing petrol bombs and bricks. Police said protesters detonated a small home made bomb, but no one was hurt. Two people have been shot and wounded by police and thousands injured since the protests escalated in June. More than 2,600 people have been arrested, one as young as 12. The Hong Kong government will have a chance on Wednesday to formally withdraw a China extradition bill, one of the protesters five demands, when it receives a second reading in the Legislative Council. Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June, but it has still to be formally withdrawn. An earlier opportunity was lost last Wednesday when heckling pro-democracy lawmakers forced the suspension of the parliament. If the bill was passed into law, residents could extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary. Even if the government does withdraw it, the move is not expected to end the unrest which has widened into a pro-democracy movement fuelled by grievances such as social inequality and claims of police brutality. Protesters are now also demanding universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police actions, an amnesty for those arrested in protests, and an end to labelling protesters as rioters. Rioting carries a maximum 10-year jail term. Lam has rejected those four demands, steadfastly defending police actions and calling for protesters to stop the violence. She has further infuriated protesters by invoking a colonial-era emergency law banning face masks at pubic rallies. Protesters and residents have been defying the ban, despite the risk of a maximum one-year jail term.

Hong Kong government pledges more aid to battered city, no end in sight to unrest

Hong Kong residents said on Monday (October 21) that anti-government protesters and police both "overreacted" after a largely peaceful protest degenerated into violence on the Kowloon peninsula, with shops destroyed and ATM torched.

Hong Kong residents blame police and protesters for overreacting after violent protests

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unrest-continuous-in-hong-kong-protesters-call-for-march-256872">illegal march</a> on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters.

But thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of rallies and political unrest.

Tensions were already running high before the march was banned. On Wednesday night the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised</a> by men wielding hammers.

Then on Saturday night a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach.

Footage posted on social media showed the alleged assailant shouting shortly after the knife attack: "Hong Kong is part of China... (You) messed up Hong Kong".

Figo Chan, from the Civil Human Rights Front -- Sham's group -- said democracy supporters needed to show they remained unbowed.

"If we don't come out tomorrow, then violence will prevail and escalate: the violence inflicted by the regime, the police and local triads," he told reporters Saturday.

Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide.

In recent weeks pro-democracy supporters have badly beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests.

In contrast, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way, with at least eight prominent government critics, including politicians, beaten by unknown assailants since mid-August.

Protesters have labelled the attacks "white terror" and accused the city's shadowy organised crime groups of forming an alliance with Beijing supporters.

Beijing has denounced the protests as a foreign-backed plot and condemned attacks on those voicing support for China.

But it has remained largely silent on the attacks carried out against pro-democracy figures.

Security was ramped up ahead of Sunday's march with key subway stations near the gathering shuttered early and a ring of steel thrown up around a nearby terminus for high-speed trains to mainland China.

Hong Kong has been battered by 20 weeks of pro-democracy protests which have seen millions peacefully take to the streets.

But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and smaller groups of hardcore activists.

With no political solution in sight, the clashes have intensified each month.

Hardliners have embraced widespread vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police have responded with increasing volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds.

The rallies were triggered by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. But they morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line.

Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam.

Earlier this month city leader Lam invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks.

The decision set off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network.

In the last fortnight, the clashes have become less intense with the city's subway closing each night at 10pm.

But protests have continued with many defying the mask ban during "flashmob" rallies.

On Friday night thousands gathered outside subway stations in an array of face masks while on Saturday night hundreds of mostly masked protesters held a prayer vigil in the commercial district.

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters. Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters. But thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of rallies and political unrest. Tensions were already running high before the march was banned. On Wednesday night the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers. Then on Saturday night a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach. Footage posted on social media showed the alleged assailant shouting shortly after the knife attack: "Hong Kong is part of China... (You) messed up Hong Kong". Figo Chan, from the Civil Human Rights Front -- Sham's group -- said democracy supporters needed to show they remained unbowed. "If we don't come out tomorrow, then violence will prevail and escalate: the violence inflicted by the regime, the police and local triads," he told reporters Saturday. Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide. In recent weeks pro-democracy supporters have badly beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests. In contrast, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way, with at least eight prominent government critics, including politicians, beaten by unknown assailants since mid-August. Protesters have labelled the attacks "white terror" and accused the city's shadowy organised crime groups of forming an alliance with Beijing supporters. Beijing has denounced the protests as a foreign-backed plot and condemned attacks on those voicing support for China. But it has remained largely silent on the attacks carried out against pro-democracy figures. Security was ramped up ahead of Sunday's march with key subway stations near the gathering shuttered early and a ring of steel thrown up around a nearby terminus for high-speed trains to mainland China. Hong Kong has been battered by 20 weeks of pro-democracy protests which have seen millions peacefully take to the streets. But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and smaller groups of hardcore activists. With no political solution in sight, the clashes have intensified each month. Hardliners have embraced widespread vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police have responded with increasing volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds. The rallies were triggered by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. But they morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line. Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam. Earlier this month city leader Lam invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks. The decision set off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network. In the last fortnight, the clashes have become less intense with the city's subway closing each night at 10pm. But protests have continued with many defying the mask ban during "flashmob" rallies. On Friday night thousands gathered outside subway stations in an array of face masks while on Saturday night hundreds of mostly masked protesters held a prayer vigil in the commercial district.

Hong Kong unrest: Democracy crowds defy police after activists attacked

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at Hong Kongers who defied authorities with an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-democracy-crowds-defy-police-after-activists-attacked-257019">illegal march </a>on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">recent stabbing</a>&nbsp;and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters.

But tens of thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless, as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of protests and political unrest.

In a now-familiar pattern, the rally began peacefully but quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters hurled petrol bombs at a police station, subway entrances and at Chinese mainland bank branches.

Police responded with multiple volleys of tear gas.&nbsp;

At one point a water cannon truck chased thousands of protesters down Nathan Road, one of the city's busiest shopping thoroughfares, leaving it streaked with blue-dye from the vehicle's turrets.

The dye, used to identify protesters, also contains a pepper solution which burns the skin on contact.

As the protesters fled the streets, front-liners stayed behind to slow the advance of riot police, setting fire to makeshift barricades.&nbsp;

Tensions were running high after the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers earlier in the week.

Then on Saturday night, a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach, reportedly by an assailant who later shouted pro-Beijing slogans.&nbsp;

Many on Sunday's march said they wanted to show they were unbowed by the attacks and authorities increasingly banning public gatherings.&nbsp;

"The more they suppress, the more we resist," a 69-year-old protester, who gave her surname as Yeung, told AFP. "Can police arrest us all, tens of thousands of people?"

