More than 1,00,000 participated in today's protests. Protesters march from Victoria Park to Chater Garden. Over 47,000 people in Hong Kong say ''No'' to violence. Watch this video to know more.

11 Weeks Of Protests In Hong Kong, this week protests remain peaceful

Hong Kong Protests: Over 470,000 people say 'No' to violence

Hong Kong's police are confident they have the resources to continue battling pro-democracy protesters, even if violence escalates further, pouring cold water on concerns that the authoritarian mainland might need to intervene.

Hong Kong's police are confident they have the resources to continue battling pro-democracy protesters, even if violence escalates further, pouring cold water on concerns that the authoritarian mainland might need to intervene. Three senior commanders said they were unaware of any plans by China to bolster their own ranks with mainland troops or police officers, even if the political chaos worsens. And they admitted that any move to do so would place the city's police force in uncharted waters. But, they insisted, the issue was moot because the local force could handle the crisis. "I can't envisage it," said one senior commander. "At the operational level we have considerable depth. I think we have the determination, the cohesiveness and the depth of resources to keep going." The three officers agreed to sit down with a group of foreign journalists on condition of anonymity so they could speak more freely during the worst unrest the force has faced since leftist riots in the late 1960s. Hong Kong's summer of rage was sparked by broad opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, but has since morphed into a wider call for democratic rights in the semi-autonomous city. Millions have hit the streets while clashes have broken out between police and small groups of hardcore protesters for ten consecutive weeks in the greatest challenge to Beijing's authority since the city's 1997 handover. Political solution needed With neither Beijing nor Hong Kong's leaders willing to offer any compromises, the police have become the loathed face of the government. The chant "hak geng" -- corrupt cops -- has become routine, both from protesters and, more recently, local residents infuriated by police engaging in near nightly battles in their neighbourhoods. Protesters, rights groups and the UN's rights chief have accused police of using excessive force, with videos of teargas and rubber bullets generating renewed public outrage each weekend. But officers insist they have deployed proportionate force against increasingly violent protesters armed with sling-shots, petrol bombs and bricks, and said they remained confident a "silent majority" of Hong Kongers still supported them. The three officers painted a picture of a force challenged by wildcat protests and hinted at frustration over the intransigence of Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam. "This is a political issue. And a political issue needs a political solution to solve it," said one. But they also said attacks and insults directed towards their ranks had only reinforced morale and that there were ample reserves to call upon. Of the 28,000 people in uniform, around 3,000 are engaged in frontline crowd control but there are hundreds of immediate reserves and a "scaling up" plan in place should the protests escalate. "We're not at full mobilisation by any stage yet," said one officer, a commander on the ground. As China takes an increasingly hardline tone, state media have published images of military personnel and armoured vehicles across the border in Shenzhen this week. The United States has warned Beijing against sending in troops, a move many analysts say would be a reputational and economic disaster for China. Loans and food deliveries The three officers said there had been no discussions about what would happen if Beijing sent reinforcements and that there were no established protocols in place. Asked if such a move would leave the force in uncharted waters, one officer replied matter-of-factly: "Yes". All three felt coverage and footage on social media had portrayed the force, or specific confrontations with protesters, in an unfair light and the said officers were now being subjected to routine abuse. At least 300 police have had personal data -- such as ID card numbers and addresses -- published online. Some have had fraudulent bank loans applied for in their name or food deliveries sent to their homes late at night. One officer said his teenage daughter was approached by an adult at a recent sports day. "He pulled her to one side and said 'What your father is doing is disgusting, you should be ashamed'," the officer recalled. "Things like that I feel are completely, completely unreasonable." Since the clashes began in early June, police have made more than 700 arrests but so far there appears to be no let up in the protests. And even if the roiling demonstrations end, analysts say the force has suffered unprecedented reputational loss in a city now deeply polarised between those who support and those who loathe the police. Asked how long it might take to repair that damage, one commander said: "It's not easy. I can't tell you how long it will take, but it's going to take time."

Bruised but unbowed Hong Kong police say no need for China intervention

China hits out at media, Western forces on provoking Hong Kong protests. Watch video to know more.

