Hong Kong anti-government protesters set fire to shops and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-gather-in-force-rally-against-police-brutality-258373">hurled petrol bombs </a>on Sunday, police said, after riot police fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse thousands in the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour-front hotel district.

The protesters, many in all-black clothing and face-masks now banned under a resurrected British colonial-era law, had gathered to denounce perceived police brutality during more than four months of often-violent unrest in the Chinese-ruled city.

It was the 21st straight weekend of protests, marked by a notable rise in the jeering and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-medics-join-anti-government-protests-to-resist-tyranny-258280">verbal abuse of police </a>but not in the scale of violence. Police said one man was beaten up by "masked rioters".

"The police warn all rioters to stop all illegal acts immediately," they said in a statement.

But cat-and-mouse chases continued into the night, with protesters running away from water cannon and tear gas, only to re-appear seconds or minutes later.

There was a standoff as dusk fell, with protesters, bemused tourists and passers-by gathered on the pavements of the shopping and hotel artery of Nathan Road, which police had earlier cleared in slow-moving cordons.

Riot police stood by outside the Chungking Mansions high-rise warren of South Asian restaurants and backpacker hostels, shields and batons at the ready. Protesters shouted obscenities in colourful Cantonese at "black police", referring to their perceived over-use of force.

"Fight for Hong Kong!" protesters shouted, "five demands, not one less", a reference to demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police actions, among other things.

Police later moved away, leaving protesters, pedestrians and tourists alike to take over the street under the neon lights. Then one water cannon moved in, firing high into the air and down side-streets.

Police said protesters later hurled petrol bombs at a police station in Sham Shui Po, northwest of Tsim Sha Tsui, and set fire to shops in Jordan, north along Nathan Road from the harbour.

Reuters witnesses saw two MTR entrances on fire in Mong Kok.

The number of protesters had grown by the minute earlier in the afternoon, streaming down Nathan Road to the water's edge, in front of the dramatic backdrop of Hong Kong island, but many fled after the tear gas and pepper spray were fired.

Ambulances took one man away on a stretcher. The need for treatment was not immediately clear.

RALLYING CRY

Police detained some protesters as they gathered in a rally that had not received official permission. The crowds at the waterfront had largely dispersed after a couple of hours and headed north up Nathan Road, where many luxury brand shops closed their shutters, towards Jordan and Mong Kok.

The rallying cry of the protesters was also for the protection of "Muslims, journalists and the people".

A police water cannon fired bursts of blue-dyed water at a small group of people outside a Nathan Road mosque during protests last weekend, drawing criticism from some in the Muslim community. There was a large crowd of police outside the mosque on Sunday.

Billy, 26, a salesman who did not want to give his full name, said he turned out on Sunday because he was angry at the spraying of the mosque a week earlier.

"Hong Kong people, regardless of our religion ... we come here to say no to our totalitarian government," he told Reuters, adding he wanted to protest peacefully. "I have a little bit of fear ... because our police sometimes they are uncontrollable and they threaten the safety of our people."

Cindy Chu, 65, a retired nurse, said the police used to be a force for good.

"It's so simple. They are disturbing the Hong Kong people," she said. "And what for? What authority do they have to do that? It's Hong Kong, not China."

She too was wearing a face mask.

Pro-democracy activists have in recent weeks attacked police with petrol bombs and rocks and slashed one officer in the neck with a knife. Police have responded with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds, wounding several protesters and a few journalists.

Police deny accusations of brutality, saying they have shown restraint. There had been a week-long lull in clashes.

Protesters are angry about what they view as creeping Chinese interference in Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland.

China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on his blog that the quarter-on-quarter contraction recorded in the three months ending in June had extended into the third quarter.

Two successive quarters of contraction are the technical definition of a recession.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs on Sunday, police said, after riot police fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse thousands in the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour-front hotel district.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs on Sunday, police said, after riot police fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse thousands in the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour-front hotel district. The protesters, many in all-black clothing and face-masks now banned under a resurrected British colonial-era law, had gathered to denounce perceived police brutality during more than four months of often-violent unrest in the Chinese-ruled city. It was the 21st straight weekend of protests, marked by a notable rise in the jeering and verbal abuse of police but not in the scale of violence. Police said one man was beaten up by "masked rioters". "The police warn all rioters to stop all illegal acts immediately," they said in a statement. But cat-and-mouse chases continued into the night, with protesters running away from water cannon and tear gas, only to re-appear seconds or minutes later. There was a standoff as dusk fell, with protesters, bemused tourists and passers-by gathered on the pavements of the shopping and hotel artery of Nathan Road, which police had earlier cleared in slow-moving cordons. Riot police stood by outside the Chungking Mansions high-rise warren of South Asian restaurants and backpacker hostels, shields and batons at the ready. Protesters shouted obscenities in colourful Cantonese at "black police", referring to their perceived over-use of force. "Fight for Hong Kong!" protesters shouted, "five demands, not one less", a reference to demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police actions, among other things. Police later moved away, leaving protesters, pedestrians and tourists alike to take over the street under the neon lights. Then one water cannon moved in, firing high into the air and down side-streets. Police said protesters later hurled petrol bombs at a police station in Sham Shui Po, northwest of Tsim Sha Tsui, and set fire to shops in Jordan, north along Nathan Road from the harbour. Reuters witnesses saw two MTR entrances on fire in Mong Kok. The number of protesters had grown by the minute earlier in the afternoon, streaming down Nathan Road to the water's edge, in front of the dramatic backdrop of Hong Kong island, but many fled after the tear gas and pepper spray were fired. Ambulances took one man away on a stretcher. The need for treatment was not immediately clear. RALLYING CRY Police detained some protesters as they gathered in a rally that had not received official permission. The crowds at the waterfront had largely dispersed after a couple of hours and headed north up Nathan Road, where many luxury brand shops closed their shutters, towards Jordan and Mong Kok. The rallying cry of the protesters was also for the protection of "Muslims, journalists and the people". A police water cannon fired bursts of blue-dyed water at a small group of people outside a Nathan Road mosque during protests last weekend, drawing criticism from some in the Muslim community. There was a large crowd of police outside the mosque on Sunday. Billy, 26, a salesman who did not want to give his full name, said he turned out on Sunday because he was angry at the spraying of the mosque a week earlier. "Hong Kong people, regardless of our religion ... we come here to say no to our totalitarian government," he told Reuters, adding he wanted to protest peacefully. "I have a little bit of fear ... because our police sometimes they are uncontrollable and they threaten the safety of our people." Cindy Chu, 65, a retired nurse, said the police used to be a force for good. "It's so simple. They are disturbing the Hong Kong people," she said. "And what for? What authority do they have to do that? It's Hong Kong, not China." She too was wearing a face mask. Pro-democracy activists have in recent weeks attacked police with petrol bombs and rocks and slashed one officer in the neck with a knife. Police have responded with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds, wounding several protesters and a few journalists. Police deny accusations of brutality, saying they have shown restraint. There had been a week-long lull in clashes. Protesters are angry about what they view as creeping Chinese interference in Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland. China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on his blog that the quarter-on-quarter contraction recorded in the three months ending in June had extended into the third quarter. Two successive quarters of contraction are the technical definition of a recession.