Philip Tsoi, a self-described frontline protester, said they needed to keep getting numbers out even though many more hardcore activists like him had been "arrested or wounded" in recent weeks.&nbsp;

"What I want is a truly democratic government whose leader is elected by Hong Kong people instead of selected by a Communist regime," he told AFP. 
&nbsp;

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at Hong Kongers who defied authorities with an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at Hong Kongers who defied authorities with an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters. Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters. But tens of thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless, as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of protests and political unrest. In a now-familiar pattern, the rally began peacefully but quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters hurled petrol bombs at a police station, subway entrances and at Chinese mainland bank branches. Police responded with multiple volleys of tear gas. At one point a water cannon truck chased thousands of protesters down Nathan Road, one of the city's busiest shopping thoroughfares, leaving it streaked with blue-dye from the vehicle's turrets. The dye, used to identify protesters, also contains a pepper solution which burns the skin on contact. As the protesters fled the streets, front-liners stayed behind to slow the advance of riot police, setting fire to makeshift barricades. Tensions were running high after the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers earlier in the week. Then on Saturday night, a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach, reportedly by an assailant who later shouted pro-Beijing slogans. Many on Sunday's march said they wanted to show they were unbowed by the attacks and authorities increasingly banning public gatherings. "The more they suppress, the more we resist," a 69-year-old protester, who gave her surname as Yeung, told AFP. "Can police arrest us all, tens of thousands of people?" Philip Tsoi, a self-described frontline protester, said they needed to keep getting numbers out even though many more hardcore activists like him had been "arrested or wounded" in recent weeks. "What I want is a truly democratic government whose leader is elected by Hong Kong people instead of selected by a Communist regime," he told AFP.

Police use tear gas and water cannon as crowds defy Hong Kong rally ban

Unrest continuous in Hong Kong, Protesters call for March. Protesters defy the mask ban. Watch this video to know more.

Unrest continuous in Hong Kong, Protesters call for March

Hong&nbsp;Kong's&nbsp;Cathay&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;Airways Ltd&nbsp;on Friday lowered its&nbsp;expectations&nbsp;for&nbsp;full-year&nbsp;profit&nbsp;due to "incredibly challenging" conditions in its home market racked by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-weekend-of-fresh-anti-government-protests-256600">anti-government&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;that it expected to persist for the rest of 2019.

The airline reported a 7.1 per cent&nbsp;drop in passenger numbers for the month of September as travellers avoided&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;due to widespread and sometimes violent&nbsp;protests, and said its second-half financial results were likely to be below the first half.

Cathay, which is trying to complete a three-year&nbsp;financial turnaround plan, has become the biggest corporate casualty of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;protests&nbsp;after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or supporting, the demonstrations that have plunged the former British colony into a political crisis.

The airline in August reported a HK$1.347 billion first-half&nbsp;profit. At that time,&nbsp;Cathay&nbsp;said second-half&nbsp;profit&nbsp;was likely to be higher than the first-half, as is typically the case for the airline, based on seasonality.

The consensus estimate before Friday's update was for the airline to report a&nbsp;full-year&nbsp;profit&nbsp;of HK$3.2 billion, according to 11 analysts polled by Refinitiv, although some last month predicted a poor second half.

Cathay&nbsp;shares were trading 1.4 per cent&nbsp;lower at 0510 GMT.

"We continue to see a significant shortfall in inbound bookings for the remainder of 2019 as compared to the same snapshot last&nbsp;year,"&nbsp;Cathay&nbsp;Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Ronald Lam said in a statement on Friday.

Cathay&nbsp;last month said it would cut capacity for the upcoming winter season.

BOCOM International analyst Luya You on Friday said further cuts might be needed in 2020 and even 2021 given there was no way of determining a timeline for when the political turmoil in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;would be resolved.

Inbound traffic to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;was down 38 per cent&nbsp;in September, unchanged from August, with demand from the mainland Chinese market hit especially hard, the airline said.

The 7.1 per cent&nbsp;fall in passenger numbers in September was better than the 11.3 per cent&nbsp;drop in August, but&nbsp;Cathay&nbsp;said an increasing reliance on transit passengers had affected its yields - a measure of the average fare paid per kilometre per passenger.

BOCOM's You said even if passenger numbers outside China appeared to stabilise in the coming months, that was likely to come at the cost of significantly lower fares.

Cathay&nbsp;also said cargo volumes fell 4.4 per cent&nbsp;in September, but that there were signs of improvement as it headed into air freight's traditional high-demand season.

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd on Friday lowered its expectations for full-year profit due to "incredibly challenging" conditions in its home market racked by anti-government protests that it expected to persist for the rest of 2019.

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd on Friday lowered its expectations for full-year profit due to "incredibly challenging" conditions in its home market racked by anti-government protests that it expected to persist for the rest of 2019. The airline reported a 7.1 per cent drop in passenger numbers for the month of September as travellers avoided Hong Kong due to widespread and sometimes violent protests, and said its second-half financial results were likely to be below the first half. Cathay, which is trying to complete a three-year financial turnaround plan, has become the biggest corporate casualty of the Hong Kong protests after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or supporting, the demonstrations that have plunged the former British colony into a political crisis. The airline in August reported a HK$1.347 billion first-half profit. At that time, Cathay said second-half profit was likely to be higher than the first-half, as is typically the case for the airline, based on seasonality. The consensus estimate before Friday's update was for the airline to report a full-year profit of HK$3.2 billion, according to 11 analysts polled by Refinitiv, although some last month predicted a poor second half. Cathay shares were trading 1.4 per cent lower at 0510 GMT. "We continue to see a significant shortfall in inbound bookings for the remainder of 2019 as compared to the same snapshot last year," Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Ronald Lam said in a statement on Friday. Cathay last month said it would cut capacity for the upcoming winter season. BOCOM International analyst Luya You on Friday said further cuts might be needed in 2020 and even 2021 given there was no way of determining a timeline for when the political turmoil in Hong Kong would be resolved. Inbound traffic to Hong Kong was down 38 per cent in September, unchanged from August, with demand from the mainland Chinese market hit especially hard, the airline said. The 7.1 per cent fall in passenger numbers in September was better than the 11.3 per cent drop in August, but Cathay said an increasing reliance on transit passengers had affected its yields - a measure of the average fare paid per kilometre per passenger. BOCOM's You said even if passenger numbers outside China appeared to stabilise in the coming months, that was likely to come at the cost of significantly lower fares. Cathay also said cargo volumes fell 4.4 per cent in September, but that there were signs of improvement as it headed into air freight's traditional high-demand season.

Cathay Pacific lowers full-year profit expectations as Hong Kong protests bite

Hong Kong is preparing for a weekend of demonstrations, including a human chain at major subway lines on Friday and a democracy march on Sunday, the latest moves in more than four months of anti-government protests.

It has been two weeks since Carrie Lam, leader of the Chinese-ruled city, invoked emergency laws for the first time in half a century to ban face masks, hoping to quell protests. Instead, the city has been shaken by some of the most intense unrest to date.

Although the last few days have been relatively calm, with protesters staying off the streets, prominent human rights activist Jimmy Sham was brutally attacked on Wednesday, a move pro-democracy lawmakers said was meant to intimidate protesters and incite violence.

Hundreds of people are expected to join hands outside metro stations in the city on Friday night, including in the central business district, prime shopping centres, the Kowloon peninsula and rural New Territories.

The Civil Human Rights Front, which Sham leads, is one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the former British colony and organised million-strong marches in June. The group has called for a march on Sunday in Kowloon, but police on Friday said the event would not be permitted.

Protesters have ignored such objections in the past and marched anyway.

Previous large marches have seen families and children rally alongside pro-democracy activists over concerns Beijing is tightening its grip on the city in violation of the "one country, two systems" formula, which permits the city freedoms not available on the mainland such as an independent judiciary.