China hits out at media, Western forces on provoking Hong Kong protests

Chinese ambassador to UK slams media, Western forces on provoking Hong Kong protests. Watch the video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Chinese ambassador to UK slams media, Western forces on Hong Kong

China hits out at media, Western forces on provoking Hong Kong protests. Watch the video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: China hits out at media, Western forces

The situation in Hong Kong seemed tense as police dressed in riot gear reached the airport. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Situation tense as police reach airport

Tensions Escalate In Hong Kong As PLA Seems To Be Preparing For Military Crackdown. Watch this video to know more.

Gravitas: Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

Jackie Chan, a Hong Kong native, and world-famous action movie star, expressed his worries and distress over the recent riots in Hong Kong and called for the restoration of peace as soon as possible during an interview with China Central Television (CCTV). Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Martial arts legend Jackie Chan calls for restoration of peace in Hong Kong

Chinese paramilitary forces were seen near close to the border with Hong Kong. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: Chinese paramilitary forces seen near HK

WION Fineprint: UK condemns violence in Hong Kong

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong and he urged calm.

Hong Kong protests: Hope 'nobody gets killed', says Donald Trump

Hong Kong protests: Protesters and police clash at the airport, 2 injured

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-between-riot-police-protesters-outside-hong-kong-airport-242832">Hong Kong amid</a> new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub.

The crisis, which has seen millions of anti-government activists take to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-check-ins-suspended-at-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242706"> Hong Kong's</a> streets, was a "very tricky situation," the president told reporters in New Jersey.&nbsp;

"I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," he said.

Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport.

Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said.

Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times.

The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in Hong Kong amid new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in Hong Kong amid new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub. The crisis, which has seen millions of anti-government activists take to Hong Kong's streets, was a "very tricky situation," the president told reporters in New Jersey. "I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," he said. Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport. Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said. Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times. The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed: Trump on Hong Kong protests

Violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-check-ins-suspended-at-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242706">suspended check-ins</a> at the international airport.

Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said.

Several police vehicles were blocked by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-chief-calls-for-independent-impartial-investigation-into-hong-kong-violence-242701">protesters, and riot police</a> moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times.

The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-erin-hale-correspondent-on-protest-in-hong-kong-airport-242805/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Hong Kong's airport authority said operations at the city's international airport was being "seriously disrupted" by public assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, Hong Kong authorities suspended all check-in services as protests escalated inside the airport. In a similar move on Monday, airport authorities had cancelled all flights in Hong Kong airport as anti-government protests entered the fourth day.

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Hong Kong to exercise restraint and investigate evidence of its forces firing tear gas at protesters in ways banned under international law. 
&nbsp; 
"Take a minute to look at our city, our home," Chief Executive Carrie Lam said, her voice cracking, at a news conference in the government headquarters complex, which is fortified behind 6-foot (1.8-m) -high water-filled barricades.

"Can we bear to push it into the abyss and see it smashed to pieces?"

Violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport.

Violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport. Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said. Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times. The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration. Watch Video: Hong Kong's airport authority said operations at the city's international airport was being "seriously disrupted" by public assembly. Earlier on Tuesday, Hong Kong authorities suspended all check-in services as protests escalated inside the airport. In a similar move on Monday, airport authorities had cancelled all flights in Hong Kong airport as anti-government protests entered the fourth day. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Hong Kong to exercise restraint and investigate evidence of its forces firing tear gas at protesters in ways banned under international law. "Take a minute to look at our city, our home," Chief Executive Carrie Lam said, her voice cracking, at a news conference in the government headquarters complex, which is fortified behind 6-foot (1.8-m) -high water-filled barricades. "Can we bear to push it into the abyss and see it smashed to pieces?"

Clashes erupt between riot police, protesters outside Hong Kong airport

Authorities at Hong Kong airport on Tuesday suspended all departure check-ins <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-chief-calls-for-independent-impartial-investigation-into-hong-kong-violence-242701">after&nbsp;protesters blocked</a> the facility for a second day, but some flights were still arriving and taking off.

"Terminal operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly," the airport authority said in a statement.