Protests erupt in Hong Kong; police fire tear gas to clear rally

Asian shares rose to a three-month high on Monday, as risk assets got a fillip from hopes of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-close-to-finalising-part-of-a-phase-one-trade-deal-report-258209">trade deal </a>and strong US&nbsp;corporate earnings, while major currencies marked time as focus shifted to a Federal Reserve rate decision.

European shares are expected to edge up, with pan-European Euro Stoxx 50 futures&nbsp;and German DAX futures&nbsp;traded up slightly ahead of European trade.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.5 per cent&nbsp;for its third straight day of gains to the highest since late July.

Leading the gains were Chinese and Hong Kong shares. The CSI300&nbsp;of blue-chip mainland shares were up 0.6 per cent&nbsp;and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index&nbsp;jumped 1.0 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei&nbsp;was also upbeat, rising 0.3 per cent&nbsp;to a one-year high.

The gains came after a positive session in US&nbsp;and European markets on Friday.

US&nbsp;and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office and China's Commerce Ministry said, with talks to continue.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile.

The protracted trade war between the world's largest economies has hurt manufacturing activity, exports and business confidence globally while denting profits of many major industrial firms.

"Up until now, uncertainties from the US-China trade have held companies from spending and hiring. But if they will come to a deal, that will mark a major turning point in economic sentiment," said Tatsushi Maeno, senior strategist at Okasan Asset Management in Tokyo.

Optimism that Beijing and Washington were finally close to resolving their dispute led the S&amp;P500&nbsp;to surpass its July 26 closing record of 3,025.86, though it ended a tad below that level on Friday. The S&amp;P 500's total return index&nbsp;posted an all-time high.

E-mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 started firm on Monday, up 0.15 per cent.

Strong results from companies including Intel&nbsp;also boosted sentiment in equities markets. More than 81 per cent&nbsp;of US&nbsp;companies have beaten Wall Street expectations so far this earnings season despite concerns about the trade war.

Investors next await earnings from the likes of Alphabet Inc, Apple, Facebook and Exxon.

Activity later in the week will be dominated by the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve, which markets expect is all but certain to lower interest rates at its Wednesday meeting.

The Bank of Japan meets on Thursday. On Friday, indicators for Chinese and US&nbsp;manufacturing will be released.

"The outcome of the FOMC policy meeting will most likely draw the largest market reaction," said Richard Grace, Sydney-based chief currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank.

"We also think the risk is the FOMC will articulate a pause," for future rate decisions, Grace added.

"That means the 27.6 per cent&nbsp;pricing for an additional 25 bps cut in December will quickly evaporate, sending US&nbsp;yields and the USD higher."

In currencies, the dollar index&nbsp;was flat at 97.817 against a basket of six major currencies. The Japanese yen was little changed at 108.73 to the dollar.

Sterling&nbsp;was last trading at $1.2822, a tad below Friday's close.

The European Union agreed to London's request for a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-union-agrees-in-principle-to-extend-brexit-258217"> Brexit deadline extension</a> but set no new departure date. That gave Britain's divided parliament time to decide on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's call for a snap election.

Earlier, sources told Reuters the 27 European Union countries that will remain after Brexit hope to agree on Monday to delay Britain's divorce until Jan. 31 with an earlier departure possible.

The euro trod water too at $1.1083.

"It feels like the calm before a potential storm, where the event risk heats up with political twists and turns, key economic data and central bank meetings," said Chris Weston, Sydney-based strategist at Pepperstone.

Oil prices eased after strong gains last week.

US&nbsp;crude&nbsp;slipped 14 cents to $56.52 a barrel, while Brent&nbsp;edged down 12 cents to $61.90.

Spot gold&nbsp;quoted at $1,506.3 an ounce.

Asian shares rose to a three-month high on Monday, as risk assets got a fillip from hopes of a trade deal and strong US corporate earnings, while major currencies marked time as focus shifted to a Federal Reserve rate decision.

Asian shares rose to a three-month high on Monday, as risk assets got a fillip from hopes of a trade deal and strong US corporate earnings, while major currencies marked time as focus shifted to a Federal Reserve rate decision. European shares are expected to edge up, with pan-European Euro Stoxx 50 futures and German DAX futures traded up slightly ahead of European trade. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.5 per cent for its third straight day of gains to the highest since late July. Leading the gains were Chinese and Hong Kong shares. The CSI300 of blue-chip mainland shares were up 0.6 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index jumped 1.0 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was also upbeat, rising 0.3 per cent to a one-year high. The gains came after a positive session in US and European markets on Friday. US and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office and China's Commerce Ministry said, with talks to continue. US President Donald Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile. The protracted trade war between the world's largest economies has hurt manufacturing activity, exports and business confidence globally while denting profits of many major industrial firms. "Up until now, uncertainties from the US-China trade have held companies from spending and hiring. But if they will come to a deal, that will mark a major turning point in economic sentiment," said Tatsushi Maeno, senior strategist at Okasan Asset Management in Tokyo. Optimism that Beijing and Washington were finally close to resolving their dispute led the S&P500 to surpass its July 26 closing record of 3,025.86, though it ended a tad below that level on Friday. The S&P 500's total return index posted an all-time high. E-mini futures for the S&P 500 started firm on Monday, up 0.15 per cent. Strong results from companies including Intel also boosted sentiment in equities markets. More than 81 per cent of US companies have beaten Wall Street expectations so far this earnings season despite concerns about the trade war. Investors next await earnings from the likes of Alphabet Inc, Apple, Facebook and Exxon. Activity later in the week will be dominated by the US Federal Reserve, which markets expect is all but certain to lower interest rates at its Wednesday meeting. The Bank of Japan meets on Thursday. On Friday, indicators for Chinese and US manufacturing will be released. "The outcome of the FOMC policy meeting will most likely draw the largest market reaction," said Richard Grace, Sydney-based chief currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank. "We also think the risk is the FOMC will articulate a pause," for future rate decisions, Grace added. "That means the 27.6 per cent pricing for an additional 25 bps cut in December will quickly evaporate, sending US yields and the USD higher." In currencies, the dollar index was flat at 97.817 against a basket of six major currencies. The Japanese yen was little changed at 108.73 to the dollar. Sterling was last trading at $1.2822, a tad below Friday's close. The European Union agreed to London's request for a Brexit deadline extension but set no new departure date. That gave Britain's divided parliament time to decide on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's call for a snap election. Earlier, sources told Reuters the 27 European Union countries that will remain after Brexit hope to agree on Monday to delay Britain's divorce until Jan. 31 with an earlier departure possible. The euro trod water too at $1.1083. "It feels like the calm before a potential storm, where the event risk heats up with political twists and turns, key economic data and central bank meetings," said Chris Weston, Sydney-based strategist at Pepperstone. Oil prices eased after strong gains last week. US crude slipped 14 cents to $56.52 a barrel, while Brent edged down 12 cents to $61.90. Spot gold quoted at $1,506.3 an ounce.