Beijing has rejected claims it is undermining rights in Hong Kong, and has accused foreign countries of fomenting trouble.

During her policy address this week, Lam did not address any of the protesters' demands.

Instead, she announced measures to ease Hong Kong's acute housing shortage - an issue that has partly fuelled anger for the protests because of the city's exorbitant property prices.

Protesters largely brushed off her address, saying they would not give up until all of their demands were met.

Last month, Lam withdrew the controversial extradition bill that kicked off the protests amid concerns it would expose Hong Kongers to the Chinese justice system.

The bill's withdrawal was one of the protesters' key requests, but they say four others - an independent inquiry into police behaviour, a waiver for all people charged in the protests, removing the characterization of the protests as "riots" and universal suffrage - must be addressed.

Many protesters have also called for Lam's resignation.

Hong Kong is preparing for a weekend of demonstrations, including a human chain at major subway lines on Friday and a democracy march on Sunday, the latest moves in more than four months of anti-government protests.

Hong Kong is preparing for a weekend of demonstrations, including a human chain at major subway lines on Friday and a democracy march on Sunday, the latest moves in more than four months of anti-government protests. It has been two weeks since Carrie Lam, leader of the Chinese-ruled city, invoked emergency laws for the first time in half a century to ban face masks, hoping to quell protests. Instead, the city has been shaken by some of the most intense unrest to date. Although the last few days have been relatively calm, with protesters staying off the streets, prominent human rights activist Jimmy Sham was brutally attacked on Wednesday, a move pro-democracy lawmakers said was meant to intimidate protesters and incite violence. Hundreds of people are expected to join hands outside metro stations in the city on Friday night, including in the central business district, prime shopping centres, the Kowloon peninsula and rural New Territories. The Civil Human Rights Front, which Sham leads, is one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the former British colony and organised million-strong marches in June. The group has called for a march on Sunday in Kowloon, but police on Friday said the event would not be permitted. Protesters have ignored such objections in the past and marched anyway. Previous large marches have seen families and children rally alongside pro-democracy activists over concerns Beijing is tightening its grip on the city in violation of the "one country, two systems" formula, which permits the city freedoms not available on the mainland such as an independent judiciary. Beijing has rejected claims it is undermining rights in Hong Kong, and has accused foreign countries of fomenting trouble. During her policy address this week, Lam did not address any of the protesters' demands. Instead, she announced measures to ease Hong Kong's acute housing shortage - an issue that has partly fuelled anger for the protests because of the city's exorbitant property prices. Protesters largely brushed off her address, saying they would not give up until all of their demands were met. Last month, Lam withdrew the controversial extradition bill that kicked off the protests amid concerns it would expose Hong Kongers to the Chinese justice system. The bill's withdrawal was one of the protesters' key requests, but they say four others - an independent inquiry into police behaviour, a waiver for all people charged in the protests, removing the characterization of the protests as "riots" and universal suffrage - must be addressed. Many protesters have also called for Lam's resignation.

Hong Kong braces for weekend of fresh anti-government protests

A man who inadvertently triggered Hong Kong's huge protests after he murdered his girlfriend in Taiwan has agreed to return to the island to face justice, a clergyman who has visited him in prison said on Friday.

Chan Tong-kai, 20, is wanted in Taiwan for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend during a holiday the two Hong Kongers took there in February last year.

He fled back to the southern Chinese city where Taiwanese police were unable to apprehend him because there is no extradition agreement between the two territories.

The case triggered an ill-fated proposal by Hong Kong's pro-Beijing government to ram through a sweeping extradition bill which would have allowed the city to extradite suspects to any territory, including the authoritarian mainland.

The proposal sparked a massive public backlash with record-breaking crowds hitting the streets.&nbsp;

The protests have since snow-balled as the movement seeks greater democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line and violence escalated.

Now the man who set off this tumultuous chain of events has indicated he is willing to go to Taiwan for prosecution.&nbsp;

Chan is currently serving a short jail sentence in Hong Kong after he was convicted earlier this year of stealing his girlfriend's possessions during a trial in which he did not dispute murdering Poon Hiu-wing.

He is due for release next week.

'Keep his word'

Reverend Peter Koon, an Anglican clergyman, has visited him regularly in prison and said he was willing to hand himself over to Taiwanese authorities.

"I believe he will keep his word," Koon told AFP, adding Chan had instructed a team of Taiwanese lawyers and had converted to Christianity in prison.&nbsp;

"He expressed great regret for the victim's family and he was very sorry for causing such trouble in Hong Kong," Koon added, calling Chan's decision "brave".

Taiwan maintains the death penalty for murder, but Koon said Chan was unlikely to get that if he voluntarily surrendered.

The revelation comes as Hong Kong witnessed a 20th consecutive weekend of protests.

On Friday night, thousands of protesters formed human chains outside multiple subway stations to protest against city leaders using a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks at protests.

Many of those at Friday night's rally defied the ban by covering their face.

Yu Law, 33, had fashioned a mask in the shape of a camera and was protesting in Tsim Sha Tsui district.&nbsp;

"If we don't march now, we may not have the chance in the future," she told AFP.

Earlier in the day police rejected an application for a large rally on Sunday, saying they feared hardcore protesters would hijack it and it would turn violent.

The application was made by the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), a group that advocates non-violence and organised marches earlier in the summer with millions hitting the streets.

Its leader Jimmy Sham was hospitalised on Wednesday after he was attacked by men wielding hammers.

While the CHRF's rallies have begun peacefully, masked protesters have routinely clashed with police later on.

Previous protest rejections by police have been widely ignored by protesters and quickly turn violent.&nbsp;

Hardcore protesters have embraced vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police respond with volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds.

Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader. 
&nbsp;

A man who inadvertently triggered Hong Kong's huge protests after he murdered his girlfriend in Taiwan has agreed to return to the island to face justice, a clergyman who has visited him in prison said on Friday.

A man who inadvertently triggered Hong Kong's huge protests after he murdered his girlfriend in Taiwan has agreed to return to the island to face justice, a clergyman who has visited him in prison said on Friday. Chan Tong-kai, 20, is wanted in Taiwan for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend during a holiday the two Hong Kongers took there in February last year. He fled back to the southern Chinese city where Taiwanese police were unable to apprehend him because there is no extradition agreement between the two territories. The case triggered an ill-fated proposal by Hong Kong's pro-Beijing government to ram through a sweeping extradition bill which would have allowed the city to extradite suspects to any territory, including the authoritarian mainland. The proposal sparked a massive public backlash with record-breaking crowds hitting the streets. The protests have since snow-balled as the movement seeks greater democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line and violence escalated. Now the man who set off this tumultuous chain of events has indicated he is willing to go to Taiwan for prosecution. Chan is currently serving a short jail sentence in Hong Kong after he was convicted earlier this year of stealing his girlfriend's possessions during a trial in which he did not dispute murdering Poon Hiu-wing. He is due for release next week. 'Keep his word' Reverend Peter Koon, an Anglican clergyman, has visited him regularly in prison and said he was willing to hand himself over to Taiwanese authorities. "I believe he will keep his word," Koon told AFP, adding Chan had instructed a team of Taiwanese lawyers and had converted to Christianity in prison. "He expressed great regret for the victim's family and he was very sorry for causing such trouble in Hong Kong," Koon added, calling Chan's decision "brave". Taiwan maintains the death penalty for murder, but Koon said Chan was unlikely to get that if he voluntarily surrendered. The revelation comes as Hong Kong witnessed a 20th consecutive weekend of protests. On Friday night, thousands of protesters formed human chains outside multiple subway stations to protest against city leaders using a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks at protests. Many of those at Friday night's rally defied the ban by covering their face. Yu Law, 33, had fashioned a mask in the shape of a camera and was protesting in Tsim Sha Tsui district. "If we don't march now, we may not have the chance in the future," she told AFP. Earlier in the day police rejected an application for a large rally on Sunday, saying they feared hardcore protesters would hijack it and it would turn violent. The application was made by the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), a group that advocates non-violence and organised marches earlier in the summer with millions hitting the streets. Its leader Jimmy Sham was hospitalised on Wednesday after he was attacked by men wielding hammers. While the CHRF's rallies have begun peacefully, masked protesters have routinely clashed with police later on. Previous protest rejections by police have been widely ignored by protesters and quickly turn violent. Hardcore protesters have embraced vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police respond with volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds. Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader.

