The Biden administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions on 24 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-should-crack-down-on-firms-using-forced-labour-in-chinas-xinjiang-mps-say-371037">Chinese</a> and Hong Kong officials over Beijing's ongoing crackdown on the city.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The sanctions were introduced under the Hong Kong autonomy act which was passed by the United States last year.

US secretary of state Antony <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-officials-arrive-in-seoul-with-china-north-korea-on-agenda-371019">Blinken </a>said: "Foreign financial institutions that knowingly conduct significant transactions with the individuals listed in today's report are now subject to sanctions."&nbsp;

The officials mostly included China's Communist Party leaders including senior national security police officers in Hong Kong.

Blinken said China had "unilaterally" undermined Hong Kong's electoral system.

"This action further undermines the high degree of autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong and denies Hong Kongers a voice in their own governance," Blinken said.

The move comes as US and Chinese officials are set for talks in Alaska with relations between both countries at their lowest amid the pandemic and trade wars under former President Donald Trump.

Blinken had said that the US was going to "lay out in very clear terms" to Chinese officials on "some of the concerns that we have about the actions they're taking".

Blinken and US National Security Adviser(NSA) Jake Sullivan will meet China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi and State Councilor Wang Yi in Alaska in a few hours even as the US secretary of state had pledged to push back against Beijing's "coercion and aggression" during his Tokyo visit.

The Biden administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions on 24 Chinese and Hong Kong officials over Beijing's ongoing crackdown on the city. Watch: The sanctions were introduced under the Hong Kong autonomy act which was passed by the United States last year.

The Biden administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions on 24 Chinese and Hong Kong officials over Beijing's ongoing crackdown on the city. Watch: The sanctions were introduced under the Hong Kong autonomy act which was passed by the United States last year. US secretary of state Antony Blinken said: "Foreign financial institutions that knowingly conduct significant transactions with the individuals listed in today's report are now subject to sanctions." The officials mostly included China's Communist Party leaders including senior national security police officers in Hong Kong. Blinken said China had "unilaterally" undermined Hong Kong's electoral system. "This action further undermines the high degree of autonomy promised to people in Hong Kong and denies Hong Kongers a voice in their own governance," Blinken said. The move comes as US and Chinese officials are set for talks in Alaska with relations between both countries at their lowest amid the pandemic and trade wars under former President Donald Trump. Blinken had said that the US was going to "lay out in very clear terms" to Chinese officials on "some of the concerns that we have about the actions they're taking". Blinken and US National Security Adviser(NSA) Jake Sullivan will meet China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi and State Councilor Wang Yi in Alaska in a few hours even as the US secretary of state had pledged to push back against Beijing's "coercion and aggression" during his Tokyo visit.

Ahead of talks in Alaska, US sanctions Chinese and Hong Kong officials

A manhunt has been launched in Hong Kong &nbsp;after a man reportedly stole a flag from the site of&nbsp;China's July 1 Hong Kong handover ceremony, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-sanctions-related-to-hong-kong-as-gangster-logic-313639">Also Read:&nbsp;China slams US sanctions related to Hong Kong as 'gangster logic'</a>

A security guard reportedly chased the man at Hong Kong’s Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai in the early morning hours on Thursday.

Police said the man was reportedly wearing back shirt and black trousers. &nbsp;Hong Kong has witnessed a series of clashes with police ever since China implemented the national security law.

The offence carries a maximum of 10 years under Hong Kong law.

The New York Times on Wedesday said it was moving its digital news hub from Hong Kong to South Korea due&nbsp;to the implementation of national security law even as leader Carrie Lam assured &nbsp;"100 percent guarantee" on media freedoms.

Meanwhile, China has accused Hong Kong democracy activists of trying to start a revolution as residents turned up to choose candidates for upcoming legislative elections despite warnings from the government.

China's Liaison Office &nbsp;said it was&nbsp;"a serious provocation against the current election system" while singling out pro-democracy &nbsp;activist Benny Tai.

"The goal of the Benny Tai gang and the opposition camp is to seize power to govern Hong Kong, with a vain attempt to launch a Hong Kong version of a 'colour revolution'," the office said.

A manhunt has been launched in Hong Kong after a man reportedly stole a flag from the site of China's July 1 Hong Kong handover ceremony, reports said. Also Read: China slams US sanctions related to Hong Kong as 'gangster logic' A security guard reportedly chased the man at Hong Kong’s Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai in the early morning hours on Thursday.

A manhunt has been launched in Hong Kong after a man reportedly stole a flag from the site of China's July 1 Hong Kong handover ceremony, reports said. Also Read: China slams US sanctions related to Hong Kong as 'gangster logic' A security guard reportedly chased the man at Hong Kong’s Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai in the early morning hours on Thursday. Police said the man was reportedly wearing back shirt and black trousers. Hong Kong has witnessed a series of clashes with police ever since China implemented the national security law. The offence carries a maximum of 10 years under Hong Kong law. The New York Times on Wedesday said it was moving its digital news hub from Hong Kong to South Korea due to the implementation of national security law even as leader Carrie Lam assured "100 percent guarantee" on media freedoms. Meanwhile, China has accused Hong Kong democracy activists of trying to start a revolution as residents turned up to choose candidates for upcoming legislative elections despite warnings from the government. China's Liaison Office said it was "a serious provocation against the current election system" while singling out pro-democracy activist Benny Tai. "The goal of the Benny Tai gang and the opposition camp is to seize power to govern Hong Kong, with a vain attempt to launch a Hong Kong version of a 'colour revolution'," the office said.

Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony

After the head of Human Rights Watch&nbsp;Kenneth Roth was denied entry to enter Hong Kong, China's foreign ministry said "allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-strengths-as-global-financial-hub-intact-despite-protests-carrie-lam-273828">Also Read: Hong Kong's strengths as global financial hub intact despite protests, says Carrie Lam</a>

"Disappointed as I was to be blocked at the Hong Kong airport, it pales in comparison to the shredding of "one country, two systems" being done by pro-Beijing forces to the pro-democracy Hong Kong protesters," Kenneth Roth said in a Twitter post.