Asian shares climb to three-month high, currencies mark time

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-set-for-more-subdued-quiet-weekend-of-protests-258035">A Hong Kong court</a> has banned people from publishing a wide range of personal details about police officers and their families, including photos, in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters.

The temporary injunction, uploaded on government websites overnight, was criticised by some on Saturday for its broad wording and for further shielding the identity of officers as they clash with protesters.

The semi-autonomous Chinese city has been battered by nearly five months of seething pro-democracy rallies in which police and protesters have fought increasingly violent battles.

The police force says many of its officers have had personal details leaked online, known as "doxxing", and family members harassed as a result.

Lawyers for the force went to Hong Kong's High Court on Friday asking for an injunction forbidding people from publishing a slew of personal information including key details such as names, addresses, dates of birth and identity card numbers.&nbsp;

But they also sought a ban on publishing details about a police officer's Facebook and Instagram IDs, their car number plates and any photograph of an officer or their family without consent.

The court granted the injunction for 14 days pending a longer legal hearing.&nbsp;

The injunction also bans "intimidating, molesting, harassing, threatening, pestering or interfering" with any police officer or family member.

The current wording leaves no exceptions, including for media, making it unclear how it will be applied and whether it will restrict work by reporters.

Police did not respond to requests for clarification.

Anthony Daparin, a lawyer who has written a book about the city's protest movement, described the ban as a "very alarming development".&nbsp;

"(It's a) serious restriction on freedom of expression and effectively criminalises a whole range of perfectly lawful acts which will now be punishable as contempt of court," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-taiwan-authorities-clash-as-murder-suspect-walks-free-257724">Hong Kong</a> Journalists Association said&nbsp;it was "extremely concerned" about the potential limitations to media freedoms and said it was seeking legal advice.

Hong Kong's police have already faced criticism for hiding their identities during clashes by removing warrant card numbers from their uniforms, as well as using face masks and shining bright torches at reporters.

Earlier this month the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam used a colonial-era emergency law to ban protesters from wearing face masks.&nbsp;

But the ordinance was widely flouted by protesters incensed that police are still allowed to cover their faces.

Police counter that they are facing unprecedented levels of public anger and abuse and need to protect their staff from retribution and harassment.

Pro-Beijing lawmakers defended the injunction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668">Hong Kong has been riven by seething protests</a> for the past 20 weeks, with violence spiralling on both sides of the ideological divide.

Hardline protesters have thrown Molotov cocktails and bricks at police, as well as vandalised businesses perceived as being pro-China. Earlier this month an officer was stabbed in the neck.&nbsp;

Police have responded with increasing amounts of rubber bullets, tear gas and even live rounds in recent clashes.

A Hong Kong court has banned people from publishing a wide range of personal details about police officers and their families, including photos, in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters.

A Hong Kong court has banned people from publishing a wide range of personal details about police officers and their families, including photos, in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters. The temporary injunction, uploaded on government websites overnight, was criticised by some on Saturday for its broad wording and for further shielding the identity of officers as they clash with protesters. The semi-autonomous Chinese city has been battered by nearly five months of seething pro-democracy rallies in which police and protesters have fought increasingly violent battles. The police force says many of its officers have had personal details leaked online, known as "doxxing", and family members harassed as a result. Lawyers for the force went to Hong Kong's High Court on Friday asking for an injunction forbidding people from publishing a slew of personal information including key details such as names, addresses, dates of birth and identity card numbers. But they also sought a ban on publishing details about a police officer's Facebook and Instagram IDs, their car number plates and any photograph of an officer or their family without consent. The court granted the injunction for 14 days pending a longer legal hearing. The injunction also bans "intimidating, molesting, harassing, threatening, pestering or interfering" with any police officer or family member. The current wording leaves no exceptions, including for media, making it unclear how it will be applied and whether it will restrict work by reporters. Police did not respond to requests for clarification. Anthony Daparin, a lawyer who has written a book about the city's protest movement, described the ban as a "very alarming development". "(It's a) serious restriction on freedom of expression and effectively criminalises a whole range of perfectly lawful acts which will now be punishable as contempt of court," he wrote on Twitter. The Hong Kong Journalists Association said it was "extremely concerned" about the potential limitations to media freedoms and said it was seeking legal advice. Hong Kong's police have already faced criticism for hiding their identities during clashes by removing warrant card numbers from their uniforms, as well as using face masks and shining bright torches at reporters. Earlier this month the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam used a colonial-era emergency law to ban protesters from wearing face masks. But the ordinance was widely flouted by protesters incensed that police are still allowed to cover their faces. Police counter that they are facing unprecedented levels of public anger and abuse and need to protect their staff from retribution and harassment. Pro-Beijing lawmakers defended the injunction. Hong Kong has been riven by seething protests for the past 20 weeks, with violence spiralling on both sides of the ideological divide. Hardline protesters have thrown Molotov cocktails and bricks at police, as well as vandalised businesses perceived as being pro-China. Earlier this month an officer was stabbed in the neck. Police have responded with increasing amounts of rubber bullets, tear gas and even live rounds in recent clashes.

Hong Kong court bans publishing police details, including photos

The anti-government protest in Hong Kong has entered 22nd week. The Hong Kong protesters extended support for immigrant groups

Hong Kong: Immigrants hold back on Protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong set for more subdued, quiet weekend of protests

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

Hong Kong Protesters rally for Catalan Freedom

The men jumped Stanley Ho without warning, smashing both his hands with metal rods -- one of the multiple recent attacks against prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures that activists have dubbed a "white terror".

Since late August, eight well-known dissidents have been beaten by unknown assailants as fear swirls that some "triad" crime networks have flocked to Beijing's cause after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-to-rally-in-support-of-catalan-activists-257825">five months of pro-democracy protests</a>.

The victims include rally organisers, opposition lawmakers, student leaders and people standing for upcoming polls.