Murderer who triggered Hong Kong protests will go to Taiwan: Pastor

Rights group Amnesty International has urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Hong Kong authorities</a> to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend.

It was the second such attack on Jimmy Sham, head of the Civil Human Rights Front, since protests escalated in the Asian financial hub in mid-June and which, photographs on social media showed, left him in a pool of blood on the street.

"The authorities must promptly conduct an investigation into this horrifying attack...send a clear message that targeting activists will have consequences," said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty’s East Asia regional office.

"Anything less would send a chilling signal that such attacks are tolerated by the authorities," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

As many as five masked men wearing black and believed to be of non-Chinese origin had attacked Sham with hammers and knives for more than 10 seconds in the gritty Mong Kok district on the Kowloon peninsula, police said late on Wednesday.

Police condemned what they called a planned attack and vowed to investigate. Sham was in stable condition, a government spokesman said.

His group, which organised the million-strong marches in June, plans a march on Sunday in the neighbouring district of Kowloon, but authorities have not yet confirmed it will be permitted.

"It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," the group said in a statement.

Speaking at the city's legislature on Thursday, nearly a dozen pro-democracy lawmakers condemned the attack on Sham and said they would continue to protest.

"This very vicious attack took place practically on the eve of yet another massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday," said Claudia Mo.

"We can’t help feeling that this entire thing is part of a plan to shed blood at Hong Kong’s peaceful protests."

Mo was one of several lawmakers whom security officials escorted out of a question-and-answer session with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday after they heckled her for the second day in a row.

Hong Kong has been roiled by more than four months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in its worst crisis in decades, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling freedoms guaranteed by a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

No olive branch

In an annual policy address on Wednesday, the Beijing-backed Lam had offered no direct olive branch to pro-democracy protesters, hoping instead to ease resentment by building more public housing.

The densely populated former British colony has one of the world's most expensive real estate markets and the inability of many young people to get a place of their own has added fuel to the pro-democracy protests.

Unveiling one of the city's boldest housing proposals in years, Lam vowed to take back large tracts of land held by a handful of powerful developers and create public housing.

"We are determined to create homeownership opportunities for people of different income groups such that they will happily make Hong Kong their home," Lam said.

At a news conference, Lam rejected two of the protesters' five demands - amnesty for those charged and universal suffrage - calling the first illegal and the second beyond her power as chief executive.

In a statement after her briefing, Civil Human Rights Front in a statement called for Lam to resign, although she has rejected such calls for months.

"We urge Carrie Lam to stop destroying Hong Kong, respond to the five major demands, and step down," the group said.

Rights group Amnesty International has urged Hong Kong authorities to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend.

Rights group Amnesty International has urged Hong Kong authorities to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend. It was the second such attack on Jimmy Sham, head of the Civil Human Rights Front, since protests escalated in the Asian financial hub in mid-June and which, photographs on social media showed, left him in a pool of blood on the street. "The authorities must promptly conduct an investigation into this horrifying attack...send a clear message that targeting activists will have consequences," said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty’s East Asia regional office. "Anything less would send a chilling signal that such attacks are tolerated by the authorities," he said in a statement on Wednesday. As many as five masked men wearing black and believed to be of non-Chinese origin had attacked Sham with hammers and knives for more than 10 seconds in the gritty Mong Kok district on the Kowloon peninsula, police said late on Wednesday. Police condemned what they called a planned attack and vowed to investigate. Sham was in stable condition, a government spokesman said. His group, which organised the million-strong marches in June, plans a march on Sunday in the neighbouring district of Kowloon, but authorities have not yet confirmed it will be permitted. "It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," the group said in a statement. Speaking at the city's legislature on Thursday, nearly a dozen pro-democracy lawmakers condemned the attack on Sham and said they would continue to protest. "This very vicious attack took place practically on the eve of yet another massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday," said Claudia Mo. "We can’t help feeling that this entire thing is part of a plan to shed blood at Hong Kong’s peaceful protests." Mo was one of several lawmakers whom security officials escorted out of a question-and-answer session with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday after they heckled her for the second day in a row. Hong Kong has been roiled by more than four months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in its worst crisis in decades, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling freedoms guaranteed by a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997. No olive branch In an annual policy address on Wednesday, the Beijing-backed Lam had offered no direct olive branch to pro-democracy protesters, hoping instead to ease resentment by building more public housing. The densely populated former British colony has one of the world's most expensive real estate markets and the inability of many young people to get a place of their own has added fuel to the pro-democracy protests. Unveiling one of the city's boldest housing proposals in years, Lam vowed to take back large tracts of land held by a handful of powerful developers and create public housing. "We are determined to create homeownership opportunities for people of different income groups such that they will happily make Hong Kong their home," Lam said. At a news conference, Lam rejected two of the protesters' five demands - amnesty for those charged and universal suffrage - calling the first illegal and the second beyond her power as chief executive. In a statement after her briefing, Civil Human Rights Front in a statement called for Lam to resign, although she has rejected such calls for months. "We urge Carrie Lam to stop destroying Hong Kong, respond to the five major demands, and step down," the group said.

Amnesty urges Hong Kong to probe bloody attack on pro-democracy leader

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-house-passes-hong-kong-democracy-act-256310">Hong Kong's legislature</a> by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city.

Chief Executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Carrie Lam</a> has faced an outpouring of anger from her opponents since the legislature opened its doors for a new session on Wednesday, three months after the building was trashed by masked protesters.

Lam was unable to give a State of the Union-style policy speech on Wednesday after pro-democracy lawmakers, who form a minority on the pro-Beijing-stacked legislature, repeatedly interrupted her.

Instead, she was forced to deliver the address in a pre-recorded video.

Lam returned to the Legislative Council on Thursday to answer questions from lawmakers about the content of that policy speech.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-of-hong-kong-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2020-256254">chaos erupted once again</a> as her political opponents chanted slogans and were dragged one by one from the chamber.

Hong Kong has been rocked by the worst political unrest in decades.

Millions have taken to the streets, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland.

But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability.

Violence has escalated on both sides of the political divide with hardcore protesters wielding petrol bombs and stones, and police responding with ever-increasing amounts of tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds in recent weeks.

