<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-target-trains-urge-general-strike-247052">Hong Kong</a> police said on Sunday that 71 people were arrested during the riots on Saturday.

According to Kowloon West Regional Headquarters, a total of 63 people, 54 men and nine women aged 13 to 36, were arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives and offensive weapons.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-after-hong-kong-protesters-target-airport-247043">Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport</a>

Speaking at a press conference, Acting Senior Superintendent Tsui Suk-yee of Kowloon West Regional (Crime) said that during the arrest operations, the police seized evidences including petrol bombs, gas masks, laser guns, steel balls, armors, helmets and umbrellas.

According to Tsui, two petrol bombs and lighters were found among the belongings of a 13-year-old suspect. A batch of petrol bombs were also seized by police on the platform of Prince Edward MTR Station.

In the above-mentioned cases, suspects had posed a severe threat to public safety and social order, said Tsui.

After obtaining legal advice from the Department of Justice, some arrested suspects would be prosecuted, said Tsui, adding that the police did not rule out more arrests in coming days.

During an arrest operation in a store at Sai Ying Pun Saturday afternoon, six men and two women were also arrested for possessing offensive weapons, said Chief Inspector (Crime) of Western District Ng Kei-chun at a press conference.

During the arrest operation, 12 press cards were seized, three of which contained personal data matching those of the three arrested persons, said Ng.

However, initial probes by the police found no information available about the media organizations on the press cards.

The police had also seized suspected assault weapons including axes, steel balls, steel ball launchers and corrosive liquids, said Ng.

Noting that in recent protests, some radical protesters had used corrosive liquids against police officers, Ng said there were reasonable grounds to believe that the suspects were making offensive weapons.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday that 71 people were arrested during the riots on Saturday. According to Kowloon West Regional Headquarters, a total of 63 people, 54 men and nine women aged 13 to 36, were arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives and offensive weapons.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday that 71 people were arrested during the riots on Saturday. According to Kowloon West Regional Headquarters, a total of 63 people, 54 men and nine women aged 13 to 36, were arrested for offenses including unlawful assembly and possession of explosives and offensive weapons. Also read: Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport Speaking at a press conference, Acting Senior Superintendent Tsui Suk-yee of Kowloon West Regional (Crime) said that during the arrest operations, the police seized evidences including petrol bombs, gas masks, laser guns, steel balls, armors, helmets and umbrellas. According to Tsui, two petrol bombs and lighters were found among the belongings of a 13-year-old suspect. A batch of petrol bombs were also seized by police on the platform of Prince Edward MTR Station. In the above-mentioned cases, suspects had posed a severe threat to public safety and social order, said Tsui. After obtaining legal advice from the Department of Justice, some arrested suspects would be prosecuted, said Tsui, adding that the police did not rule out more arrests in coming days. During an arrest operation in a store at Sai Ying Pun Saturday afternoon, six men and two women were also arrested for possessing offensive weapons, said Chief Inspector (Crime) of Western District Ng Kei-chun at a press conference. During the arrest operation, 12 press cards were seized, three of which contained personal data matching those of the three arrested persons, said Ng. However, initial probes by the police found no information available about the media organizations on the press cards. The police had also seized suspected assault weapons including axes, steel balls, steel ball launchers and corrosive liquids, said Ng. Noting that in recent protests, some radical protesters had used corrosive liquids against police officers, Ng said there were reasonable grounds to believe that the suspects were making offensive weapons.

71 arrested over riots in Hong Kong on Saturday: Police

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 2nd, 2019

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Monday, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-reels-from-worst-clashes-in-months-as-protesters-battle-police-246937">worst violence in three months</a> of anti-government protests.

The global financial hub is in the midst of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-petrol-bombs-as-hong-kong-centre-engulfed-by-chaos-246844">unprecedented crisis </a>as a largely leaderless movement has drawn millions on to the streets to protest against what they see as an erosion of freedoms and increasing interference in their affairs by Beijing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-after-hong-kong-protesters-target-airport-247043">Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport</a>

In the latest action, protesters dressed in their signature black stood at doorways of trains, stopping them from closing, at a series of stations on the underground system on Monday morning, causing major delays on the network.

The protesters have also called for a general strike on Monday, while university students are due to rally in the afternoon.

Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city that operates under a "one country, two systems" framework, which gives citizens rights unseen on the mainland.