Ho, a 35-year-old labour unionist, was set upon in late September by at least three people in Sai Kung, a rural district where he is competing in local elections against a pro-Beijing camp that has dominated the area for decades.

"The cause of the attack may be related to two things -- the upcoming district council election and the ongoing movement," Ho told AFP, referring to the protests.

"Some powerful people are creating 'white terror' in collaboration with criminals to make you fear to stand for election and to make voters think twice before they express their opinions," he added, one arm still in a cast.

The term "white terror" has been used to describe multiple periods of political persecution throughout history, but in Hong Kong, it is borrowed from nearby Taiwan.

During four decades of martial law there, organised crime groups frequently attacked critics of then-leader Chiang Kai-shek's repressive government.

No solution in sight

Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide in Hong Kong as months of protests have spiralled with no political solution in sight.

In recent weeks, crowds of pro-democracy supporters have savagely beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests.

Pro-democracy figures, however, have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way.

Last week, Jimmy Sham, the leader of a group that organised the largest rallies this summer, was left in a pool of blood after he was attacked by men wielding hammers. It was the second time he had been assaulted.

Five victims of attacks have reported assaults to the police, but only three men have so far been arrested -- for the initial assault on Sham.

Isaac Cheng, a 19-year-old student and vice chairman of the pro-democracy Demosisto party, was beaten by three men in early September outside his family home after he helped organise a school strike.

"I am confident in the police's capability to solve the case, but I am not confident in them actually doing it given the severity of selective law enforcement," Cheng said.

Hong Kong's police have denied allegations of bias, saying they pursue all crimes regardless of political motivation.

Reputation hammered

But the force's reputation was hammered in late July after officers took nearly 40 minutes to respond to an attack by a group of men on pro-democracy protesters at Yuen Long train station.

Officers were filmed allowing men armed with sticks to leave the area in the hours afterwards.

Police have arrested 34 people for that attack, some with links to triad crime groups, and deny accusations they allowed the Yuen Long assault to happen.

Haunted by fear and a shortage of trust in the police, pro-democracy figures say they now arrange their own protection, although their options are limited.

"All I can do is be more careful and recruit more volunteers so I don't have to work a street booth alone," said Janelle Leung, 25, a local election candidate who was attacked while campaigning.

Davin Wong, a former leader of the University of Hong Kong's student union, moved abroad after he was attacked.

But most victims refuse to be cowed.

"I do worry such attacks will be more frequent and serious," said Roy Kwong, a pro-democracy lawmaker who was attacked last month by a gang of men, one of whom filmed the beating.

"One important way to overcome fear is to continue our normal life and show those in the shadows that we are not intimidated."

The men jumped Stanley Ho without warning, smashing both his hands with metal rods -- one of the multiple recent attacks against prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures that activists have dubbed a "white terror".

The men jumped Stanley Ho without warning, smashing both his hands with metal rods -- one of the multiple recent attacks against prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures that activists have dubbed a "white terror". Since late August, eight well-known dissidents have been beaten by unknown assailants as fear swirls that some "triad" crime networks have flocked to Beijing's cause after five months of pro-democracy protests. The victims include rally organisers, opposition lawmakers, student leaders and people standing for upcoming polls. Ho, a 35-year-old labour unionist, was set upon in late September by at least three people in Sai Kung, a rural district where he is competing in local elections against a pro-Beijing camp that has dominated the area for decades. "The cause of the attack may be related to two things -- the upcoming district council election and the ongoing movement," Ho told AFP, referring to the protests. "Some powerful people are creating 'white terror' in collaboration with criminals to make you fear to stand for election and to make voters think twice before they express their opinions," he added, one arm still in a cast. The term "white terror" has been used to describe multiple periods of political persecution throughout history, but in Hong Kong, it is borrowed from nearby Taiwan. During four decades of martial law there, organised crime groups frequently attacked critics of then-leader Chiang Kai-shek's repressive government. No solution in sight Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide in Hong Kong as months of protests have spiralled with no political solution in sight. In recent weeks, crowds of pro-democracy supporters have savagely beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests. Pro-democracy figures, however, have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way. Last week, Jimmy Sham, the leader of a group that organised the largest rallies this summer, was left in a pool of blood after he was attacked by men wielding hammers. It was the second time he had been assaulted. Five victims of attacks have reported assaults to the police, but only three men have so far been arrested -- for the initial assault on Sham. Isaac Cheng, a 19-year-old student and vice chairman of the pro-democracy Demosisto party, was beaten by three men in early September outside his family home after he helped organise a school strike. "I am confident in the police's capability to solve the case, but I am not confident in them actually doing it given the severity of selective law enforcement," Cheng said. Hong Kong's police have denied allegations of bias, saying they pursue all crimes regardless of political motivation. Reputation hammered But the force's reputation was hammered in late July after officers took nearly 40 minutes to respond to an attack by a group of men on pro-democracy protesters at Yuen Long train station. Officers were filmed allowing men armed with sticks to leave the area in the hours afterwards. Police have arrested 34 people for that attack, some with links to triad crime groups, and deny accusations they allowed the Yuen Long assault to happen. Haunted by fear and a shortage of trust in the police, pro-democracy figures say they now arrange their own protection, although their options are limited. "All I can do is be more careful and recruit more volunteers so I don't have to work a street booth alone," said Janelle Leung, 25, a local election candidate who was attacked while campaigning. Davin Wong, a former leader of the University of Hong Kong's student union, moved abroad after he was attacked. But most victims refuse to be cowed. "I do worry such attacks will be more frequent and serious," said Roy Kwong, a pro-democracy lawmaker who was attacked last month by a gang of men, one of whom filmed the beating. "One important way to overcome fear is to continue our normal life and show those in the shadows that we are not intimidated."

'White terror': Hong Kong's China critics beaten in targeted attacks

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

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

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

Hong Kong protesters to rally in support of Catalan activists

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed.

Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018.

State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping.

The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity."

Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party.

The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life.

'National interests'

While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions.

Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977.

Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days.

While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible,&nbsp;that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018.

"Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog.

The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added.

Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.

"Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said.

"Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important.

"This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC."

Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength.

But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States.

China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy. The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed. Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018. State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping. The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity." Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party. The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life. 'National interests' While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions. Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977. Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days. While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible, that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018. "Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog. The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added. Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong. "Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said. "Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important. "This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC." Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength. But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States. China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's leaders to hold key conclave next week

China wants a stable situation in Hong Kong before Carrie Lam goes

China wants Carrie Lam to step down?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blocks-almost-a-quarter-of-accredited-foreign-news-sites-watchdog-257490">Beijing</a> is drawing up a plan to remove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-abandons-speech-after-heckles-from-lawmakers-256227">Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam</a>, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

The pro-Beijing leader has faced sustained criticism from protesters in the semi-autonomous city.