Vigilante attacks have also flourished.

A leading figure within Hong Kong's democracy movement said Thursday he was recovering after being set upon by a gang of hammer-wielding thugs, the latest assault on Beijing critics in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Sham, one of the protest movement's most recognisable faces, was left lying in a pool of his own blood late Wednesday after he was jumped by around five men in the district of Mong Kok.

"I will continue to fight for the five demands in a peaceful, rational and non-violent manner," Sham wrote on Facebook from his hospital bed.

Street justice

Sham is the main spokesman of the Civil Human Rights Front, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer.

Hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also increasingly meted out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists.

Hong Kong's instability is fuelled by years of growing fears Beijing is eroding the city's unique freedoms, contrary to a deal that outlined Hong Kong's 1997 return to China from British colonial rule.

Lam, who was appointed by a pro-Beijing stacked committee and has historically low approval ratings, has struggled to end the political crisis.

Wednesday's policy speech was billed as an attempt to win hearts and minds after four months of seething pro-democracy protests.

But it was heavily criticised both by opponents and even her allies for offering little in the way of a substantive political solution.&nbsp;

Instead, Lam focused on economic gripes, vowing to increase housing and land supply in a city that has one of the least affordable property markets in the world, and announcing a handful of subsidies.&nbsp;

But she gave no political concessions to the democracy movement and said progress could only be made once violence from protesters ends.

Activists have said they will only end their huge rallies if core demands are met, including an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the more than 2,500 people arrested and fully free elections.

Both Lam and Beijing have repeatedly dismissed those demands and say Hong Kong's freedoms are being protected.

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong's legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city.

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong's legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city. Chief Executive Carrie Lam has faced an outpouring of anger from her opponents since the legislature opened its doors for a new session on Wednesday, three months after the building was trashed by masked protesters. Lam was unable to give a State of the Union-style policy speech on Wednesday after pro-democracy lawmakers, who form a minority on the pro-Beijing-stacked legislature, repeatedly interrupted her. Instead, she was forced to deliver the address in a pre-recorded video. Lam returned to the Legislative Council on Thursday to answer questions from lawmakers about the content of that policy speech. But chaos erupted once again as her political opponents chanted slogans and were dragged one by one from the chamber. Hong Kong has been rocked by the worst political unrest in decades. Millions have taken to the streets, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland. But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability. Violence has escalated on both sides of the political divide with hardcore protesters wielding petrol bombs and stones, and police responding with ever-increasing amounts of tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds in recent weeks. Vigilante attacks have also flourished. A leading figure within Hong Kong's democracy movement said Thursday he was recovering after being set upon by a gang of hammer-wielding thugs, the latest assault on Beijing critics in Hong Kong. Jimmy Sham, one of the protest movement's most recognisable faces, was left lying in a pool of his own blood late Wednesday after he was jumped by around five men in the district of Mong Kok. "I will continue to fight for the five demands in a peaceful, rational and non-violent manner," Sham wrote on Facebook from his hospital bed. Street justice Sham is the main spokesman of the Civil Human Rights Front, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer. Hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also increasingly meted out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists. Hong Kong's instability is fuelled by years of growing fears Beijing is eroding the city's unique freedoms, contrary to a deal that outlined Hong Kong's 1997 return to China from British colonial rule. Lam, who was appointed by a pro-Beijing stacked committee and has historically low approval ratings, has struggled to end the political crisis. Wednesday's policy speech was billed as an attempt to win hearts and minds after four months of seething pro-democracy protests. But it was heavily criticised both by opponents and even her allies for offering little in the way of a substantive political solution. Instead, Lam focused on economic gripes, vowing to increase housing and land supply in a city that has one of the least affordable property markets in the world, and announcing a handful of subsidies. But she gave no political concessions to the democracy movement and said progress could only be made once violence from protesters ends. Activists have said they will only end their huge rallies if core demands are met, including an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the more than 2,500 people arrested and fully free elections. Both Lam and Beijing have repeatedly dismissed those demands and say Hong Kong's freedoms are being protected.

Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind.

Carrie Lam -- the city's unelected chief executive -- currently boasts record-low approval ratings as the financial hub convulses with more than four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-lawmakers-dragged-from-chamber-as-leader-heckled-for-second-day-256382">Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day</a>

Backed by Beijing, her administration has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters, who are demanding greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Angry faces significantly outnumbered hearts and likes left by viewers on the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast, while critics also used the comments section to pile on.

By the end of the session, in which a host chose from a series of pre-selected questions and some live ones, the angry face count stood at more than 9,400 compared to 2,100 likes and 632 hearts.

Lam defended her record and stuck to her oft-repeated talking points that she cannot give in to violent protesters and won't be resigning.

"We need more dialogue and communication, more mutual understanding and tolerance," she said.&nbsp;

She added that she was taken aback by the huge rallies.

"Nobody could predict that we would be facing such a huge storm," she said.&nbsp;

Millions have taken to the streets this summer, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland.

But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability.

Lam has previously stated a willingness to hold dialogue sessions with the public, but they have also got off to a rocky and limited start.&nbsp;

In late September she sat down with some 150 randomly selected members of the public for a live forum where questions critical of her government dominated.

Protesters also surrounded the venue and she was unable to exit for hours until the crowds dispersed.

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind.

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind. Carrie Lam -- the city's unelected chief executive -- currently boasts record-low approval ratings as the financial hub convulses with more than four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. Also read: Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day Backed by Beijing, her administration has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters, who are demanding greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. Angry faces significantly outnumbered hearts and likes left by viewers on the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast, while critics also used the comments section to pile on. By the end of the session, in which a host chose from a series of pre-selected questions and some live ones, the angry face count stood at more than 9,400 compared to 2,100 likes and 632 hearts. Lam defended her record and stuck to her oft-repeated talking points that she cannot give in to violent protesters and won't be resigning. "We need more dialogue and communication, more mutual understanding and tolerance," she said. She added that she was taken aback by the huge rallies. "Nobody could predict that we would be facing such a huge storm," she said. Millions have taken to the streets this summer, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland. But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability. Lam has previously stated a willingness to hold dialogue sessions with the public, but they have also got off to a rocky and limited start. In late September she sat down with some 150 randomly selected members of the public for a live forum where questions critical of her government dominated. Protesters also surrounded the venue and she was unable to exit for hours until the crowds dispersed.

Angry emojis flood Hong Kong leader's Facebook Live chat

Carrie Lam heckled in Parliament; Opposition lawmakers disrupt session. Watch video to know more.

Carrie Lam heckled in Parliament; Opposition lawmakers disrupt session

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam was forced to suspend her annual address in the legislature on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers disrupted the session from the start.

Carrie Lam heckled in parliament, Opposition lawmakers disrupt session

The U.S. House of Representatives on October 15 passed a series of measures lending support to pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

US House lends support to Hong Kong protesters

Hong Kong riot police spent much of Sunday afternoon skirmishing with groups of masked pro-democracy protesters who held flashmob gatherings in multiple locations -- although crowds were smaller and less violent than recent weekends.