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Disappointed as I was to be blocked at the Hong Kong airport, it pales in comparison to the shredding of "one country, two systems" being done by pro-Beijing forces to the pro-democracy Hong Kong protesters. <a href="https://t.co/NFxvAVgZj0">https://t.co/NFxvAVgZj0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PatChappatte?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatChappatte</a> <a href="https://t.co/o2iETbjpSO">pic.twitter.com/o2iETbjpSO</a>
— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenRoth/status/1216562735632322560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Odd if you think about it: hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Hong Kong to defend democracy, and the authorities block me and the Human Rights Watch from holding a press conference. Beijing should be listening, not censoring," he added.

China, however, defended its position asserting that the "relevant NGO has through various means supported anti-China radicals".

"Plenty of facts and evidence show that the relevant NGO has through various means supported anti-China radicals, encouraged them to engage in extremist, violent and criminal activity, and incited Hong Kong independence separatist activities," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-violence-flares-in-hong-kong-a-look-at-controversial-anti-mask-ban-253884">In Pics: As violence flares in Hong Kong, a look at controversial anti-mask ban</a>

"Allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "They bear major responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong. These organisations should be punished, and should pay the proper price."&nbsp;

Roth, however, slammed China, saying: "Beijing finally owns up to barring me from Hong Kong, not local authorities. It relies on the fiction that international groups sparked the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, not the people of Hong Kong themselves, which insults Hong Kong and is ludicrous."

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Beijing finally owns up to barring me from Hong Kong, not local authorities. It relies on the fiction that international groups sparked the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, not the people of Hong Kong themselves, which insults Hong Kong and is ludicrous. <a href="https://t.co/2UU0e7O8MB">https://t.co/2UU0e7O8MB</a>
— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenRoth/status/1216701970234380288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The New York-based Human Rights Watch was scheduled to release its 652-page World Report 2020 at the Foreign Correspondent Club in Hong Kong on January 15.

Roth said China was putting forward a "redefined version of "One Country, Two Systems", asserting that barring him from holding a Hong Kong press conference about China's assault on human rights was "just the latest example".

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Taiwan wouldn't have barred me from entering if I had planned to hold a <a href="https://twitter.com/hrw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HRW</a> press conference there, but Hong Kong does. I suppose that's a variation in the usual meaning of "one country, two systems." The people of Taiwan appreciate the difference. <a href="https://t.co/EtHeOfHOfV">https://t.co/EtHeOfHOfV</a>
— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenRoth/status/1216625981395472389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Taiwan wouldn't have barred me from entering if I had planned to hold a Human Rights Watch press conference there, but Hong Kong does. I suppose that's a variation in the usual meaning of "one country, two systems." The people of Taiwan appreciate the difference," he said.

After the head of Human Rights Watch Kenneth Roth was denied entry to enter Hong Kong, China's foreign ministry said "allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right.

After the head of Human Rights Watch Kenneth Roth was denied entry to enter Hong Kong, China's foreign ministry said "allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right." Also Read: Hong Kong's strengths as global financial hub intact despite protests, says Carrie Lam "Disappointed as I was to be blocked at the Hong Kong airport, it pales in comparison to the shredding of "one country, two systems" being done by pro-Beijing forces to the pro-democracy Hong Kong protesters," Kenneth Roth said in a Twitter post. Disappointed as I was to be blocked at the Hong Kong airport, it pales in comparison to the shredding of "one country, two systems" being done by pro-Beijing forces to the pro-democracy Hong Kong protesters. https://t.co/NFxvAVgZj0 @PatChappatte pic.twitter.com/o2iETbjpSO — Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) January 13, 2020 × "Odd if you think about it: hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Hong Kong to defend democracy, and the authorities block me and the Human Rights Watch from holding a press conference. Beijing should be listening, not censoring," he added. China, however, defended its position asserting that the "relevant NGO has through various means supported anti-China radicals". "Plenty of facts and evidence show that the relevant NGO has through various means supported anti-China radicals, encouraged them to engage in extremist, violent and criminal activity, and incited Hong Kong independence separatist activities," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. In Pics: As violence flares in Hong Kong, a look at controversial anti-mask ban "Allowing or not allowing someone's entry is China's sovereign right," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "They bear major responsibility for the current chaos in Hong Kong. These organisations should be punished, and should pay the proper price." Roth, however, slammed China, saying: "Beijing finally owns up to barring me from Hong Kong, not local authorities. It relies on the fiction that international groups sparked the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, not the people of Hong Kong themselves, which insults Hong Kong and is ludicrous." Beijing finally owns up to barring me from Hong Kong, not local authorities. It relies on the fiction that international groups sparked the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, not the people of Hong Kong themselves, which insults Hong Kong and is ludicrous. https://t.co/2UU0e7O8MB — Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) January 13, 2020 × The New York-based Human Rights Watch was scheduled to release its 652-page World Report 2020 at the Foreign Correspondent Club in Hong Kong on January 15. Roth said China was putting forward a "redefined version of "One Country, Two Systems", asserting that barring him from holding a Hong Kong press conference about China's assault on human rights was "just the latest example". Taiwan wouldn't have barred me from entering if I had planned to hold a @HRW press conference there, but Hong Kong does. I suppose that's a variation in the usual meaning of "one country, two systems." The people of Taiwan appreciate the difference. https://t.co/EtHeOfHOfV — Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) January 13, 2020 × "Taiwan wouldn't have barred me from entering if I had planned to hold a Human Rights Watch press conference there, but Hong Kong does. I suppose that's a variation in the usual meaning of "one country, two systems." The people of Taiwan appreciate the difference," he said.