So far the central government in Beijing has given its support to her and the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-pledges-more-aid-to-battered-city-no-end-in-sight-to-unrest-257531">Hong Kong</a> police, calling the demonstrators "rioters" and condemning the violence.&nbsp;

But according to the FT report, which quoted unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, the Chinese government is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive.

However, sources told the newspaper that the plan would be dependent on the situation in the city first stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence.

Lam's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Hong Kong has now been battered by 20 weeks of protests and with no political solution in sight, clashes have intensified each month.

Earlier this month, Lam -- who has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters -- invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks, setting off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network.

If President Xi Jinping decided to go ahead with the plan to remove Lam, the report said her replacement would be installed by March.

Leading candidates being considered to replace Lam reportedly include Norman Chan, former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory’s financial secretary and chief secretary for administration.&nbsp;

A leaked audio recording emerged in September of Lam saying she would quit if she had a choice -- although she later said she had not contemplated standing down.

Lam has faced a series of political difficulties since the city's legislature returned for a new session last week.&nbsp;

She was unable to give her State of the Union-style policy speech after pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly interrupted her, forcing her to deliver the address via a pre-recorded video.

Beijing is drawing up a plan to remove Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

Beijing is drawing up a plan to remove Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest. The pro-Beijing leader has faced sustained criticism from protesters in the semi-autonomous city. So far the central government in Beijing has given its support to her and the Hong Kong police, calling the demonstrators "rioters" and condemning the violence. But according to the FT report, which quoted unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, the Chinese government is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive. However, sources told the newspaper that the plan would be dependent on the situation in the city first stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. Lam's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Hong Kong has now been battered by 20 weeks of protests and with no political solution in sight, clashes have intensified each month. Earlier this month, Lam -- who has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters -- invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks, setting off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network. If President Xi Jinping decided to go ahead with the plan to remove Lam, the report said her replacement would be installed by March. Leading candidates being considered to replace Lam reportedly include Norman Chan, former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory’s financial secretary and chief secretary for administration. A leaked audio recording emerged in September of Lam saying she would quit if she had a choice -- although she later said she had not contemplated standing down. Lam has faced a series of political difficulties since the city's legislature returned for a new session last week. She was unable to give her State of the Union-style policy speech after pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly interrupted her, forcing her to deliver the address via a pre-recorded video.

China plans to replace Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam: Report

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668"> now-withdrawn extradition bill</a>.

Self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own, wants an extradition, not a voluntary surrender, of the suspected murderer from a Chinese-ruled territory, reinforcing its status as self-ruled and separate to China.

Chan Tong-kai was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong where he was sentenced to 29 months in jail on money-laundering charges.

He was given an early release on Wednesday, coincidentally the same day that Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the extradition bill, the original trigger for months of often violent unrest in the former British colony.

The Hong Kong government had seized on the case to justify the need for an extradition law that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China, comprising the mainland, Taiwan and Macau.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was "unbelievable" that Chan could be expected to take a flight to Taiwan by himself, "completely ignoring the safety of passengers on the same flights in order to serve the political arrangement of a 'surrender'".

It said Taiwan had repeatedly asked for legal cooperation.

"We are solemnly telling the Hong Kong government that you have to take full responsibility for all bitter consequences," the council statement said.

Taiwan has also said it wanted to send officers to Hong Kong to escort Chan back, a move the Hong Kong government has described as a disrespectful and unacceptable attempt to cross legal jurisdictions.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would "take care of the matter" adding there was no "such thing as surrender, only arrest".

Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee said that Taiwan was obstructing the case for "political reasons" and Chan should be free to go to Taiwan and surrender himself, as he has offered.

Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologised to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left prison.

He was arrested by Hong Kong police in March 2018, but authorities there were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Chan said he had made an "unforgivable mistake" and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial. It was not immediately clear to what charge he planned to plead guilty.

"I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace," he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in.

"For the society, for Hong Kongers, I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society." 
&nbsp;

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a now-withdrawn extradition bill. Self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own, wants an extradition, not a voluntary surrender, of the suspected murderer from a Chinese-ruled territory, reinforcing its status as self-ruled and separate to China. Chan Tong-kai was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong where he was sentenced to 29 months in jail on money-laundering charges. He was given an early release on Wednesday, coincidentally the same day that Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the extradition bill, the original trigger for months of often violent unrest in the former British colony. The Hong Kong government had seized on the case to justify the need for an extradition law that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China, comprising the mainland, Taiwan and Macau. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was "unbelievable" that Chan could be expected to take a flight to Taiwan by himself, "completely ignoring the safety of passengers on the same flights in order to serve the political arrangement of a 'surrender'". It said Taiwan had repeatedly asked for legal cooperation. "We are solemnly telling the Hong Kong government that you have to take full responsibility for all bitter consequences," the council statement said. Taiwan has also said it wanted to send officers to Hong Kong to escort Chan back, a move the Hong Kong government has described as a disrespectful and unacceptable attempt to cross legal jurisdictions. President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would "take care of the matter" adding there was no "such thing as surrender, only arrest". Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee said that Taiwan was obstructing the case for "political reasons" and Chan should be free to go to Taiwan and surrender himself, as he has offered. Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologised to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left prison. He was arrested by Hong Kong police in March 2018, but authorities there were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering. Chan said he had made an "unforgivable mistake" and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial. It was not immediately clear to what charge he planned to plead guilty. "I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace," he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in. "For the society, for Hong Kongers, I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society."

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities clash as murder suspect walks free

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

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

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

Hong Kong legislature officially kills controversial extradition bill

Hong Kong's controversial bill formally removed. To know more watch the video

Hong Kong formally withdraws extradition bill

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

Hong Kong releases murder suspect Chan Tong-kai

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed.

Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped.

Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said.

Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities.

Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework.

Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case.

"The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday.

Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said. Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed. Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped. Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said. Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities. Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework. Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case. "The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday. Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities tussle as fate of murder suspect in limbo

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

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

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

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

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday on growing optimism that China and the US will sign a partial trade deal next month, while the pound held firm around five-month highs as dealers bet Britain will leave the EU with a Brexit agreement.

Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a mini pact, saying China had already begun promised purchases of farm goods and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete.

"We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases.

Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts were being made for it to be ready when the leaders meet at the APEC summit next month in Chile.

And Trump's economics adviser Larry Kudlow indicated tariffs planned to go into effect in December could be cancelled if the talks go well. 
Increasing signs of progress in the 18-month trade war provided some much-needed relief to global markets, with all three main indexes on Wall Street ending higher and Asia taking up the lead.

Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney each rose 0.2 per cent, Singapore put on 0.8 per cent and Seoul rallied 0.9 per cent. Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were also higher. Tokyo was closed for a holiday.

"Unlike previous trade talks where expectations centred on the view that something is better than nothing, this time around there appears to be a tangible and workable roadmap in place," said AxiTrader senior market analyst Stephen Innes.

'On the same page'

He said this was "supported by official confirmation that the US and China were both on the same page about the intent to work towards phase one of a 'deal' by mid-November".

The "fact that phase two is even being discussed at this time... suggests that both the US and China may have finally found a bridge that isn't too far".

Traders are also keeping watch on events in London, where Boris Johnson will try on Tuesday to push his Brexit deal with the EU through parliament before next Thursday's deadline.

Sterling rallied Monday to $1.3013 -- its highest since May -- but ticked back after House of Commons Speaker John Bercow refused the prime minister's request to put his bill to MPs.

On Monday it edged back up against the dollar and euro. 
And while many lawmakers say they need more time to read through the details, there is a growing expectation that the government can muster enough support to eventually push the bill through later Tuesday.

Still, with the vote likely to be tight, traders are moving cautiously.

"While markets haven't seen fit to reverse last week's optimism that saw sterling smartly higher, they aren't yet prepared to take the pound up to the next level that successful passage of the Brexit agreement would presumably entail," said Ray Attrill at National Australia Bank.

Key figures around

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.2 per cent at 26,779.16 
Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2 percent at 2,944.26 
Tokyo - Nikkei 225: Closed for a holiday 
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2982 from $1.2960 at 2100 GMT 
Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.91 pence from 86.03 pence 
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1157 from $1.1145&nbsp; 
Dollar/yen: UP at 108.69 yen from 108.60 yen 
West Texas Intermediate: UP 16 cents at $53.47 per barrel 
Brent North Sea crude: UP 12 cents at $59.08 per barrel 
New York - Dow: UP at 0.2 percent at 26,827.64 (close) 
London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 7,163.64 (close)

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday on growing optimism that China and the US will sign a partial trade deal next month, while the pound held firm around five-month highs as dealers bet Britain will leave the EU with a Brexit agreement.

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday on growing optimism that China and the US will sign a partial trade deal next month, while the pound held firm around five-month highs as dealers bet Britain will leave the EU with a Brexit agreement. Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a mini pact, saying China had already begun promised purchases of farm goods and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete. "We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts were being made for it to be ready when the leaders meet at the APEC summit next month in Chile. And Trump's economics adviser Larry Kudlow indicated tariffs planned to go into effect in December could be cancelled if the talks go well. Increasing signs of progress in the 18-month trade war provided some much-needed relief to global markets, with all three main indexes on Wall Street ending higher and Asia taking up the lead. Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney each rose 0.2 per cent, Singapore put on 0.8 per cent and Seoul rallied 0.9 per cent. Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were also higher. Tokyo was closed for a holiday. "Unlike previous trade talks where expectations centred on the view that something is better than nothing, this time around there appears to be a tangible and workable roadmap in place," said AxiTrader senior market analyst Stephen Innes. 'On the same page' He said this was "supported by official confirmation that the US and China were both on the same page about the intent to work towards phase one of a 'deal' by mid-November". The "fact that phase two is even being discussed at this time... suggests that both the US and China may have finally found a bridge that isn't too far". Traders are also keeping watch on events in London, where Boris Johnson will try on Tuesday to push his Brexit deal with the EU through parliament before next Thursday's deadline. Sterling rallied Monday to $1.3013 -- its highest since May -- but ticked back after House of Commons Speaker John Bercow refused the prime minister's request to put his bill to MPs. On Monday it edged back up against the dollar and euro. And while many lawmakers say they need more time to read through the details, there is a growing expectation that the government can muster enough support to eventually push the bill through later Tuesday. Still, with the vote likely to be tight, traders are moving cautiously. "While markets haven't seen fit to reverse last week's optimism that saw sterling smartly higher, they aren't yet prepared to take the pound up to the next level that successful passage of the Brexit agreement would presumably entail," said Ray Attrill at National Australia Bank. Key figures around Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.2 per cent at 26,779.16 Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2 percent at 2,944.26 Tokyo - Nikkei 225: Closed for a holiday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2982 from $1.2960 at 2100 GMT Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.91 pence from 86.03 pence Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1157 from $1.1145 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.69 yen from 108.60 yen West Texas Intermediate: UP 16 cents at $53.47 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: UP 12 cents at $59.08 per barrel New York - Dow: UP at 0.2 percent at 26,827.64 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 7,163.64 (close)

Asian markets lifted by China-US trade hopes, pound stands ground

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader and the city's police chief visited a mosque on Monday that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent protests.

The entrance to the Kowloon Mosque, the international hub's largest, was sprayed by a water cannon truck on Sunday, causing anger among both local Muslims and protesters.

Police use the dye, often mixed with an irritant, as a way to identify protesters but it has frequently left streets and buildings daubed in a garish blue.

Video footage shot Sunday showed the truck pulling up outside the building during confrontations with protesters, pausing and then spraying around half a dozen journalists and bystanders who were gathered on the street outside.

The group, who did not <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-to-visit-japan-after-huge-rally-night-of-violence-257151">appear to be protesters</a>, was struck twice, with much of the bright blue jet painting the mosque's entrance and steps.

Police released a statement on Sunday saying the mosque was hit by mistake but did not apologise.

On Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and police chief Stephen Lo paid a brief visit to the mosque, surrounded by a phalanx of security guards.

They emerged some 20 minutes later without speaking to the media.

Mosque representatives told reporters that the two had apologised for the water cannon incident and that the apology had been accepted.

The representatives also thanked worshippers and Hong Kongers who flocked to clean the mosque soon after the incident.

The original Kowloon Mosque was built in the late nineteenth century to cater for Muslim soldiers from British-ruled India.

It was rebuilt in the early 1980s and remains a centre of Hong Kong's 300,000-strong Muslim community.

Lam's office and the police did not respond to requests for comment on the visit.

A police source told AFP the commissioner did apologise and further details would be released later in the day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-and-water-cannon-as-crowds-defy-hong-kong-rally-ban-257060">Hong Kong was convulsed by another day of violence on Sunday</a> as the city nears five months of seething pro-democracy protests.

Tens of thousands joined an unauthorised but peaceful afternoon rally which quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters threw petrol bombs and rocks at a police station, mainland China businesses and multiple subway station entrances.