China committed to giving the people of Hong Kong those rights in an agreement that saw the city return from British colonial rule in 1997.

China's erosions of those rights has been one of the driving forces behind the protest movement.

The protests started in opposition to government plans to allow the extradition to the mainland of people wanted by Beijing, but have widened to include broader demands.

These include demands for the extradition bill to be formally scrapped and for an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality during the protests.

The protesters also want the city's leader and all its lawmakers to be directly elected, scrapping the current system that heavily favours the Chinese government.

Student boycott&nbsp;

The new round of protest actions on Monday came after yet another weekend of violence on the streets as well as efforts by protesters to disrupt the city's airport, one of the busiest in the world.

On Sunday at least a dozen flights were cancelled after protesters blocked routes to the airport, although police fended off demonstrators' efforts to converge on the terminal itself.

On Saturday, hardcore protesters rampaged through the city centre, setting fires and throwing petrol bombs at riot police in defiance of a rally ban.

Police hit back with tear gas, baton charges and water cannon laced with chemical dye.

Video footage captured by local media showed police charge and beat a crowd cowering inside a train carriage, with Amnesty International calling their actions "horrifying".

Universities were due to resume classes Monday after a summer break, but students -- who make up the backbone of the protest movement -- are planning a two-week boycott.

Protesters were also urging a general strike.&nbsp;

In early August, a city-wide strike -- a rare occurence in a freewheeling finance hub where unions traditionally have little sway -- brought transport chaos to the city.

Hong Kong' flagship carrier Cathay Pacific has warned staff they risk being sacked if they joined Monday's strike after the last walkout was supported by the airline's flight attendant union.

Cathay has already fired at least four staff -- including two pilots -- for supporting the protests.

Hong Kong's reputation as a stable place to do business has been shaken by the ongoing protests.

Visitor arrivals have plummeted, hotel vacancies have soared and retailers have reported huge losses as a result of the protests, but the government has offered little in the way of concessions or suggestions on how to end them.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Monday, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the worst violence in three months of anti-government protests.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters threw morning rush hour train travel into chaos on Monday, kicking off another day of potential turmoil after a weekend featuring some of the worst violence in three months of anti-government protests. The global financial hub is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis as a largely leaderless movement has drawn millions on to the streets to protest against what they see as an erosion of freedoms and increasing interference in their affairs by Beijing. Also read: Flights cancelled after Hong Kong protesters target airport In the latest action, protesters dressed in their signature black stood at doorways of trains, stopping them from closing, at a series of stations on the underground system on Monday morning, causing major delays on the network. The protesters have also called for a general strike on Monday, while university students are due to rally in the afternoon. Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city that operates under a "one country, two systems" framework, which gives citizens rights unseen on the mainland. China committed to giving the people of Hong Kong those rights in an agreement that saw the city return from British colonial rule in 1997. China's erosions of those rights has been one of the driving forces behind the protest movement. The protests started in opposition to government plans to allow the extradition to the mainland of people wanted by Beijing, but have widened to include broader demands. These include demands for the extradition bill to be formally scrapped and for an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality during the protests. The protesters also want the city's leader and all its lawmakers to be directly elected, scrapping the current system that heavily favours the Chinese government. Student boycott The new round of protest actions on Monday came after yet another weekend of violence on the streets as well as efforts by protesters to disrupt the city's airport, one of the busiest in the world. On Sunday at least a dozen flights were cancelled after protesters blocked routes to the airport, although police fended off demonstrators' efforts to converge on the terminal itself. On Saturday, hardcore protesters rampaged through the city centre, setting fires and throwing petrol bombs at riot police in defiance of a rally ban. Police hit back with tear gas, baton charges and water cannon laced with chemical dye. Video footage captured by local media showed police charge and beat a crowd cowering inside a train carriage, with Amnesty International calling their actions "horrifying". Universities were due to resume classes Monday after a summer break, but students -- who make up the backbone of the protest movement -- are planning a two-week boycott. Protesters were also urging a general strike. In early August, a city-wide strike -- a rare occurence in a freewheeling finance hub where unions traditionally have little sway -- brought transport chaos to the city. Hong Kong' flagship carrier Cathay Pacific has warned staff they risk being sacked if they joined Monday's strike after the last walkout was supported by the airline's flight attendant union. Cathay has already fired at least four staff -- including two pilots -- for supporting the protests. Hong Kong's reputation as a stable place to do business has been shaken by the ongoing protests. Visitor arrivals have plummeted, hotel vacancies have soared and retailers have reported huge losses as a result of the protests, but the government has offered little in the way of concessions or suggestions on how to end them.