Hong Kong riot police spent much of Sunday afternoon skirmishing with groups of masked pro-democracy protesters who held flashmob gatherings in multiple locations -- although crowds were smaller and less violent than recent weekends. Rallies erupted in multiple neighbourhoods with some protesters blocking roads, throwing objects onto train tracks as well as spraying graffiti and smashing the windows of some pro-China businesses. Police made dozens of arrests as they rushed to intercept activists but the clashes were less sustained than earlier this month when the city was virtually shut down by the most intense unrest of the four month protest movement. In the district of Mongkok, riot police burst from an unmarked van that had screeched up to a blockade made of bamboo scaffolding poles and quickly chased down multiple protesters who were pinned to the ground and detained. Later an AFP reporter in the same neighbourhood saw crowds of protesters beat a middle aged woman because she had helped police clear barricades. The woman was struck with fists and umbrellas and also had her face smeared with mud. Protester mobs have increasingly turned on their ideological opponents in recent weeks -- while Beijing loyalists have attacked democracy activists throughout the summer. In Tai Po district, officers charged into a mall where protesters had tagged a number of businesses with slogans. A nearby government office had also been vandalised. Police said tear gas was fired in two districts while flashmobs and brief clashes were witnessed in at least four other locations. In online forums used to organise the largely leaderless movement, protesters had given Sunday's rally the theme "blossom everywhere" encouraging activists to gather in malls across the city. While the crowds were smaller, the cat and mouse tactics stretched police resources thin and were still able to bring chaos to parts of the city in what was a 19th consecutive weekend of protest. Throughout the day, police found themselves berated and heckled by bystanders as they made arrests, highlighting how the force has become loathed among large parts of the population. "I’m furious," a female protester, who gave her surname Chan, told AFP. "I want the government to disband the entire police force." Months of protest Hong Kong has been shaken by four months of massive democracy protests which have seen increasingly violent clashes between hardcore demonstrators and police, as well as regular transport disruptions. The wave of protests in the international finance hub was sparked by opposition to a now-scrapped proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, but has since morphed into a larger movement for democracy and police accountability. The city enjoys unique rights under the terms of its handover to China by Britain in 1997, including freedom of expression and an independent judiciary, but many believe these are under threat from an increasingly assertive Beijing. Street battles between riot police and small groups of protesters have become a weekly occurrence, hammering the already struggling economy, spooking tourists and undermining Hong Kong's reputation for stability. The beginning of October saw a particularly fierce period of unrest with protesters upping their violence as Communist China celebrated its 70th birthday party. Clashes further intensified after the city's leader invoked colonial-era emergency laws to ban face masks at protests. Over the course of a week, protesters went on a vandalism spree, much of it targeting the city's subway network and pro-China businesses. Police also increased their response, firing tear gas and rubber bullets with renewed ferocity. Two teenagers were wounded with live rounds during clashes with police. But the last few days have seen a comparatively calmer period. Protesters are pushing for an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the more than 2,500 people arrested and universal suffrage. Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam have repeatedly rejected those demands.

Hong Kong police make arrests as flashmob protests and clashes erupt

Another US senator has joined a chorus against Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc for selling riot gear to Hong Kong that is being used against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-take-to-hong-kong-streets-ahead-of-new-round-of-weekend-protests-255191">pro-democracy protesters</a>.

The privately held company, which makes and exports a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-chief-tim-cook-defends-pulling-app-used-by-hong-kong-protestors-255077">wide range of riot and crowd control</a> equipment for military and law enforcement agencies, has been in the spotlight ever since it was discovered that Hong Kong police are employing its tear gas canisters to disperse anti-government demonstrations.

In one photo that has been widely shared on social media, NonLethal's name is stamped on the casing of a spent tear gas canister.

The use of US-made gear to quell protests has prompted several lawmakers to call for halting and even banning tear gas exports to the city. In July, Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, proposed in a tweet that the United States consider banning exports of tear gas to Hong Kong if the attacks on the protesters were not stopped.

Similarly, in August, US Representatives Chris Smith, a Republican, and James McGovern, a Democrat, wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross, asking them to suspend future sales of crowd and riot control equipment to Hong Kong police.

They followed up their letter with a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives last month, which seeks to prohibit commercial exports of certain nonlethal crowd control items and defence articles and services to the city. If passed, the ban would take effect within 30 days.

US Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, on Thursday became the latest to raise concerns about the exports.

In a letter to NonLethal's president shared on Twitter, Scott said the sales were equivalent to supporting efforts of the Chinese president to "harm ordinary citizens and peaceful protestors." He urged the manufacturer of tear gas to "put human rights above profits."

The protests have plunged the city, an Asian financial hub, into its worst crisis since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Watch video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gas-masks-and-hard-hats-hong-kong-hardware-store-capitalises-on-protests-255228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling Hong Kong's freedoms, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced in 1997.

China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest.

In his October 10 letter, Scott said during a recent trip to the city he saw firsthand how the company's products were used in a "dangerous and malicious manner to intentionally harm protestors."

He requested to meet with the company's president, Scott Oberdick, to discuss his concerns.

Oberdick, however, told Reuters on Friday that he had not seen Scott's letter. When asked about the criticism his company has been facing for selling tear gas to Hong Kong police, Oberdick hung up the phone.

NonLethal does not share its financial details with public. However, in 2017, it was listed as one of the top 10 companies in the world producing riot-control systems, according to London-based market research firm Visiongain.

According to its website, the company provides "a full range of less lethal grenades and less lethal ammunition to allow the most effective level of force to be used for various situations." However, for overseas sales, most of its products require an export license from the United States Department of Commerce.

An online petition, urging the White House to suspend any export application of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong, has garnered more than 110,000 signatures.

Amnesty International has also called on countries including the United States to halt all transfers of less lethal "crowd control" equipment - including water cannon vehicles, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, projectile launchers and parts and components - to Hong Kong.

Another US senator has joined a chorus against Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc for selling riot gear to Hong Kong that is being used against pro-democracy protesters.

Another US senator has joined a chorus against Pennsylvania-based NonLethal Technologies Inc for selling riot gear to Hong Kong that is being used against pro-democracy protesters. The privately held company, which makes and exports a wide range of riot and crowd control equipment for military and law enforcement agencies, has been in the spotlight ever since it was discovered that Hong Kong police are employing its tear gas canisters to disperse anti-government demonstrations. In one photo that has been widely shared on social media, NonLethal's name is stamped on the casing of a spent tear gas canister. The use of US-made gear to quell protests has prompted several lawmakers to call for halting and even banning tear gas exports to the city. In July, Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, proposed in a tweet that the United States consider banning exports of tear gas to Hong Kong if the attacks on the protesters were not stopped. Similarly, in August, US Representatives Chris Smith, a Republican, and James McGovern, a Democrat, wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross, asking them to suspend future sales of crowd and riot control equipment to Hong Kong police. They followed up their letter with a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives last month, which seeks to prohibit commercial exports of certain nonlethal crowd control items and defence articles and services to the city. If passed, the ban would take effect within 30 days. US Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, on Thursday became the latest to raise concerns about the exports. In a letter to NonLethal's president shared on Twitter, Scott said the sales were equivalent to supporting efforts of the Chinese president to "harm ordinary citizens and peaceful protestors." He urged the manufacturer of tear gas to "put human rights above profits." The protests have plunged the city, an Asian financial hub, into its worst crisis since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Watch video: What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling Hong Kong's freedoms, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced in 1997. China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest. In his October 10 letter, Scott said during a recent trip to the city he saw firsthand how the company's products were used in a "dangerous and malicious manner to intentionally harm protestors." He requested to meet with the company's president, Scott Oberdick, to discuss his concerns. Oberdick, however, told Reuters on Friday that he had not seen Scott's letter. When asked about the criticism his company has been facing for selling tear gas to Hong Kong police, Oberdick hung up the phone. NonLethal does not share its financial details with public. However, in 2017, it was listed as one of the top 10 companies in the world producing riot-control systems, according to London-based market research firm Visiongain. According to its website, the company provides "a full range of less lethal grenades and less lethal ammunition to allow the most effective level of force to be used for various situations." However, for overseas sales, most of its products require an export license from the United States Department of Commerce. An online petition, urging the White House to suspend any export application of crowd control equipment to Hong Kong, has garnered more than 110,000 signatures. Amnesty International has also called on countries including the United States to halt all transfers of less lethal "crowd control" equipment - including water cannon vehicles, tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, projectile launchers and parts and components - to Hong Kong.