Human Rights Watch incited criminal activity, says China after denying Kenneth Roth entry into Hong Kong

Mainland Chinese students have begun fleeing Hong Kong campuses over security fears, police and university officials said Wednesday, as the city's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-central-hong-kong-streets-as-chaos-grips-city-261782">seething political crisis</a> saw some of its worst violence this week.

The most intense clashes on Tuesday occurred at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where pitched battles were fought with the police firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets and protesters throwing petrol bombs and bricks, paralysing the campus and the area around it.

A group of mainland students at CUHK attempted to depart the campus Wednesday morning over safety concerns but had to be shuttled away by a police boat because they were unable to leave via obstructed roads.

"The police decided to deploy a police launch to assist the group of students to go to a safe location," the force said.

Images on local outlet Stand News showed dozens of people -- some carrying luggage -- standing next to a vessel with police markings, purportedly fleeing the campus.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology meanwhile arranged a special bus service to ferry students from its campus to a station that offers services to the mainland.

"While we are not aware of any imminent threat to campus safety, we understand some staff and students have the desire to leave campus," the university said in an email to students.

The Hong Kong Baptist University suspended on-campus teaching two weeks before the scheduled end of the semester, switching to either online sessions or postponing classes altogether. It also announced online teaching arrangements for students who choose to return to mainland China.

It was not immediately clear how many mainland Chinese students have left Hong Kong during the latest escalation of violence.

A youth wing of the Communist Party in Shenzhen on Wednesday said it was offering free accommodation at its facilities for mainlanders studying in Hong Kong. Other groups posted similar offers on Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform.

'Escape Day'

The protest movement is the biggest challenge to Beijing's rule since Hong Kong was returned by Britain in 1997, fuelled by fears that China is choking the liberties and freedoms the city is meant to have under the handover deal.

More radical demonstrators have targeted businesses and people perceived to be pro-China. In a particularly shocking incident, a man was doused in a flammable liquid and set on fire during an argument with pro-democracy protesters.

Such attacks have been picked up by Chinese state media, which have described the pro-democracy protesters as "rioters".

The nationalist tabloid Global Times described the situation as an "Escape Day".&nbsp;

"It's hard to go to the campus, it's risky," said a Hong Kong University postgraduate student who gave his surname Zhang.

"The atmosphere is pretty intense. I live in (a) student flat and so far it's fine. But I'm afraid if anything happened, you can't leave."

Another mainland student who asked to remain anonymous said she recognised many other students at the West Kowloon high-speed railway station, which connects Hong Kong with Shenzhen and beyond.

"The atmosphere these days... makes me want to leave," she told AFP before departing for the mainland, referring to the "bad mood" the situation had caused among Chinese students.

The only thing that made her feel better was "going to McDonald's".

"I can't stand that," she said. "So I finally left."

Mainland Chinese students have begun fleeing Hong Kong campuses over security fears, police and university officials said Wednesday, as the city's seething political crisis saw some of its worst violence this week.

Mainland Chinese students have begun fleeing Hong Kong campuses over security fears, police and university officials said Wednesday, as the city's seething political crisis saw some of its worst violence this week. The most intense clashes on Tuesday occurred at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where pitched battles were fought with the police firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets and protesters throwing petrol bombs and bricks, paralysing the campus and the area around it. A group of mainland students at CUHK attempted to depart the campus Wednesday morning over safety concerns but had to be shuttled away by a police boat because they were unable to leave via obstructed roads. "The police decided to deploy a police launch to assist the group of students to go to a safe location," the force said. Images on local outlet Stand News showed dozens of people -- some carrying luggage -- standing next to a vessel with police markings, purportedly fleeing the campus. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology meanwhile arranged a special bus service to ferry students from its campus to a station that offers services to the mainland. "While we are not aware of any imminent threat to campus safety, we understand some staff and students have the desire to leave campus," the university said in an email to students. The Hong Kong Baptist University suspended on-campus teaching two weeks before the scheduled end of the semester, switching to either online sessions or postponing classes altogether. It also announced online teaching arrangements for students who choose to return to mainland China. It was not immediately clear how many mainland Chinese students have left Hong Kong during the latest escalation of violence. A youth wing of the Communist Party in Shenzhen on Wednesday said it was offering free accommodation at its facilities for mainlanders studying in Hong Kong. Other groups posted similar offers on Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform. 'Escape Day' The protest movement is the biggest challenge to Beijing's rule since Hong Kong was returned by Britain in 1997, fuelled by fears that China is choking the liberties and freedoms the city is meant to have under the handover deal. More radical demonstrators have targeted businesses and people perceived to be pro-China. In a particularly shocking incident, a man was doused in a flammable liquid and set on fire during an argument with pro-democracy protesters. Such attacks have been picked up by Chinese state media, which have described the pro-democracy protesters as "rioters". The nationalist tabloid Global Times described the situation as an "Escape Day". "It's hard to go to the campus, it's risky," said a Hong Kong University postgraduate student who gave his surname Zhang. "The atmosphere is pretty intense. I live in (a) student flat and so far it's fine. But I'm afraid if anything happened, you can't leave." Another mainland student who asked to remain anonymous said she recognised many other students at the West Kowloon high-speed railway station, which connects Hong Kong with Shenzhen and beyond. "The atmosphere these days... makes me want to leave," she told AFP before departing for the mainland, referring to the "bad mood" the situation had caused among Chinese students. The only thing that made her feel better was "going to McDonald's". "I can't stand that," she said. "So I finally left."

Mainland China students flee Hong Kong over protest violence fears

Hong Kong protesters vandalise malls, subway station & schools. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong protesters vandalise malls, subway station & schools

Hong Kong is witnessing a violent protest that results- Damage of life and property. The violent clash erupts between Protesters and police early this morning and while covering the ground zero, WION's correspondent gets hit by tear gas. In WION Dispatch, let's listen to the WION's correspondent Grace Lee from directly from Hong Kong as she shares the real-time experience of the situation during the protests.