Hong Kong protesters target trains, urge general strike

Hong Kong protests are boiling since the day it gets started. Now recently near about 10,000 students also joined in these protests. Hospital workers, trade unions also accompanied the students. Watch this video know more.

Hong Kong Protests: Students join mass general strike

Clashes broke out between protesters and police at Hong Kong's Prince Edward station on Saturday in the 13th consecutive weekend of anti-government and anti-police demonstrations. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: At least 900 activists arrested so far

Hong Kong was reeling Sunday from some of the worst clashes to rock the city in months after hardcore pro-democracy protesters hurled petrol bombs at police who fired tear gas and deployed water cannon, before making mass arrests inside train stations.

Police had banned a planned demonstration in the financial hub on security grounds, but tens of thousands defied authorities Saturday to march through the city's main highways for the 13th consecutive weekend.&nbsp;

The rally quickly descended into violent clashes with riot police which stretched into the early hours of Sunday, with officers pursuing protesters into metro stations and making mass arrests.

Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charging and pepper-spraying two couples cowering on the floor of a train compartment, with one man crying in anguish as he wrapped his arms around a friend.

A small group of hardcore protesters surrounded the city's parliament, unleashing a barrage of rocks and petrol bombs at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.&nbsp;

Thick, black smoke swirled from a large fire started by masked demonstrators at a barricade on a major thoroughfare, close to Hong Kong police headquarters.

Police dispersed crowds with water cannon as the night spiralled into a cat-and-mouse chase across the city, with police making numerous arrests.&nbsp;

"With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols".

Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014.

"Peaceful protest doesn't work," 22-year-old demonstrator Stone told AFP, giving one name.

As protesters streamed into a nearby metro, graffiti on a pillar inside the station read: "We shall never surrender."

The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition.&nbsp;

Protesters were preparing to demonstrate again on Sunday, with plans to rally at a bus terminal outside the city's airport, with disruption also expected at train stations enroute to the airport.&nbsp;

Round-up of activists

Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests condemned by rights groups.&nbsp;

The months-long protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved bill which would have allowed extradition to China.

But they have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push, bringing millions to the streets in peaceful marches but also groups of hardcore protesters clashing with police.

Beijing's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong.

Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule.

At least five high-profile activists and three lawmakers were arrested on Friday in a sweep that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook.

Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, were among those arrested, charged and bailed for "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly".

Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests.

More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were "extremely worrying", while US President Donald Trump said his economic pressure on China was forcing Beijing to take a more moderate line on Hong Kong.

The weeks of violence have damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity.

Hong Kong was reeling Sunday from some of the worst clashes to rock the city in months after hardcore pro-democracy protesters hurled petrol bombs at police who fired tear gas and deployed water cannon, before making mass arrests inside train stations.

Hong Kong was reeling Sunday from some of the worst clashes to rock the city in months after hardcore pro-democracy protesters hurled petrol bombs at police who fired tear gas and deployed water cannon, before making mass arrests inside train stations. Police had banned a planned demonstration in the financial hub on security grounds, but tens of thousands defied authorities Saturday to march through the city's main highways for the 13th consecutive weekend. The rally quickly descended into violent clashes with riot police which stretched into the early hours of Sunday, with officers pursuing protesters into metro stations and making mass arrests. Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charging and pepper-spraying two couples cowering on the floor of a train compartment, with one man crying in anguish as he wrapped his arms around a friend. A small group of hardcore protesters surrounded the city's parliament, unleashing a barrage of rocks and petrol bombs at riot police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Thick, black smoke swirled from a large fire started by masked demonstrators at a barricade on a major thoroughfare, close to Hong Kong police headquarters. Police dispersed crowds with water cannon as the night spiralled into a cat-and-mouse chase across the city, with police making numerous arrests. "With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement. Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols". Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014. "Peaceful protest doesn't work," 22-year-old demonstrator Stone told AFP, giving one name. As protesters streamed into a nearby metro, graffiti on a pillar inside the station read: "We shall never surrender." The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition. Protesters were preparing to demonstrate again on Sunday, with plans to rally at a bus terminal outside the city's airport, with disruption also expected at train stations enroute to the airport. Round-up of activists Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests condemned by rights groups. The months-long protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved bill which would have allowed extradition to China. But they have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push, bringing millions to the streets in peaceful marches but also groups of hardcore protesters clashing with police. Beijing's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong. Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule. At least five high-profile activists and three lawmakers were arrested on Friday in a sweep that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook. Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow, were among those arrested, charged and bailed for "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly". Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests. More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests. The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were "extremely worrying", while US President Donald Trump said his economic pressure on China was forcing Beijing to take a more moderate line on Hong Kong. The weeks of violence have damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity.