"All check-in service for departure flights has been suspended since 1630hrs (0930 GMT). Other departure and arrival flights for the rest of the day will continue to operate, and airlines will provide arrangements for passengers who have not completed the departure process."

"Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport."

Amid the disruptions due to protests<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-you-die-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-grilled-at-press-conference-242677"> at Hong Kong airports</a>, Cathay Pacific halted check-ins citing "potential for new disruptions".

Cathay became embroiled in the protests after China's civil aviation regulator demanded the airline suspend personnel who were engaged in or supported "illegal protests" in Hong Kong from staffing flights into its airspace, citing safety concerns.

The airline moved fast to comply with the demand from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), suspending a pilot arrested during anti-government protests in Hong Kong and firing two airport employees citing misconduct on Saturday.

On Monday, Hong Kong airport authorities had cancelled all flights in Hong Kong airport as anti-government protests escalated for the fourth day.&nbsp;

However, it added that it will increase transfer capacity in the Greater Bay Area airports to avoid disruption to trips between the mainland and Hong Kong.

Cathay was also on Monday among airlines affected by the Hong Kong airport's decision to cancel all flights. The airline warned passengers in a travel advisory that the impact could last until Tuesday morning.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Authorities at Hong Kong airport on Tuesday suspended all departure check-ins after protesters blocked the facility for a second day, but some flights were still arriving and taking off.

Authorities at Hong Kong airport on Tuesday suspended all departure check-ins after protesters blocked the facility for a second day, but some flights were still arriving and taking off. "Terminal operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly," the airport authority said in a statement. "All check-in service for departure flights has been suspended since 1630hrs (0930 GMT). Other departure and arrival flights for the rest of the day will continue to operate, and airlines will provide arrangements for passengers who have not completed the departure process." "Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport." Amid the disruptions due to protests at Hong Kong airports, Cathay Pacific halted check-ins citing "potential for new disruptions". Cathay became embroiled in the protests after China's civil aviation regulator demanded the airline suspend personnel who were engaged in or supported "illegal protests" in Hong Kong from staffing flights into its airspace, citing safety concerns. The airline moved fast to comply with the demand from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), suspending a pilot arrested during anti-government protests in Hong Kong and firing two airport employees citing misconduct on Saturday. On Monday, Hong Kong airport authorities had cancelled all flights in Hong Kong airport as anti-government protests escalated for the fourth day. However, it added that it will increase transfer capacity in the Greater Bay Area airports to avoid disruption to trips between the mainland and Hong Kong. Cathay was also on Monday among airlines affected by the Hong Kong airport's decision to cancel all flights. The airline warned passengers in a travel advisory that the impact could last until Tuesday morning. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

All check-ins suspended at Hong Kong airport as protests escalate

Fresh protests are being reported from Hong Kong airport. Pro-democracy activists kicked off a 3-day rally at Hong Kong airport on Friday. Rally was promoted in social media with a mock boarding pass reading "HK to freedom".

Fresh protests at Hong Kong airport, mock boarding passes read 'HK to freedom'

Hong Kong Is Bracing For A Fresh Confrontation Between The Protesters & The Police. The civil unrest in Hong Kong deepens. Hundreds of protesters gathered near the space museum shining 'laser' beams. The novel protest was done to mark the unlawful arrest of a university student who was buying a laser point. In fact the situation could worsen as another weekend approaches. Palki sums up the development.

WION Gravitas: Hong Kong civil unrest escalates

Fresh protests are being reported from Hong Kong airport. Pro-democracy activists kicked off a 3-day rally at Hong Kong airport on Friday. Protestors gathered in an attempt to spread their message to travellers arriving in the city. Rally was promoted in social media with a mock boarding pass reading "HK to freedom".

Second round of protests at Hong Kong airport

One of the tools used by both protesters and police on the streets of Hong Kong are high-powered lasers and blinding lights, shined through thick clouds of tear gas to confuse each other and as an additional tool to conceal their identities and activities.

Hong Kong: Protesters using lasers to distract and confuse

Hong Kong Protests Intensify Further As China Issues Fresh Warning To Protesters

Gravitas: China's warning to Hong Kong's protesters: Do not play with fire

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

Police fire tear gas at multiple protests in HKong

China's ruling Communist Party once again underlined its wholesale support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-impertinently-proposing-to-reclaim-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-240740">Hong Kong's embattled leader </a>&nbsp;Carrie Lam on Tuesday as it struggles to contain increasingly violent anti-government unrest.