Hong Kong: Police defends shooting protesters, WION's correspondent shares the real-time experience

Chinese state-run media on Monday called for a "tougher line" on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-trash-xinhua-agency-office-in-night-of-violence-259585"> democracy protesters in Hong Kong</a>, after a weekend of violence following Beijing's plans to tighten control over the semi-autonomous city.

Hardcore demonstrators in the financial hub smashed the windows of the official Xinhua news agency's regional bureau on Saturday, capping another weekend of unrest that also saw scores of arrests and a gruesome attack on a pro-democracy lawmaker.

"Intensifying violence in Hong Kong calls for tougher line to restore order," the state-run China Daily, an English-language mainland newspaper, said in an editorial.

The protesters "court the indulgence extended to them by friendly local and Western media outlets, while seeking to silence those trying to put the protests in the spotlight of truth," the daily said.

"They are doomed to fail simply because their violence will encounter the full weight of the law."

The nationalist tabloid Global Times called in an editorial on Sunday for "Hong Kong's law enforcement agencies to bring the mob to justice as soon as possible" for vandalising Xinhua's office.

Neither editorial mentioned a knife attack on Sunday in Tai Koo Shing, a middle-class neighbourhood on Hong Kong's main island where a rally had been taking place, which left at least five people wounded.

Eye-witnesses told local media that a Mandarin-speaking man attacked people on Sunday shortly after shouting pro-Beijing slogans.

Live footage showed Andrew Chiu, a local pro-democracy councillor, having his ear bitten off after trying to subdue the attacker, while a second man was seen unconscious in a growing pool of blood as bystanders desperately tried to stem wounds to his back.

The city has been rocked by months of unrest from protesters who say those rights are being rolled back by an increasingly authoritarian Chinese rule.

Beijing warned on Friday after a four-day meeting of Communist Party leaders that it would not tolerate any challenges to its authority over Hong Kong, while laying out plans to boost patriotism in the city and change how its leader is chosen or removed.

China Daily also noted that the party plans to strengthen Hong Kong's legal system to "safeguard national security".

"Those Hong Kong residents whose lives have been disrupted by the intensifying violence of intimidation - instigated and organized by those hoping to use Hong Kong as a means to destabilize the nation - will be glad when life returns to normal," the newspaper said.

Chinese state-run media on Monday called for a "tougher line" on democracy protesters in Hong Kong, after a weekend of violence following Beijing's plans to tighten control over the semi-autonomous city.

Chinese state-run media on Monday called for a "tougher line" on democracy protesters in Hong Kong, after a weekend of violence following Beijing's plans to tighten control over the semi-autonomous city. Hardcore demonstrators in the financial hub smashed the windows of the official Xinhua news agency's regional bureau on Saturday, capping another weekend of unrest that also saw scores of arrests and a gruesome attack on a pro-democracy lawmaker. "Intensifying violence in Hong Kong calls for tougher line to restore order," the state-run China Daily, an English-language mainland newspaper, said in an editorial. The protesters "court the indulgence extended to them by friendly local and Western media outlets, while seeking to silence those trying to put the protests in the spotlight of truth," the daily said. "They are doomed to fail simply because their violence will encounter the full weight of the law." The nationalist tabloid Global Times called in an editorial on Sunday for "Hong Kong's law enforcement agencies to bring the mob to justice as soon as possible" for vandalising Xinhua's office. Neither editorial mentioned a knife attack on Sunday in Tai Koo Shing, a middle-class neighbourhood on Hong Kong's main island where a rally had been taking place, which left at least five people wounded. Eye-witnesses told local media that a Mandarin-speaking man attacked people on Sunday shortly after shouting pro-Beijing slogans. Live footage showed Andrew Chiu, a local pro-democracy councillor, having his ear bitten off after trying to subdue the attacker, while a second man was seen unconscious in a growing pool of blood as bystanders desperately tried to stem wounds to his back. The city has been rocked by months of unrest from protesters who say those rights are being rolled back by an increasingly authoritarian Chinese rule. Beijing warned on Friday after a four-day meeting of Communist Party leaders that it would not tolerate any challenges to its authority over Hong Kong, while laying out plans to boost patriotism in the city and change how its leader is chosen or removed. China Daily also noted that the party plans to strengthen Hong Kong's legal system to "safeguard national security". "Those Hong Kong residents whose lives have been disrupted by the intensifying violence of intimidation - instigated and organized by those hoping to use Hong Kong as a means to destabilize the nation - will be glad when life returns to normal," the newspaper said.

Chinese state media urge 'tougher line' on Hong Kong

A man went on a knife rampage in Hong Kong late Sunday leaving at least five people wounded, including a local pro-democracy politician who had his ear bitten off, capping another chaotic day of political unrest in the city.

Flashmob <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-upmarket-shopping-mall-clash-ends-in-bloodshed-259727">rallies erupted inside multiple shopping centers</a> across the international finance hub over the afternoon, sparking frequent clashes with riot police.

The violence was less sustained than Saturday when police and protesters fought hours of cat and mouse battles after thousands took the streets for an unsanctioned march.

But the day ended with a knife attack taking place outside a shopping mall in Tai Koo Shing, a middle-class neighbourhood on the main island where<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-clash-with-police-at-malls-259690"> protesters had gathered</a> for much of the afternoon.

Eye-witnesses told local media that a Mandarin-speaking man attacked people shortly after shouting pro-Beijing slogans.

Live footage showed Andrew Chiu, a local pro-democracy councillor, having his ear bitten off after trying to subdue the attacker, while a second man was seen unconscious in a growing pool of blood as bystanders desperately tried to stem wounds to his back.

The alleged assailant, wearing a grey t-shirt, was then beaten bloody by the crowd until police and other emergency workers arrived.

Hospital authorities said five people were wounded, four men and one woman. Two victims were in a critical condition, two were serious and one was stable.

Police revised down their wounded toll from six to five people and said three people were arrested, without detailing whether the alleged knife attacker was among those counted as injured or arrested.