Hong Kong reels from worst clashes in months as protesters battle police

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 1st, 2019

Riot police marched on foot towards the Admiralty district in Hong Kong on Saturday, August 31 evening, followed by 20 police cars, where protesters had thrown fire bombs from flyovers, some landing close to police. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Protesters set fire to barricades

Hong Kong Protests: Protesters and Riot Police clash in Hong Kong

Protesters used trolleys and barriers to block a road at Hong Kong airport on Sunday in an attempt to disrupt passenger travel following a day of violent clashes with police.

Hong Kong protests: Protesters block city airport

Women's Association of Tibetans-in-exile held a protest march wearing eye bandages in the hill town of Dharamsala on Saturday (August 31) in solidarity with those injured in Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.

In footage recently emerged of a protest in Kowloon amid clashes between police and protesters, a woman, believed to be a volunteer medic, was seen lying on the ground with blood streaming from her right eye.

This injury and the subsequent eye-bandage became the symbol of what protesters called the increasingly brutal tactics used by Chinese security forces.

Along with the eye bandage, the protesters were seen carrying banners, posters, and flags of Tibet and Hong Kong during their march in the streets of Dharamsala.

The Hong Kong unrest began in mid-June, fueled by anger over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in the city to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

But the turmoil has evolved over 13 straight weeks into a widespread demand for greater democracy in a territory that many residents believe is increasingly being controlled by Beijing. China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs.

Women's Association of Tibetans-in-exile held a protest march wearing eye bandages in the hill town of Dharamsala on Saturday (August 31) in solidarity with those injured in Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.

Women's Association of Tibetans-in-exile held a protest march wearing eye bandages in the hill town of Dharamsala on Saturday (August 31) in solidarity with those injured in Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. In footage recently emerged of a protest in Kowloon amid clashes between police and protesters, a woman, believed to be a volunteer medic, was seen lying on the ground with blood streaming from her right eye. This injury and the subsequent eye-bandage became the symbol of what protesters called the increasingly brutal tactics used by Chinese security forces. Along with the eye bandage, the protesters were seen carrying banners, posters, and flags of Tibet and Hong Kong during their march in the streets of Dharamsala. The Hong Kong unrest began in mid-June, fueled by anger over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in the city to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. But the turmoil has evolved over 13 straight weeks into a widespread demand for greater democracy in a territory that many residents believe is increasingly being controlled by Beijing. China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs.

Tibetan women march with eye-patch in support of Hong Kong protestors

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists blocked some routes to the city's airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-reels-from-worst-clashes-in-months-as-protesters-battle-police-246937">night of violent protests </a>marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings.&nbsp;

Operators of the Airport Express train said it had suspended services on Sunday afternoon, while black-clad protesters -- hiding from CCTV cameras under umbrellas -- built barricades at the airport bus station and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to terminals.

Flights had so far not been disrupted, and riot police were deployed inside the terminals.

The airport is covered by an injunction banning protesters from entering -- imposed after a shutdown in August which ended in ugly clashes.

Watch: At least 900 activists arrested so far in Hong Kong 
&nbsp;

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But protesters have routinely ignored legal moves to bans their rallies and actions -- since the anti-government movement sprang to life three months ago.

The protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved extradition bill, but have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push.

On Sunday, city sanitation workers were seen clearing debris and removing graffiti after a night of pitched battles between protesters and police.

Hours before a huge fire burned for over an hour in the city's commercial district as chaos rippled through the centre of a city usually renowned for its stability and prosperity.

"I’m really, really tired. I think many Hong Kong people had a sleepless night yesterday," said 18-year-old student protester called May.