The two-month crisis has become the biggest threat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-flights-cancelled-as-hong-kong-protesters-launch-city-wide-strike-240696">Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous</a> southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997.

One of the protesters' key demands is for Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to stand down.

But, a day after a series of rallies that included bloody clashes between protesters and pro-government men brandishing poles, the Communist Party's mouthpiece published a front-page commentary in Beijing defending Lam.

"All kinds of evildoing go beyond peaceful demonstrations. No civilisation or society governed by law will tolerate this," said the commentary in the People's Daily.

"The (party's) central committee has full confidence in chief executive Carrie Lam and fully affirms her work."

Officials from China's cabinet-level State Council were also due to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in Beijing about the unrest.&nbsp;

Such media briefings are normally very rare but Tuesday's will be the second in as many weeks.

The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions of criminals to mainland China.

They evolved into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms, with protesters' anger fuelled by Lam's refusal to publicly acknowledge their grievances.

In a press conference, Lam on Monday warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty.

China's ruling Communist Party once again underlined its wholesale support for Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday as it struggles to contain increasingly violent anti-government unrest.

China's ruling Communist Party once again underlined its wholesale support for Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday as it struggles to contain increasingly violent anti-government unrest. The two-month crisis has become the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997. One of the protesters' key demands is for Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to stand down. But, a day after a series of rallies that included bloody clashes between protesters and pro-government men brandishing poles, the Communist Party's mouthpiece published a front-page commentary in Beijing defending Lam. "All kinds of evildoing go beyond peaceful demonstrations. No civilisation or society governed by law will tolerate this," said the commentary in the People's Daily. "The (party's) central committee has full confidence in chief executive Carrie Lam and fully affirms her work." Officials from China's cabinet-level State Council were also due to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in Beijing about the unrest. Such media briefings are normally very rare but Tuesday's will be the second in as many weeks. The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions of criminals to mainland China. They evolved into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms, with protesters' anger fuelled by Lam's refusal to publicly acknowledge their grievances. In a press conference, Lam on Monday warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty.

Communist Party has full confidence in Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam: China

Hong Kong enters into 9th straight weekend. Hong Kong police fired tear gas on Saturday night in confrontations with black-clad activists in the city's Kowloon area. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: 9th straight weekend of protests

9th straight weekend of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Watch video to know more.

9th straight weekend of pro democracy protests in Hong Kong

Hong Kong civil servants also joined in anti-government street protests as China's top diplomat accused the U.S. and other Western nations of "fanning the flames" of the demonstrations which he said aim to undermine the semi-autonomous region's prosperity, stability and security. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Civil servants join protest

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong to voice support for the police and call for an end to violence after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: WION ground report from Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong protests: Protesters gather in Mong Kok

By Michael Joseph Richardson

The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union recently encouraged staff to join protests at Hong Kong’s international airport. It should be noted that Cathay Pacific itself clarified in a note to the Global Times that it was not the event’s organiser, and that the protest didn’t constitute industrial action by its employees.

There have now been eight consecutive weeks of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. They started in opposition to (now suspended) extradition legislation, which would have seen suspects in the special administrative region sent to mainland China, but have since grown into a wider movement calling for the resignation of Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong.

But while it is attracting global attention now, the movement has a long history that puts the unprecedented move of Cathay Pacific’s flight aviation union in context.

A student strike in late September 2014 saw the birth of Occupy Central with Love and Peace (OCLP). The occupation took hold of several key areas of the city that year, with campaigners employing non-violent civil disobedience. It officially lasted for 79 days, although its legacy is still being written.

Back then, the movement was focused on the right to universal suffrage, a fair and transparent electoral system, and ultimately an open democratic process. Pacifist symbols (yellow umbrellas, protective face masks and eye goggles) were deployed against police aggression (pepper spray and tear gas) – and the so-called “Umbrella Revolution” was born.