An eye-witness, who gave her surname Leung, told RTHK News that the man shouted in Mandarin -- the language spoken on the Chinese mainland -- before attacking her brother-in-law who argued with him.&nbsp;

"The man came out from the doorway and yelled a sentence in Mandarin, it seemed like liberate Taiwan or something," she said.

Speaking to reporters outside the hospital where Chiu was taken to, pro-democracy lawmaker James To said the attacker shouted, "reclaim Taiwan and Hong Kong".

Communist China views self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

City divided

Hong Kong has been upended by the huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests which have battered the financial hub's reputation for stability and helped plunge the city into recession.

Police are firing ever increasing rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets against small groups of hardcore protesters who have embraced throwing petrol bombs as well as vandalising pro-China businesses.

With the city desperately polarised, street fights have broken out on both sides of the ideological divide with growing frequency.

Beijing supporters have attacked opponents throughout the summer, often in targeted assaults against prominent government critics and opposition politicians.

Earlier this month a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the stomach by a man who shouted slogans in Mandarin and was later arrested.

In Hong Kong, the lingua franca is Cantonese.

But the violence is far from one-sided.

Crowds of pro-democracy protesters have also routinely beaten their ideological opponents, usually in spontaneous mob violence during rallies.

With no political solution in sight, there are few signs of the spiralling violence and polarisation letting up.

Beijing has shown no willingness to meet demonstrators demands for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability -- and activists show no sign of leaving the streets with 22 consecutive weekends of unrest.

This summer's first protests in which millions marched were sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions to the mainland.

But as Beijing took a hardline the movement snowballed.

Protesters are demanding an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections.

A man went on a knife rampage in Hong Kong late Sunday leaving at least five people wounded, including a local pro-democracy politician who had his ear bitten off, capping another chaotic day of political unrest in the city.

A man went on a knife rampage in Hong Kong late Sunday leaving at least five people wounded, including a local pro-democracy politician who had his ear bitten off, capping another chaotic day of political unrest in the city. Flashmob rallies erupted inside multiple shopping centers across the international finance hub over the afternoon, sparking frequent clashes with riot police. The violence was less sustained than Saturday when police and protesters fought hours of cat and mouse battles after thousands took the streets for an unsanctioned march. But the day ended with a knife attack taking place outside a shopping mall in Tai Koo Shing, a middle-class neighbourhood on the main island where protesters had gathered for much of the afternoon. Eye-witnesses told local media that a Mandarin-speaking man attacked people shortly after shouting pro-Beijing slogans. Live footage showed Andrew Chiu, a local pro-democracy councillor, having his ear bitten off after trying to subdue the attacker, while a second man was seen unconscious in a growing pool of blood as bystanders desperately tried to stem wounds to his back. The alleged assailant, wearing a grey t-shirt, was then beaten bloody by the crowd until police and other emergency workers arrived. Hospital authorities said five people were wounded, four men and one woman. Two victims were in a critical condition, two were serious and one was stable. Police revised down their wounded toll from six to five people and said three people were arrested, without detailing whether the alleged knife attacker was among those counted as injured or arrested. An eye-witness, who gave her surname Leung, told RTHK News that the man shouted in Mandarin -- the language spoken on the Chinese mainland -- before attacking her brother-in-law who argued with him. "The man came out from the doorway and yelled a sentence in Mandarin, it seemed like liberate Taiwan or something," she said. Speaking to reporters outside the hospital where Chiu was taken to, pro-democracy lawmaker James To said the attacker shouted, "reclaim Taiwan and Hong Kong". Communist China views self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. City divided Hong Kong has been upended by the huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests which have battered the financial hub's reputation for stability and helped plunge the city into recession. Police are firing ever increasing rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets against small groups of hardcore protesters who have embraced throwing petrol bombs as well as vandalising pro-China businesses. With the city desperately polarised, street fights have broken out on both sides of the ideological divide with growing frequency. Beijing supporters have attacked opponents throughout the summer, often in targeted assaults against prominent government critics and opposition politicians. Earlier this month a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the stomach by a man who shouted slogans in Mandarin and was later arrested. In Hong Kong, the lingua franca is Cantonese. But the violence is far from one-sided. Crowds of pro-democracy protesters have also routinely beaten their ideological opponents, usually in spontaneous mob violence during rallies. With no political solution in sight, there are few signs of the spiralling violence and polarisation letting up. Beijing has shown no willingness to meet demonstrators demands for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability -- and activists show no sign of leaving the streets with 22 consecutive weekends of unrest. This summer's first protests in which millions marched were sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions to the mainland. But as Beijing took a hardline the movement snowballed. Protesters are demanding an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections.

Five wounded as knife attack caps day of Hong Kong political chaos

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will discuss how to make it easier for people in the Chinese-ruled city, rocked by violent anti-China protests overnight, to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday.

Lam, despised by pro-democracy protesters in the former British colony, will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a meeting the next day of the "leading group" for developing the Greater Bay Area of southern China.

The group has already met twice, "endorsing a number of measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to develop, work and reside in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, as well as strengthen the convenient flow of people and goods", her office said.

The idea was to attract "high-end talent" from Hong Kong with tax breaks and encourage "innovation and entrepreneurship" from young people in Hong Kong and Macau.

Lam has promoted the Greater Bay Area as a way to provide jobs for people in Hong Kong and ease social tension.

"...After everything has been settled (in Hong Kong), the country (China) will be there to help with maybe positive measures, especially in the Greater Bay Area," Lam told businesspeople in Hong Kong in August.

The megalopolis of the Greater Bay Area is made up of nine mainland cities, including Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to China in 1999.

An increasing number of Hong Kong people are already moving outside the densely populated financial hub - one of the world's most expensive cities - to the mainland.

Anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, turned parts of the main island into battlegrounds on Saturday, furious at Communist Party leaders in Beijing and perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, a charge China denies.

They have trashed Hong Kong businesses seen as being pro-China and in July daubed China's Liaison Office, the key symbol of Chinese sovereignty, with graffiti.