"I almost couldn’t manage to get up, but I’m determined to go today."

Hardcore demonstrators Saturday hurled petrol bombs at government buildings and police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon laced with chemical dye before making mass arrests inside the city's underground metro stations.&nbsp;

Police fired warning shots

Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charge a crowd cowering inside a train carriage -- with one man, drenched in pepper spray, crying in anguish on his knees as he tried to protect his female friend.

Officers left the carriage without making any immediate arrests.&nbsp;

Anger at police tactics swirled across social media.

"The police are a licenced mob, they have the licence to attack and to assault," Kwok Ka-ki, a pro-democracy lawmaker, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The government is no different from an autocratic regime."

Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by a group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols".

"With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition.&nbsp;

High-profile arrests

China's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong.

Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule.

Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook.

Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests.

More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests.

Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014.

That petered out without the government making any major concessions.

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists blocked some routes to the city's airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another night of violent protests marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings.

Hundreds of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists blocked some routes to the city's airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another night of violent protests marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings. Operators of the Airport Express train said it had suspended services on Sunday afternoon, while black-clad protesters -- hiding from CCTV cameras under umbrellas -- built barricades at the airport bus station and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to terminals. Flights had so far not been disrupted, and riot police were deployed inside the terminals. The airport is covered by an injunction banning protesters from entering -- imposed after a shutdown in August which ended in ugly clashes. Watch: At least 900 activists arrested so far in Hong Kong × But protesters have routinely ignored legal moves to bans their rallies and actions -- since the anti-government movement sprang to life three months ago. The protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved extradition bill, but have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push. On Sunday, city sanitation workers were seen clearing debris and removing graffiti after a night of pitched battles between protesters and police. Hours before a huge fire burned for over an hour in the city's commercial district as chaos rippled through the centre of a city usually renowned for its stability and prosperity. "I’m really, really tired. I think many Hong Kong people had a sleepless night yesterday," said 18-year-old student protester called May. "I almost couldn’t manage to get up, but I’m determined to go today." Hardcore demonstrators Saturday hurled petrol bombs at government buildings and police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon laced with chemical dye before making mass arrests inside the city's underground metro stations. Police fired warning shots Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charge a crowd cowering inside a train carriage -- with one man, drenched in pepper spray, crying in anguish on his knees as he tried to protect his female friend. Officers left the carriage without making any immediate arrests. Anger at police tactics swirled across social media. "The police are a licenced mob, they have the licence to attack and to assault," Kwok Ka-ki, a pro-democracy lawmaker, told AFP. "The government is no different from an autocratic regime." Police said officers fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by a group of "violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols". "With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened," police said in a statement. The hospital authority said Sunday that 31 people were admitted with injuries following the clashes, including five who remain in a serious condition. High-profile arrests China's state news agency Xinhua posted a video on Twitter late Saturday of armed Chinese riot police holding "anti-riot drills in Shenzhen", a city which borders Hong Kong. Beijing has also unleashed a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle in an attempt to muzzle the movement, which it views as a direct challenge to its rule. Police on Friday rounded up several high profile pro-democracy activists and politicians in sweeping arrests that rights groups said was taken directly from Beijing's playbook. Police denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests. More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection with the protests. Saturday marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014. That petered out without the government making any major concessions.

Hong Kong protesters target airport as city mops up

Chaos engulfed Hong Kong's financial heart on Saturday night as police fired tear gas and water cannon at petrol-bomb-throwing protesters, who defied a ban on rallying -- and mounting threats from China -- to take to the streets for a 13th straight weekend.

Police had banned the demonstration on security grounds and on Friday arrested several key activists and legislators in a dragnet on pro-democracy figures.

But on Saturday afternoon, tens of thousands of protesters -- many in their signature black T-shirts and under a colourful canopy of umbrellas -- defied the order to march on Hong Kong island chanting "reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times".

As evening fell, violence ricocheted through the city's commercial centre, with a minority of hardcore protesters unleashing a barrage of petrol bombs and rocks at riot police.

Thick, black smoke swirled from a large fire started by masked demonstrators at a barricade on a major thoroughfare, moments from Hong Kong police headquarters. The fire was extinguished after burning for around half an hour.