US company supplying tear gas to Hong Kong police faces mounting criticism

While months of anti-government protests have taken a toll on businesses across Hong Kong, from luxury retailers and hotels to shops and restaurants, Keita Lee's pop-up stall is thriving

Gas masks and hard hats: Hong Kong hardware store capitalises on protests

Hundreds&nbsp;of mask-wearing pro-democracy protesters marched through&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's central business district at lunchtime on Friday, occupying a main thoroughfare and disrupting traffic as the city braced for another&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;of turmoil.

Chanting calls for their core demands and denouncing what they see as police brutality, the crowd peacefully occupied&nbsp;streets&nbsp;in the financial district, home to some of the world's most expensive real estate, before dispersing.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's metro operator had opened all stations in the morning for the first time in a week&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of another&nbsp;round&nbsp;of anti-government&nbsp;protests, while the city's legislature began its first session since protesters stormed the building in July.

Pro-establishment and democratic lawmakers shouted at each other before the beginning of the session, underscoring the tension and divisions in the Asian financial hub after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353">four months of often violent pro-democracy&nbsp;protests.</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-pro-democracy-lawmakers-challenge-face-mask-ban-254055/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some lawmakers wore black masks as they sat in the chamber, while others carried placards reading: "Police brutality still exists, how can we have a meeting?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-set-to-ban-face-masks-in-bid-to-curb-violence-media-253483">The wearing of face masks was banned </a>under colonial-era emergency powers invoked by embattled&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam a week ago.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's freedoms guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced with the 1997 handover.

China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest.

Metro operator MTR Corp, whose network carries about 5 million passengers a day, said all lines would shut at 10 p.m.&nbsp;on Friday, more than 2 hours earlier than usual so more repairs could be carried out after protesters torched or trashed stations across the city.

Many stores and businesses have had to shut early due to metro closures, putting another burden on the city's faltering economy as it faces its first recession in a decade.

Protesters have targeted the MTR because it has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest to contain demonstrations.

The normally efficient system shut down completely last Friday following arson attacks and has operated only partially since then.

Lam introduced the emergency laws, including the ban on face masks last week in an effort to quell unrest. But the ban sparked some of the worst violence since&nbsp;protests&nbsp;started.

The government said it would not bring in any other emergency measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952">Shopping malls and other facilities closed early </a>on Thursday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952"> </a>but few demonstrators took to the&nbsp;streets, with only about 60 activists gathering outside one police station.

But several demonstrations are planned across the city on Friday and through the&nbsp;weekend, when more people have been coming out to vent their opposition over the weeks.

Several major conferences and other events have been called off because of the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;with the latest being an annual swimming race in the city's famed harbour.

Property developer&nbsp;New&nbsp;World Development Company Limited&nbsp;said it was cancelling the October&nbsp;27 competition because of the "social situation".

The protest movement still appears to have a broad base of support despite the violence and vandalism carried out by small groups of front-line protesters.

Residents, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are calling for the protection of civil liberties. Many young people are also angry about the city's hugely expensive property, widening inequality and poor job prospects.

More than 2,300 people have been arrested since the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;began to snowball in June, with many of them below the age of 16, authorities said.

Lam is due to deliver the city's annual policy address on October 16 which traditionally contains sweeteners and support for business and investment.

She has said that due to the unrest her address would not be as "elaborate" or "comprehensive" as normal.

Pro-democracy lawmakers on Friday reiterated calls for authorities to address the protesters' "five demands" which include universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into their complaints of excessive force by the police.

Bernard Chan, the convenor of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's executive council - the lead advisory body to the chief executive - wrote in an opinion piece in the South China Morning Post on Friday that Lam's policy address would include responses to address the discontent.

Chan said the Independent Police Complaints Council should be allowed to do its own investigation into the controversy over areas such as police procedures and held out the option of an independent inquiry later.

Hundreds of mask-wearing pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong's central business district at lunchtime on Friday, occupying a main thoroughfare and disrupting traffic as the city braced for another weekend of turmoil.

Hundreds of mask-wearing pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong's central business district at lunchtime on Friday, occupying a main thoroughfare and disrupting traffic as the city braced for another weekend of turmoil. Chanting calls for their core demands and denouncing what they see as police brutality, the crowd peacefully occupied streets in the financial district, home to some of the world's most expensive real estate, before dispersing. Hong Kong's metro operator had opened all stations in the morning for the first time in a week ahead of another round of anti-government protests, while the city's legislature began its first session since protesters stormed the building in July. Pro-establishment and democratic lawmakers shouted at each other before the beginning of the session, underscoring the tension and divisions in the Asian financial hub after four months of often violent pro-democracy protests. Some lawmakers wore black masks as they sat in the chamber, while others carried placards reading: "Police brutality still exists, how can we have a meeting?" The wearing of face masks was banned under colonial-era emergency powers invoked by embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam a week ago. The protests have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling Hong Kong's freedoms guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced with the 1997 handover. China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest. Metro operator MTR Corp, whose network carries about 5 million passengers a day, said all lines would shut at 10 p.m. on Friday, more than 2 hours earlier than usual so more repairs could be carried out after protesters torched or trashed stations across the city. Many stores and businesses have had to shut early due to metro closures, putting another burden on the city's faltering economy as it faces its first recession in a decade. Protesters have targeted the MTR because it has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest to contain demonstrations. The normally efficient system shut down completely last Friday following arson attacks and has operated only partially since then. Lam introduced the emergency laws, including the ban on face masks last week in an effort to quell unrest. But the ban sparked some of the worst violence since protests started. The government said it would not bring in any other emergency measures. Shopping malls and other facilities closed early on Thursday but few demonstrators took to the streets, with only about 60 activists gathering outside one police station. But several demonstrations are planned across the city on Friday and through the weekend, when more people have been coming out to vent their opposition over the weeks. Several major conferences and other events have been called off because of the protests with the latest being an annual swimming race in the city's famed harbour. Property developer New World Development Company Limited said it was cancelling the October 27 competition because of the "social situation". The protest movement still appears to have a broad base of support despite the violence and vandalism carried out by small groups of front-line protesters. Residents, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are calling for the protection of civil liberties. Many young people are also angry about the city's hugely expensive property, widening inequality and poor job prospects. More than 2,300 people have been arrested since the protests began to snowball in June, with many of them below the age of 16, authorities said. Lam is due to deliver the city's annual policy address on October 16 which traditionally contains sweeteners and support for business and investment. She has said that due to the unrest her address would not be as "elaborate" or "comprehensive" as normal. Pro-democracy lawmakers on Friday reiterated calls for authorities to address the protesters' "five demands" which include universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into their complaints of excessive force by the police. Bernard Chan, the convenor of Hong Kong's executive council - the lead advisory body to the chief executive - wrote in an opinion piece in the South China Morning Post on Friday that Lam's policy address would include responses to address the discontent. Chan said the Independent Police Complaints Council should be allowed to do its own investigation into the controversy over areas such as police procedures and held out the option of an independent inquiry later.