Cleaners swept up broken glass at the Hong Kong office of China's official news agency Xinhua on Sunday, one of the buildings vandalised on the 22nd straight weekend of protests when activists hurled petrol bombs and set fire to metro stations.

Xinhua condemned the attack by what it said were "barbaric thugs" who broke doors and security systems and threw fire and paint bombs into the lobby.

"The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post.

Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon at protesters during Saturday and early Sunday, as the violence spilled from Hong Kong island across the harbour to Kowloon. One of the protesters' key demands is an independent probe into perceived police brutality.

Riot police were on standby in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, a frequent venue for violent protests, on Sunday and were questioning youths in the New Territories town of Sha Tin.

"Stop bullying kids," people shouted at them.

Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees its freedoms for 50 years. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a garrison in Hong Kong but troops have remained in barracks since the protests began.

Protesters last month targeted a PLA barracks with lasers prompting troops to hoist a banner warning they could be arrested. Senior PLA officers have said violence will not be tolerated.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will discuss how to make it easier for people in the Chinese-ruled city, rocked by violent anti-China protests overnight, to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will discuss how to make it easier for people in the Chinese-ruled city, rocked by violent anti-China protests overnight, to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday. Lam, despised by pro-democracy protesters in the former British colony, will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a meeting the next day of the "leading group" for developing the Greater Bay Area of southern China. The group has already met twice, "endorsing a number of measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to develop, work and reside in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, as well as strengthen the convenient flow of people and goods", her office said. The idea was to attract "high-end talent" from Hong Kong with tax breaks and encourage "innovation and entrepreneurship" from young people in Hong Kong and Macau. Lam has promoted the Greater Bay Area as a way to provide jobs for people in Hong Kong and ease social tension. "...After everything has been settled (in Hong Kong), the country (China) will be there to help with maybe positive measures, especially in the Greater Bay Area," Lam told businesspeople in Hong Kong in August. The megalopolis of the Greater Bay Area is made up of nine mainland cities, including Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to China in 1999. An increasing number of Hong Kong people are already moving outside the densely populated financial hub - one of the world's most expensive cities - to the mainland. Anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, turned parts of the main island into battlegrounds on Saturday, furious at Communist Party leaders in Beijing and perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, a charge China denies. They have trashed Hong Kong businesses seen as being pro-China and in July daubed China's Liaison Office, the key symbol of Chinese sovereignty, with graffiti. Cleaners swept up broken glass at the Hong Kong office of China's official news agency Xinhua on Sunday, one of the buildings vandalised on the 22nd straight weekend of protests when activists hurled petrol bombs and set fire to metro stations. Xinhua condemned the attack by what it said were "barbaric thugs" who broke doors and security systems and threw fire and paint bombs into the lobby. "The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon at protesters during Saturday and early Sunday, as the violence spilled from Hong Kong island across the harbour to Kowloon. One of the protesters' key demands is an independent probe into perceived police brutality. Riot police were on standby in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, a frequent venue for violent protests, on Sunday and were questioning youths in the New Territories town of Sha Tin. "Stop bullying kids," people shouted at them. Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees its freedoms for 50 years. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a garrison in Hong Kong but troops have remained in barracks since the protests began. Protesters last month targeted a PLA barracks with lasers prompting troops to hoist a banner warning they could be arrested. Senior PLA officers have said violence will not be tolerated.

Hong Kong's Lam to discuss helping people to live and work in mainland China

Police fired tear gas at black-clad protesters across Hong Kong on Saturday after they set fire to metro stations and vandalised buildings including China's official Xinhua news agency in some of the worst violence to hit the city in weeks.

Earlier, police had also used tear gas in a downtown park where thousands of protesters - many angry at what they say has been a heavy-handed police response over five months of anti-government demonstrations - had gathered on a sunny afternoon.

Small groups of masked protesters then fled to the Central business district, through streets lined with banks and top-end jewellery and fashion stores, setting light to ramshackle street barricades and hurling petrol bombs as riot police and water cannon trucks closed in.

Protesters are angry at perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, including its legal system, since the city returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies the charge.

Just as a crowd of largely peaceful demonstrators finished making origami paper cranes in Chater Garden, a cricket pitch in colonial days, activists began throwing petrol bombs on the streets outside, in front of the headquarters of HSBC and the Hong Kong base for the Bank of China.

Police again responded with tear gas on what was the 22nd straight weekend of protests.

Protesters later set fire to entrances of metro stations -- often targeted as services close down to stop people gathering -- and hauled two telephone booths out of the ground to erect one of many flaming barricades. Cat-and-mouse clashes continued into the night as protesters retreated to the Causeway Bay area and across the water to the northern Kowloon side.

Some shops and businesses were also vandalised including an outlet of American coffee chain Starbucks and the offices of China's Xinhua news agency.

"The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post, adding that its doors had been smashed and fire and paint bombs thrown into the lobby.

Hong Kong media associations also condemned the vandalism at Xinhua, one of the mainland's key symbols of presence in Hong Kong, calling for a halt to violence and urging police to handle the matter seriously.

Starbucks is owned locally by Maxim's Caterers and has been repeatedly targeted after the daughter of the Hong Kong company's founder condemned the protesters at the United Nations human rights council in Geneva.

Some protesters gathered across the harbour in the hotel and shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, with scores of passengers on the Star Ferry chanting "Hong Kong people resist".

Police said a group of masked protesters in that area had blocked roads with barricades, hurled petrol bombs and were "recklessly damaging facilities" as they proceeded up the shopping artery of Nathan Road towards the gritty Mong Kok district. In one incident, faeces was thrown at officers, police said.

The early use of tear gas in Victoria Park was an attempt to nip in the bud a rally billed as an "emergency call" for autonomy for Hong Kong that was promised its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule under a "one country, two systems" formula.