Earlier police fired a water cannon and rounds of tear gas to disperse protesters massed in front of the city's parliament, known as the Legislative Council (LegCo), which was stormed in July during the early days of the protest movement.

The crowd briefly broke through the barrier outside the building, but were repelled by tear gas and jets of blue-coloured liquid fired from the water cannon.

Watch: Thousands of protesters fill streets of Hong Kong

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Local media reported that the blue spray aimed to make it easier to identify suspects.

"Peaceful protest doesn't work," 22-year-old demonstrator Stone told AFP, giving one name.

"I think they (the hardcore protesters) have to vent their anger to achieve something."

As protesters streamed away, graffiti on a pillar inside a nearby metro station read: "We shall never surrender."

"Radical protesters" threw "corrosives and petrol bombs" at officers, Hong Kong police said in a statement, posing a "serious threat" to everyone at the scene.

'Now or never'

Earlier on Saturday, protesters marched by the official residence of Hong Kong's embattled Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam, who is the focal point of anger after trying to pass a bill which would have allowed extradition to China.

Opposition to the extradition bill -- now suspended but not permanently withdrawn -- has brought much of Hong Kong to the streets, with millions marching peacefully but also groups of radical protesters clashing with police.

The protests have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push and a rejection of attempts by Beijing to curtail the freedoms of the semi-autonomous territory.

Protesters were in defiant mood throughout Saturday, which marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of a call for universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014.

Many demonstrators are determined not to let the new movement fizzle out like the Umbrella protests did.

"It's 'now or never' for Hong Kong," said a 33-year-old accountant who gave her surname as Wong.

"I'm a mother-of-two. They didn't come today but their grandmother did. We're defending the right of assembly for the next generation in Hong Kong."

Campaign of intimidation

At least five high-profile activists and three lawmakers were arrested on Friday in a sweep aimed at defanging Saturday's rally.&nbsp;

Rights groups say the tactics are cribbed directly from Beijing's protest playbook.

Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow were among those arrested, charged and bailed for "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly".

Police confirmed the arrests of the lawmakers but denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests.

More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection to protests.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were "extremely worrying", while US President Donald Trump said his economic pressure on China was forcing Beijing to take a more moderate line on Hong Kong.

The weeks of violence have damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity, while China has responded with a campaign of intimidation.&nbsp;

Chinese State media on Friday reported that fresh military anti-riot drills were held across the border in Shenzhen.

In an attempt to sidestep Saturday's protest ban, crowds earlier carried Christian crosses and sang "Hallelujah" in religious gatherings -- which do not require the same stringent permission from authorities.

The demonstrators, who have earned a reputation for their creativity and unpredictability, also called for "mass shopping trips" in the city centre.

On Saturday morning, LIHKG, the Reddit-like forum used by protesters to communicate, reported via Twitter that its app had suffered the "largest attack it has ever seen".

Chaos engulfed Hong Kong's financial heart on Saturday night as police fired tear gas and water cannon at petrol-bomb-throwing protesters, who defied a ban on rallying -- and mounting threats from China -- to take to the streets for a 13th straight weekend.