Police responded with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes that lasted well into the night.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader and the city's police chief visited a mosque on Monday that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent protests.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader and the city's police chief visited a mosque on Monday that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent protests. The entrance to the Kowloon Mosque, the international hub's largest, was sprayed by a water cannon truck on Sunday, causing anger among both local Muslims and protesters. Police use the dye, often mixed with an irritant, as a way to identify protesters but it has frequently left streets and buildings daubed in a garish blue. Video footage shot Sunday showed the truck pulling up outside the building during confrontations with protesters, pausing and then spraying around half a dozen journalists and bystanders who were gathered on the street outside. The group, who did not appear to be protesters, was struck twice, with much of the bright blue jet painting the mosque's entrance and steps. Police released a statement on Sunday saying the mosque was hit by mistake but did not apologise. On Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and police chief Stephen Lo paid a brief visit to the mosque, surrounded by a phalanx of security guards. They emerged some 20 minutes later without speaking to the media. Mosque representatives told reporters that the two had apologised for the water cannon incident and that the apology had been accepted. The representatives also thanked worshippers and Hong Kongers who flocked to clean the mosque soon after the incident. The original Kowloon Mosque was built in the late nineteenth century to cater for Muslim soldiers from British-ruled India. It was rebuilt in the early 1980s and remains a centre of Hong Kong's 300,000-strong Muslim community. Lam's office and the police did not respond to requests for comment on the visit. A police source told AFP the commissioner did apologise and further details would be released later in the day. Hong Kong was convulsed by another day of violence on Sunday as the city nears five months of seething pro-democracy protests. Tens of thousands joined an unauthorised but peaceful afternoon rally which quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters threw petrol bombs and rocks at a police station, mainland China businesses and multiple subway station entrances. Police responded with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes that lasted well into the night.

Hong Kong leader visits mosque struck by blue water-cannon dye

Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, leaves for a visit to Japan on Monday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-and-water-cannon-as-crowds-defy-hong-kong-rally-ban-257060">Chinese-ruled city struggles</a> to recover from a night of violence in which tens of thousands took to the streets, with further protests planned later in the day.

Lam is to attend Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony in Tokyo's imperial palace on Tuesday and return home that evening.

Early on Monday, Hong Kong embarked on a massive clean-up after a largely peaceful protest degenerated into violence across districts on the Kowloon peninsula, where protesters torched stores and sprayed graffiti on roads, amid skirmishes with police.

After two weeks of relative calm in the five-month-long political crisis, Sunday's large turnout reflected strong support for the anti-government movement despite police branding the march illegal, because of concerns over public safety.

Families and the elderly took to the streets of the Asian financial hub in what began as a peaceful march, many wearing masks or carrying umbrellas to shield their faces, despite the threat of being arrested.

However, a more radical faction of mainly young protesters later clashed with riot police.

They targeted banks and other businesses perceived to be linked to China, damaging some storefronts and setting fires on the prime shopping and commercial street of Nathan Road in the heart of the Kowloon peninsula.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-democracy-crowds-defy-police-after-activists-attacked-257019">The events followed an annual policy speech last week by Beijing-backed Lam</a> in which she did not address protesters' demands, but sought to ease tension with measures aimed at resolving a chronic housing shortage.

Protesters say they will keep up pressure on the government to act on their demands for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police behaviour, amnesty for those charged, and an end to describing protesters as rioters.

Metro operator MTR Corp&nbsp;said it would shut the rural Yuen Long station by 2 pm, ahead of a protest planned there later on Monday.

Several subway entrances and exits would also be shut, and the entire network would close by 10 pm, or two hours early, to allow time for the repair of facilities, the operator said.

In Sunday's clashes, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-weekend-of-fresh-anti-government-protests-256600">police used water cannon trucks to disperse protesters</a>, spraying jets of blue dye into the crowds and sending hundreds fleeing.

In one instance, a water cannon fired a jet towards the front gate of the Kowloon mosque, Hong Kong's most important Islamic place of worship.

Blue dye still smeared the road as worshippers gathered for prayers on Monday, with many saying they did not understand why police had targeted the mosque as there had been few people nearby.

The mosque entrance and front gate had been accidentally sprayed, police said in a statement.

"Police respect religious freedom and will strive to protect all places of worship," they added.

The mosque incident is the first time the protests have affected religious groups, but the unrest has hammered much of Hong Kong's business, retail and tourism sectors.

Visitor numbers have plummeted as tourists stay away, further hampering an economy facing its first recession in a decade.

The government was trying its best to support small and medium-sized enterprises as the economy has been hit hard, Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan said on Sunday.

"We are studying the launch of the third round of relief measures," he wrote on his blog.

Businesses will probably have to foot the bill for the vandalism, as few had insurance for riot damage, industry insiders said.

Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, leaves for a visit to Japan on Monday as the Chinese-ruled city struggles to recover from a night of violence in which tens of thousands took to the streets, with further protests planned later in the day.

Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, leaves for a visit to Japan on Monday as the Chinese-ruled city struggles to recover from a night of violence in which tens of thousands took to the streets, with further protests planned later in the day. Lam is to attend Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony in Tokyo's imperial palace on Tuesday and return home that evening. Early on Monday, Hong Kong embarked on a massive clean-up after a largely peaceful protest degenerated into violence across districts on the Kowloon peninsula, where protesters torched stores and sprayed graffiti on roads, amid skirmishes with police. After two weeks of relative calm in the five-month-long political crisis, Sunday's large turnout reflected strong support for the anti-government movement despite police branding the march illegal, because of concerns over public safety. Families and the elderly took to the streets of the Asian financial hub in what began as a peaceful march, many wearing masks or carrying umbrellas to shield their faces, despite the threat of being arrested. However, a more radical faction of mainly young protesters later clashed with riot police. They targeted banks and other businesses perceived to be linked to China, damaging some storefronts and setting fires on the prime shopping and commercial street of Nathan Road in the heart of the Kowloon peninsula. The events followed an annual policy speech last week by Beijing-backed Lam in which she did not address protesters' demands, but sought to ease tension with measures aimed at resolving a chronic housing shortage. Protesters say they will keep up pressure on the government to act on their demands for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police behaviour, amnesty for those charged, and an end to describing protesters as rioters. Metro operator MTR Corp said it would shut the rural Yuen Long station by 2 pm, ahead of a protest planned there later on Monday. Several subway entrances and exits would also be shut, and the entire network would close by 10 pm, or two hours early, to allow time for the repair of facilities, the operator said. In Sunday's clashes, police used water cannon trucks to disperse protesters, spraying jets of blue dye into the crowds and sending hundreds fleeing. In one instance, a water cannon fired a jet towards the front gate of the Kowloon mosque, Hong Kong's most important Islamic place of worship. Blue dye still smeared the road as worshippers gathered for prayers on Monday, with many saying they did not understand why police had targeted the mosque as there had been few people nearby. The mosque entrance and front gate had been accidentally sprayed, police said in a statement. "Police respect religious freedom and will strive to protect all places of worship," they added. The mosque incident is the first time the protests have affected religious groups, but the unrest has hammered much of Hong Kong's business, retail and tourism sectors. Visitor numbers have plummeted as tourists stay away, further hampering an economy facing its first recession in a decade. The government was trying its best to support small and medium-sized enterprises as the economy has been hit hard, Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan said on Sunday. "We are studying the launch of the third round of relief measures," he wrote on his blog. Businesses will probably have to foot the bill for the vandalism, as few had insurance for riot damage, industry insiders said.