Activists, many wearing now-banned face masks, pulled up metal fencing and used a football goal to build barricades near the park, a traditional venue for rallies and vigils for decades, their actions masked by others holding umbrellas.

"Hong Kong people, resist," they shouted. "Revolution of our time."

Many sang the British and US national anthems, waving multi-national flags and a few called for independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing who have vowed to "crush the bones" of anyone pursuing such a move.

"Doesn't make sense"

Activists have attacked police with petrol bombs, set street fires and trashed government buildings and businesses seen as pro-Beijing over recent weeks. One policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife last month.

Police have responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds. Several people have been wounded.

Saturday's rally in the park was not given official police permission, as is required, but that has not stopped people gathering in the past. Face masks were banned under a revived colonial-era emergency law.

"It doesn't make sense (for this assembly to be unauthorised)," said one protester, 55, who only gave her name as Lulu. "This is our human right ... The global support is very important. We are not only in Hong Kong. The whole world supports Hong Kong."

Government data on Thursday confirmed that Hong Kong slid into recession in the third quarter for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008.

Police fired tear gas at black-clad protesters across Hong Kong on Saturday after they set fire to metro stations and vandalised buildings including China's official Xinhua news agency in some of the worst violence to hit the city in weeks.

Police fired tear gas at black-clad protesters across Hong Kong on Saturday after they set fire to metro stations and vandalised buildings including China's official Xinhua news agency in some of the worst violence to hit the city in weeks. Earlier, police had also used tear gas in a downtown park where thousands of protesters - many angry at what they say has been a heavy-handed police response over five months of anti-government demonstrations - had gathered on a sunny afternoon. Small groups of masked protesters then fled to the Central business district, through streets lined with banks and top-end jewellery and fashion stores, setting light to ramshackle street barricades and hurling petrol bombs as riot police and water cannon trucks closed in. Protesters are angry at perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, including its legal system, since the city returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies the charge. Just as a crowd of largely peaceful demonstrators finished making origami paper cranes in Chater Garden, a cricket pitch in colonial days, activists began throwing petrol bombs on the streets outside, in front of the headquarters of HSBC and the Hong Kong base for the Bank of China. Police again responded with tear gas on what was the 22nd straight weekend of protests. Protesters later set fire to entrances of metro stations -- often targeted as services close down to stop people gathering -- and hauled two telephone booths out of the ground to erect one of many flaming barricades. Cat-and-mouse clashes continued into the night as protesters retreated to the Causeway Bay area and across the water to the northern Kowloon side. Some shops and businesses were also vandalised including an outlet of American coffee chain Starbucks and the offices of China's Xinhua news agency. "The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post, adding that its doors had been smashed and fire and paint bombs thrown into the lobby. Hong Kong media associations also condemned the vandalism at Xinhua, one of the mainland's key symbols of presence in Hong Kong, calling for a halt to violence and urging police to handle the matter seriously. Starbucks is owned locally by Maxim's Caterers and has been repeatedly targeted after the daughter of the Hong Kong company's founder condemned the protesters at the United Nations human rights council in Geneva. Some protesters gathered across the harbour in the hotel and shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, with scores of passengers on the Star Ferry chanting "Hong Kong people resist". Police said a group of masked protesters in that area had blocked roads with barricades, hurled petrol bombs and were "recklessly damaging facilities" as they proceeded up the shopping artery of Nathan Road towards the gritty Mong Kok district. In one incident, faeces was thrown at officers, police said. The early use of tear gas in Victoria Park was an attempt to nip in the bud a rally billed as an "emergency call" for autonomy for Hong Kong that was promised its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule under a "one country, two systems" formula. Activists, many wearing now-banned face masks, pulled up metal fencing and used a football goal to build barricades near the park, a traditional venue for rallies and vigils for decades, their actions masked by others holding umbrellas. "Hong Kong people, resist," they shouted. "Revolution of our time." Many sang the British and US national anthems, waving multi-national flags and a few called for independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing who have vowed to "crush the bones" of anyone pursuing such a move. "Doesn't make sense" Activists have attacked police with petrol bombs, set street fires and trashed government buildings and businesses seen as pro-Beijing over recent weeks. One policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife last month. Police have responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds. Several people have been wounded. Saturday's rally in the park was not given official police permission, as is required, but that has not stopped people gathering in the past. Face masks were banned under a revived colonial-era emergency law. "It doesn't make sense (for this assembly to be unauthorised)," said one protester, 55, who only gave her name as Lulu. "This is our human right ... The global support is very important. We are not only in Hong Kong. The whole world supports Hong Kong." Government data on Thursday confirmed that Hong Kong slid into recession in the third quarter for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008.

Hong Kong protesters trash Xinhua agency office in night of violence

Hong Kong&nbsp;Chief Executive&nbsp;Carrie Lam said today that individual US Senators had "preconceived views about Hong Kong's situation" while she slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warns-hong-kong-of-becoming-police-state-255828">Senator Josh Hawley's </a>statement on Hong Kong becoming a "police state" as "totally irresponsible and unfounded".

"As far as individual US Senators coming to Hong Kong, I have to say that I thought their visit to Hong Kong will enable them to see the actual situation in a comprehensive and objective manner but unfortunately, the feedback that I've got is&nbsp;most of them had preconceived views about Hong Kong situation," Carrie Lam said at a press conference.

"Senator (Josh Hawley) to describe Hong Kong as becoming a police state is totally irresponsible and unfounded," the Hong Kong leader asserted.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley on a two-day visit to Hong Kong had warned that the country was becoming a "police state" after he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-make-arrests-as-flashmob-protests-and-clashes-erupt-255650">witnessed protests on Sunday</a>.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-is-military-intervention-on-the-cards-255946/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The situation here is urgent," Hawley told reporters, adding, "Hong Kong is in danger of sliding towards a police state, the representative government in Hong Kong is at risk, the one country, two systems model is at risk."

However, Carrie Lam defended police action in Hong Kong even as violence continued on&nbsp;the city streets.