In 2017, 20 years after Britain’s colonial role of the territory came to an end, Lam, Beijing’s favoured candidate, was appointed Hong Kong’s leader, a move widely criticised by pro-democracy campaigners.

Further controversy followed a year later with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuai-Macau Bridge, which was described by independent lawmaker Claudia Mo as an “umbilical cord” to China.

Resistance

The mainland, over time, has been tightening its grip. But recent events at Hong Kong’s international airport and across the city show just how strong the resistance to perceived Chinese influence has become.

The well-educated middle classes are also front and centre of this resistance movement. In Annals of the American Association of Geographers, I argued that the mobilisation of professional, politically-oriented Hong Kong Chinese has seen the movement employing the “weapons of the well-educated”.

The phrase refers to political scientist and anthropologist James C Scott’s important 1980s work Weapons of the Weak, which explored peasant resistance in Malaysia. He described “the ordinary weapons of relatively powerless groups: foot dragging, dissimulation, desertion, false compliance, pilfering, feigned ignorance, slander, arson, sabotage, and so on”.

In modern Hong Kong, however, a very different demographic has been taking a stand. There, justice is being called for by locally born, Hong Kong citizens, many of whom were, or are, students at the city’s universities. This makes the movement harder to ignore and more difficult to silence.

Evolving protest

But the current protests have led me to revise this thinking further and to conclude that the protests have now become the “weapons of the well-connected”. The protests have been reinvigorated by further support from much of the city’s expatriate community, a topic I am currently researching. As part of this, I interviewed a 20-something half British, half Malaysian Chinese working in Hong Kong. Reflecting on their involvement in the anti-extradition protests earlier this month, they stated:

"I do want to reiterate that these events have completely altered my view of HK [Hong Kong] society – particularly the police. You grow up thinking that the police are on your side and will always protect you … but I no longer trust the police and I don’t like them. The force used was completely unnecessary and an abuse of power and authority. I also think the way that the bill [the controversial extradition law] was very quickly rushed through the system was a complete abuse of authority by Carrie Lam and her government. When I was tear-gassed the second time, I was away from the large crowd that the police were kettling. The riot police were standing in a line and had their backs to me; we were about 200 metres behind them – unmoving and unarmed. It suddenly went silent and then I saw at least five gas canisters beneath my feet. ‘Surreal’ doesn’t begin to cover it."

They powerfully finished the interview by saying: “As much as I am now anti-police and anti-establishment, I have never felt more proud to call myself a Hong Konger; and I think many people will feel the same way.”

The role of city workers in the protests certainly shows how things have evolved since the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, which was an overwhelmingly local movement. While the political outlook of Hong Kong’s business elite had previously been largely apolitical, the perceived Chinese encroachment is now so great that even organisations are beginning to speak out.

The protests have already been aided by UK government support, causing increased tensions with the Chinese ambassador in London – and now they have the support of the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union. Hong Kong’s future as a special administrative region of China is unclear, but the connections forged with the international business community have changed the nature of protest in the city. And China will likely find it harder and harder not to listen.

(Michael Joseph Richardson is Lecturer of Human Geography, Newcastle University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hong-kong-protests-city-workers-expats-and-unions-join-clamour-making-it-ever-harder-for-china-to-ignore-121138">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

By Michael Joseph Richardson The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union recently encouraged staff to join protests at Hong Kong’s international airport. It should be noted that Cathay Pacific itself clarified in a note to the Global Times that it was not the event’s organiser, and that the protest didn’t constitute industrial action by its employees.