Hong Kong leader to visit Japan after huge rally, night of violence

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

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

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

Hong Kong unrest: Democracy crowds defy police after activists attacked

Punishment will be meted out "sooner or later" to the NBA's commissioner for defaming China, state television said, as Beijing and the basketball league continue to grapple publicly.

Tensions between China and the American basketball league erupted this month after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted an image in support of demonstrations in Hong Kong that have rocked the financial hub for months.

NBA commissioner, Adam Silver said earlier the institution would not apologise for the tweet and supported freedom of expression in American basketball.

On Thursday, Silver said the Chinese government had demanded Morey be sacked, which Beijing denied.

Chinese state television, CCTV, in turn accused Silver of "inventing lies to dirty China".

"Once a person's morality goes wrong, he will receive retribution sooner or later," it wrote in a commentary on its website Friday night.

Silver "doesn’t hold back from moulding himself an image as a defender of the freedom of expression", it added.

The backlash in China against Morey's comments has cast a cloud over the NBA's lucrative broadcasting, merchandising and sponsorship interests in the country, where it has legions of fans.

By defending Morey, the boss of the NBA had "crossed the bottom line by showing a lack of respect to Chinese", CCTV wrote.

"But he had to make false declarations as well to please certain elected American officials."

Since the row began, the NBA has found itself under pressure from US politicians and media outlets who have urged the league not to buckle under Chinese criticism, or even to withdraw from the Chinese market completely.

Hong Kong has been rocked by months of demonstrations by citizens who accuse Beijing of chipping away at its freedoms.&nbsp;

China has portrayed the protesters as violent separatists and bristled at what it calls "foreign interference" in the matter.

Punishment will be meted out "sooner or later" to the NBA's commissioner for defaming China, state television said, as Beijing and the basketball league continue to grapple publicly.

Punishment will be meted out "sooner or later" to the NBA's commissioner for defaming China, state television said, as Beijing and the basketball league continue to grapple publicly. Tensions between China and the American basketball league erupted this month after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted an image in support of demonstrations in Hong Kong that have rocked the financial hub for months. NBA commissioner, Adam Silver said earlier the institution would not apologise for the tweet and supported freedom of expression in American basketball. On Thursday, Silver said the Chinese government had demanded Morey be sacked, which Beijing denied. Chinese state television, CCTV, in turn accused Silver of "inventing lies to dirty China". "Once a person's morality goes wrong, he will receive retribution sooner or later," it wrote in a commentary on its website Friday night. Silver "doesn’t hold back from moulding himself an image as a defender of the freedom of expression", it added. The backlash in China against Morey's comments has cast a cloud over the NBA's lucrative broadcasting, merchandising and sponsorship interests in the country, where it has legions of fans. By defending Morey, the boss of the NBA had "crossed the bottom line by showing a lack of respect to Chinese", CCTV wrote. "But he had to make false declarations as well to please certain elected American officials." Since the row began, the NBA has found itself under pressure from US politicians and media outlets who have urged the league not to buckle under Chinese criticism, or even to withdraw from the Chinese market completely. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of demonstrations by citizens who accuse Beijing of chipping away at its freedoms. China has portrayed the protesters as violent separatists and bristled at what it calls "foreign interference" in the matter.

Punishment awaits National Basketball Association's commissioner for defaming China: State media

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters took to the streets in yet another anti-government march. The protests turned violent as police fired tear gas at demonstrators. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Protesters reassemble for illegal march

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

Unrest continuous in Hong Kong, Protesters call for March

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

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

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

Hong Kong braces for weekend of fresh anti-government protests

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

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

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

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

Citigroup Inc&nbsp;has named Peter Babej, the US&nbsp;bank's global head of financial institutions group, as its new Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.

Babej joined Citi in 2010 as co-head of the financial institution's group after having previously worked at Deutsche Bank&nbsp;and investment bank Lazard, according to the memo sent to staff by Citi global CEO Mike Corbat.

A spokesman for Citi in Hong Kong confirmed the contents of the memo.

Babej, who is currently based in New York and will relocate to Hong Kong, will replace Francisco Aristeguieta, who left Citi earlier this year to join custodian bank State Street Corp&nbsp;as chief executive of its international business.

Citi's business in the Asia Pacific is the second-largest region-wise in terms of revenue, outside of its home market of North America, and contributes around one-fifth of its revenues and nearly one-third of the bank's net income.

In the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, Citi's Asia Pacific revenue grew 7 per cent&nbsp;to $4.01 billion.

Babej has been involved in several Asia-focused merger and acquisition transactions in the financial sector, Corbat wrote in the memo, adding the new regional head will take over the role immediately.

"He will draw on his deep knowledge of the financial services landscape in Asia, where we continue to see great opportunities, including fast-growing digital adoption," Corbat said in the memo.

Citigroup Inc has named Peter Babej, the US bank's global head of financial institutions group, as its new Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.

Citigroup Inc has named Peter Babej, the US bank's global head of financial institutions group, as its new Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Thursday. Babej joined Citi in 2010 as co-head of the financial institution's group after having previously worked at Deutsche Bank and investment bank Lazard, according to the memo sent to staff by Citi global CEO Mike Corbat. A spokesman for Citi in Hong Kong confirmed the contents of the memo. Babej, who is currently based in New York and will relocate to Hong Kong, will replace Francisco Aristeguieta, who left Citi earlier this year to join custodian bank State Street Corp as chief executive of its international business. Citi's business in the Asia Pacific is the second-largest region-wise in terms of revenue, outside of its home market of North America, and contributes around one-fifth of its revenues and nearly one-third of the bank's net income. In the quarter ended September 30, Citi's Asia Pacific revenue grew 7 per cent to $4.01 billion. Babej has been involved in several Asia-focused merger and acquisition transactions in the financial sector, Corbat wrote in the memo, adding the new regional head will take over the role immediately. "He will draw on his deep knowledge of the financial services landscape in Asia, where we continue to see great opportunities, including fast-growing digital adoption," Corbat said in the memo.

Citigroup names Peter Babej as Asia Pacific Chief Executive: Memo

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