"The Hong Kong police force is a highly professional and civilised force. I challenge every politician to ask themselves if the large extent of violent acts and all those petrol bombs and arson and attacks, the really deadly attacks on policemen, happened in their own country, what would they do? What would their policemen do?" Lam asked.

At the press conference, Lam stated "violence will only breed more violence", adding that it will not provide&nbsp;a solution.

"I have said on many occasions that violence will not give us the solution. Violence will only breed more violence, so for concessions to be made simply because of the escalating violence will only make the situation worse," Lam said.

"On the other hand, we should consider every means to end the violence," she added.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said today that individual US Senators had "preconceived views about Hong Kong's situation" while she slammed Senator Josh Hawley's statement on Hong Kong becoming a "police state" as "totally irresponsible and unfounded".

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said today that individual US Senators had "preconceived views about Hong Kong's situation" while she slammed Senator Josh Hawley's statement on Hong Kong becoming a "police state" as "totally irresponsible and unfounded". "As far as individual US Senators coming to Hong Kong, I have to say that I thought their visit to Hong Kong will enable them to see the actual situation in a comprehensive and objective manner but unfortunately, the feedback that I've got is most of them had preconceived views about Hong Kong situation," Carrie Lam said at a press conference. "Senator (Josh Hawley) to describe Hong Kong as becoming a police state is totally irresponsible and unfounded," the Hong Kong leader asserted. Republican Senator Josh Hawley on a two-day visit to Hong Kong had warned that the country was becoming a "police state" after he witnessed protests on Sunday. Watch Video: "The situation here is urgent," Hawley told reporters, adding, "Hong Kong is in danger of sliding towards a police state, the representative government in Hong Kong is at risk, the one country, two systems model is at risk." However, Carrie Lam defended police action in Hong Kong even as violence continued on the city streets. "The Hong Kong police force is a highly professional and civilised force. I challenge every politician to ask themselves if the large extent of violent acts and all those petrol bombs and arson and attacks, the really deadly attacks on policemen, happened in their own country, what would they do? What would their policemen do?" Lam asked. At the press conference, Lam stated "violence will only breed more violence", adding that it will not provide a solution. "I have said on many occasions that violence will not give us the solution. Violence will only breed more violence, so for concessions to be made simply because of the escalating violence will only make the situation worse," Lam said. "On the other hand, we should consider every means to end the violence," she added.

US Senator Josh Hawley's statement on Hong Kong turning into a police state totally irresponsible: Carrie Lam

Hong Kong is set to enact an emergency law to ban face masks at rallies, media reported on Thursday (October 3), as authorities grapple with nearly four months of anti-government protests. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong might ban face masks in bid to curb violence

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years in a dramatic move intended to quell escalating violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

Hong Kong leader invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong leader invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

It's been 100 days now since the first rally against the extradition bill now. Protests have snowballed into calls for democracy. Protesters demanding accountability from the lawmakers. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: 100 days since pro-democracy protest erupts into violence

The U.S. President Donald Trump parallels to Tiananmen Square in 1989. He said, ''it is very hard to do a deal if there is violence. China needs this deal more than the U.S.'' Troops raise concerns of military intervention.

Trump warns China's Xi Jinping against violence in Hong Kong

Senior officers of the Hong Kong police force said at a press conference on Thursday that they have the strength and determination to maintain peace and stability in Hong Kong, and put an end to the violent acts that have lasted for over a month.

Hong Kong police show determination to curb violence

Eight Weeks & Counting, The Protests In Hong Kong Continue To Escalate Further Hong Kong protests have spilled over to train tracks. Protests flooded the platforms of several train station as normal life gets thrown out of gear. Palki sums up the latest.

Gravitas: Hong Kong tensions escalate as protesters disrupt train services

Police fought with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/million-march-huge-hong-kong-protest-against-china-extradition-law-225733">protesters in Hong Kong </a>early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China.

Protesters hurled bottles and used metal barricades as police moved in on a small group who had vowed to stay outside the legislature overnight, an AFP reporter on the scene said.

At least one police officer could be seen with blood streaming down his face.

The melees began shortly after midnight following a day that had seen a huge peaceful protest make its way through the city without incident.&nbsp;

Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island on Sunday in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law.

Small groups of young protesters had planned to stay outside the city's legislature until Wednesday when the extradition bill is due to have its second reading.

But police moved in on them after their permission to protest expired at midnight.&nbsp;

Within minutes scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters fought with officers who were soon backed by riot police.

Live television images showed officers deploying pepper spray hoses to push the crowds back.&nbsp;

The scenes were reminiscent of 2014 when police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators outside the same building, sparking public anger and setting off two months of demonstrations that took over key intersections of the international finance hub.

Police fought with protesters in Hong Kong early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China.

Police fought with protesters in Hong Kong early Monday, using batons and pepper spray as they tried to clear demonstrators from the city's parliament after a massive crowd marched against plans to allow extraditions to China. Protesters hurled bottles and used metal barricades as police moved in on a small group who had vowed to stay outside the legislature overnight, an AFP reporter on the scene said. At least one police officer could be seen with blood streaming down his face. The melees began shortly after midnight following a day that had seen a huge peaceful protest make its way through the city without incident. Organisers said more than a million people marched in blazing summer heat through the cramped streets of the financial hub's main island on Sunday in a noisy, colourful demonstration calling on the government to scrap its planned extradition law. Small groups of young protesters had planned to stay outside the city's legislature until Wednesday when the extradition bill is due to have its second reading. But police moved in on them after their permission to protest expired at midnight. Within minutes scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters fought with officers who were soon backed by riot police. Live television images showed officers deploying pepper spray hoses to push the crowds back. The scenes were reminiscent of 2014 when police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy demonstrators outside the same building, sparking public anger and setting off two months of demonstrations that took over key intersections of the international finance hub.

Violence breaks out as police try to clear Hong Kong protesters