Hundreds take to Hong Kong streets ahead of new round of weekend protests

Beijing sees red! Why Chinese sponsors, partners are cutting ties with NBA

Hong Kong protesters prepared for demonstrations around the city on Thursday as shopping malls said they would close early to avoid becoming targets and the city's metro, which has borne the brunt of the violent unrest, will close three hours early.

Hong Kong is one of the world's top shopping cities but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353">four months of often violent protests</a> have severely dented that reputation, with scores of shops vandalised and malls now becoming sites for sit-ins by protesters.

The Asian financial hub is facing its first recession in a decade due to the unrest, with the tourism and retail sectors hit particularly hard.

Protesters have been playing cat and mouse with police, organising demonstrations at different locations via social media, stretching security resources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-removes-police-tracking-app-used-in-hong-kong-protests-from-its-app-store-254882">Apple Inc&nbsp;on Wednesday removed an app</a> that protesters have used to track police movements, prompting some demonstrators to say they may "visit" its Hong Kong store.

The unrest started more than four months ago in opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill but has widened into a pro-democracy movement amid fears China is encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms.

Those freedoms were guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, which allows autonomy not enjoyed on the mainland.

Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the unrest has pushed the special administrative region into its worst political crisis since 1997 and poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Many young demonstrators are also incensed at what they see as widening inequality, sky-high property prices that make it impossible for them to get a place of their own and poor job prospects.

Demonstrations planned for Thursday include some in support of Taiwan on its National Day and rallies against perceived police brutality, with protesters expected to wear eye patches to show solidarity with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/police-shoot-hong-kong-protester-in-chest-during-clashes-253085">young protester who was injured in clashes with police.</a>

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, in a National Day speech in Taipei, rejected the "one country, two systems" formula that Beijing has suggested could be used to unify Taiwan and the mainland, saying the arrangement had set Hong Kong "on the edge of disorder".

Beijing regards Taiwan as a wayward province and has not renounced the use of force to bring it into the fold. Beijing has held out the Hong Kong arrangement of special autonomy within a united China as a model.

But Hong Kong's protests have been fuelled by resentment of what many residents see as relentless efforts by Beijing to exert control over their city, despite the promises of autonomy.

Hong Kong is still <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-reopens-most-metro-stations-shops-after-weekend-protests-254571">recovering from a long weekend of violent clashes</a> between police and tens of thousands of protesters.

Scores of shops remain boarded up after being trashed or torched, anti-government graffiti is scrawled over bus stops and buildings, and some streets are still strewn with broken glass and twisted metal debris.

Protest violence has often targeted the MTR mass transit system, torching stations, and damaging ticketing machines. The MTR has been accused of closing stations at the government's behest to stop demonstrators gathering.

A slew of events and conferences have moved to other locations, including Singapore.

Hong Kong's unrest has started to impact global companies and sport, with luxury jeweller <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiffany-removes-advert-over-hong-kong-controversy-254639">Tiffany &amp; Co </a>and US&nbsp;sports brand Vans withdrawing an advertisement and shoe design seen as favouring protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tv-drops-nba-exhibition-games-escalating-pressure-amid-tweet-uproar-254463">China has canceled broadcasting NBA basketball games </a>after an executive of the US&nbsp;National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Houston Rockets back protesters in a tweet. Chinese sponsors and partners have cut ties with the NBA.

The NBA's business in China is worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes.

China has warned foreign governments to stay out of the protests which they deem as an internal affair and have accused some, including Britain and the United States, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong protesters prepared for demonstrations around the city on Thursday as shopping malls said they would close early to avoid becoming targets and the city's metro, which has borne the brunt of the violent unrest, will close three hours early.

Hong Kong protesters prepared for demonstrations around the city on Thursday as shopping malls said they would close early to avoid becoming targets and the city's metro, which has borne the brunt of the violent unrest, will close three hours early. Hong Kong is one of the world's top shopping cities but four months of often violent protests have severely dented that reputation, with scores of shops vandalised and malls now becoming sites for sit-ins by protesters. The Asian financial hub is facing its first recession in a decade due to the unrest, with the tourism and retail sectors hit particularly hard. Protesters have been playing cat and mouse with police, organising demonstrations at different locations via social media, stretching security resources. Apple Inc on Wednesday removed an app that protesters have used to track police movements, prompting some demonstrators to say they may "visit" its Hong Kong store. The unrest started more than four months ago in opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill but has widened into a pro-democracy movement amid fears China is encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms. Those freedoms were guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, which allows autonomy not enjoyed on the mainland. Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career However, the unrest has pushed the special administrative region into its worst political crisis since 1997 and poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Many young demonstrators are also incensed at what they see as widening inequality, sky-high property prices that make it impossible for them to get a place of their own and poor job prospects. Demonstrations planned for Thursday include some in support of Taiwan on its National Day and rallies against perceived police brutality, with protesters expected to wear eye patches to show solidarity with a young protester who was injured in clashes with police. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, in a National Day speech in Taipei, rejected the "one country, two systems" formula that Beijing has suggested could be used to unify Taiwan and the mainland, saying the arrangement had set Hong Kong "on the edge of disorder". Beijing regards Taiwan as a wayward province and has not renounced the use of force to bring it into the fold. Beijing has held out the Hong Kong arrangement of special autonomy within a united China as a model. But Hong Kong's protests have been fuelled by resentment of what many residents see as relentless efforts by Beijing to exert control over their city, despite the promises of autonomy. Hong Kong is still recovering from a long weekend of violent clashes between police and tens of thousands of protesters. Scores of shops remain boarded up after being trashed or torched, anti-government graffiti is scrawled over bus stops and buildings, and some streets are still strewn with broken glass and twisted metal debris. Protest violence has often targeted the MTR mass transit system, torching stations, and damaging ticketing machines. The MTR has been accused of closing stations at the government's behest to stop demonstrators gathering. A slew of events and conferences have moved to other locations, including Singapore. Hong Kong's unrest has started to impact global companies and sport, with luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co and US sports brand Vans withdrawing an advertisement and shoe design seen as favouring protesters. China has canceled broadcasting NBA basketball games after an executive of the US National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Houston Rockets back protesters in a tweet. Chinese sponsors and partners have cut ties with the NBA. The NBA's business in China is worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes. China has warned foreign governments to stay out of the protests which they deem as an internal affair and have accused some, including Britain and the United States, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong shopping malls, metro close early as more protests planned

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