By Michael Joseph Richardson The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union recently encouraged staff to join protests at Hong Kong’s international airport. It should be noted that Cathay Pacific itself clarified in a note to the Global Times that it was not the event’s organiser, and that the protest didn’t constitute industrial action by its employees. There have now been eight consecutive weeks of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. They started in opposition to (now suspended) extradition legislation, which would have seen suspects in the special administrative region sent to mainland China, but have since grown into a wider movement calling for the resignation of Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong. But while it is attracting global attention now, the movement has a long history that puts the unprecedented move of Cathay Pacific’s flight aviation union in context. A student strike in late September 2014 saw the birth of Occupy Central with Love and Peace (OCLP). The occupation took hold of several key areas of the city that year, with campaigners employing non-violent civil disobedience. It officially lasted for 79 days, although its legacy is still being written. Back then, the movement was focused on the right to universal suffrage, a fair and transparent electoral system, and ultimately an open democratic process. Pacifist symbols (yellow umbrellas, protective face masks and eye goggles) were deployed against police aggression (pepper spray and tear gas) – and the so-called “Umbrella Revolution” was born. In 2017, 20 years after Britain’s colonial role of the territory came to an end, Lam, Beijing’s favoured candidate, was appointed Hong Kong’s leader, a move widely criticised by pro-democracy campaigners. Further controversy followed a year later with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuai-Macau Bridge, which was described by independent lawmaker Claudia Mo as an “umbilical cord” to China. Resistance The mainland, over time, has been tightening its grip. But recent events at Hong Kong’s international airport and across the city show just how strong the resistance to perceived Chinese influence has become. The well-educated middle classes are also front and centre of this resistance movement. In Annals of the American Association of Geographers, I argued that the mobilisation of professional, politically-oriented Hong Kong Chinese has seen the movement employing the “weapons of the well-educated”. The phrase refers to political scientist and anthropologist James C Scott’s important 1980s work Weapons of the Weak, which explored peasant resistance in Malaysia. He described “the ordinary weapons of relatively powerless groups: foot dragging, dissimulation, desertion, false compliance, pilfering, feigned ignorance, slander, arson, sabotage, and so on”. In modern Hong Kong, however, a very different demographic has been taking a stand. There, justice is being called for by locally born, Hong Kong citizens, many of whom were, or are, students at the city’s universities. This makes the movement harder to ignore and more difficult to silence. Evolving protest But the current protests have led me to revise this thinking further and to conclude that the protests have now become the “weapons of the well-connected”. The protests have been reinvigorated by further support from much of the city’s expatriate community, a topic I am currently researching. As part of this, I interviewed a 20-something half British, half Malaysian Chinese working in Hong Kong. Reflecting on their involvement in the anti-extradition protests earlier this month, they stated: "I do want to reiterate that these events have completely altered my view of HK [Hong Kong] society – particularly the police. You grow up thinking that the police are on your side and will always protect you … but I no longer trust the police and I don’t like them. The force used was completely unnecessary and an abuse of power and authority. I also think the way that the bill [the controversial extradition law] was very quickly rushed through the system was a complete abuse of authority by Carrie Lam and her government. When I was tear-gassed the second time, I was away from the large crowd that the police were kettling. The riot police were standing in a line and had their backs to me; we were about 200 metres behind them – unmoving and unarmed. It suddenly went silent and then I saw at least five gas canisters beneath my feet. ‘Surreal’ doesn’t begin to cover it." They powerfully finished the interview by saying: “As much as I am now anti-police and anti-establishment, I have never felt more proud to call myself a Hong Konger; and I think many people will feel the same way.” The role of city workers in the protests certainly shows how things have evolved since the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, which was an overwhelmingly local movement. While the political outlook of Hong Kong’s business elite had previously been largely apolitical, the perceived Chinese encroachment is now so great that even organisations are beginning to speak out. The protests have already been aided by UK government support, causing increased tensions with the Chinese ambassador in London – and now they have the support of the Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union. Hong Kong’s future as a special administrative region of China is unclear, but the connections forged with the international business community have changed the nature of protest in the city. And China will likely find it harder and harder not to listen. (Michael Joseph Richardson is Lecturer of Human Geography, Newcastle University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Hong Kong protests: City workers, expats and unions join clamour, making it even harder for China to ignore

Protesters have gathered outside the Eastern Law Court Building in Hong Kong on Wednesday ahead of an appearance by 44 fellow protesters who have been charged with rioting. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Activists protest demonstrators arrests

Protesters have gathered outside the Eastern Law Court Building in Hong Kong on Wednesday. More than 40 people appeared in a Hong Kong court rioting for their role in a recent protest that turned violent when thousands of activists clashed with police near Beijing's main representative office in the city. Watch this video to know more.

hong-kong-protests

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

hong kong-protests