Chaos engulfed Hong Kong's financial heart on Saturday night as police fired tear gas and water cannon at petrol-bomb-throwing protesters, who defied a ban on rallying -- and mounting threats from China -- to take to the streets for a 13th straight weekend. Police had banned the demonstration on security grounds and on Friday arrested several key activists and legislators in a dragnet on pro-democracy figures. But on Saturday afternoon, tens of thousands of protesters -- many in their signature black T-shirts and under a colourful canopy of umbrellas -- defied the order to march on Hong Kong island chanting "reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times". As evening fell, violence ricocheted through the city's commercial centre, with a minority of hardcore protesters unleashing a barrage of petrol bombs and rocks at riot police. Thick, black smoke swirled from a large fire started by masked demonstrators at a barricade on a major thoroughfare, moments from Hong Kong police headquarters. The fire was extinguished after burning for around half an hour. Earlier police fired a water cannon and rounds of tear gas to disperse protesters massed in front of the city's parliament, known as the Legislative Council (LegCo), which was stormed in July during the early days of the protest movement. The crowd briefly broke through the barrier outside the building, but were repelled by tear gas and jets of blue-coloured liquid fired from the water cannon. Watch: Thousands of protesters fill streets of Hong Kong × Local media reported that the blue spray aimed to make it easier to identify suspects. "Peaceful protest doesn't work," 22-year-old demonstrator Stone told AFP, giving one name. "I think they (the hardcore protesters) have to vent their anger to achieve something." As protesters streamed away, graffiti on a pillar inside a nearby metro station read: "We shall never surrender." "Radical protesters" threw "corrosives and petrol bombs" at officers, Hong Kong police said in a statement, posing a "serious threat" to everyone at the scene. 'Now or never' Earlier on Saturday, protesters marched by the official residence of Hong Kong's embattled Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam, who is the focal point of anger after trying to pass a bill which would have allowed extradition to China. Opposition to the extradition bill -- now suspended but not permanently withdrawn -- has brought much of Hong Kong to the streets, with millions marching peacefully but also groups of radical protesters clashing with police. The protests have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push and a rejection of attempts by Beijing to curtail the freedoms of the semi-autonomous territory. Protesters were in defiant mood throughout Saturday, which marked the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of a call for universal suffrage for Hong Kong that sparked the 79-day "Umbrella Movement" in 2014. Many demonstrators are determined not to let the new movement fizzle out like the Umbrella protests did. "It's 'now or never' for Hong Kong," said a 33-year-old accountant who gave her surname as Wong. "I'm a mother-of-two. They didn't come today but their grandmother did. We're defending the right of assembly for the next generation in Hong Kong." Campaign of intimidation At least five high-profile activists and three lawmakers were arrested on Friday in a sweep aimed at defanging Saturday's rally. Rights groups say the tactics are cribbed directly from Beijing's protest playbook. Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow were among those arrested, charged and bailed for "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly". Police confirmed the arrests of the lawmakers but denied the sweep was timed specifically to weaken the weekend's protests. More than 900 people have been arrested since June in connection to protests. The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were "extremely worrying", while US President Donald Trump said his economic pressure on China was forcing Beijing to take a more moderate line on Hong Kong. The weeks of violence have damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity, while China has responded with a campaign of intimidation. Chinese State media on Friday reported that fresh military anti-riot drills were held across the border in Shenzhen. In an attempt to sidestep Saturday's protest ban, crowds earlier carried Christian crosses and sang "Hallelujah" in religious gatherings -- which do not require the same stringent permission from authorities. The demonstrators, who have earned a reputation for their creativity and unpredictability, also called for "mass shopping trips" in the city centre. On Saturday morning, LIHKG, the Reddit-like forum used by protesters to communicate, reported via Twitter that its app had suffered the "largest attack it has ever seen".

Fire, tear gas, petrol bombs as Hong Kong centre engulfed by chaos

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 31st, 2019

Hong Kong protesters torched a pile of barricade on Saturday (August 31) after police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters on the streets.

Hong Kong Protests: Police fire tear gas, water cannon in latest clashes

The protests that have convulsed this city for nearly three months have lacked any clear leadership in a bid to sustain momentum should any of their organizers be threatened with jail.

Unmasking dissent in Hong Kong?

Barricade burnt as Hong Kong protest heats up

Barricade burnt as Hong Kong protest heats up. Watch this video to know more.

Protesters and riot police clash in Hong Kong

Thousands of demonstrators have defied a police ban, taking to the streets of Hong Kong to mark the anniversary of a decision by Beijing to limit democratic reforms in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Thousands of protesters fill streets of Hong Kong

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon on Saturday as they tried to disperse<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-expected-to-regroup-despite-police-ban-246787"> pro-democracy protests</a> that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades.

Police fired round after round of tear gas as protesters took cover behind umbrellas between the local headquarters of China's People's Liberation Army and government HQ. Protesters threw bricks at police in return.

The clashes came on the fifth anniversary of a decision by China to curtail democratic reforms in the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997.

The PLA on Thursday rotated its troops in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-need-yet-for-hong-kong-to-use-emergency-powers-senior-parliamentary-official-246625">Hong Kong</a> in what it said was a routine operation. Their Hong Kong HQ was the former base of the British military garrison.

People took to the streets on a largely peaceful, meandering rally, many joining a "Christian march" from the Wanchai entertainment district and congregating next to the Legislative Council, stormed by activists in an earlier protest.

Other demonstrators, many wearing black and face masks, marched in the Causeway Bay shopping district.

It was the latest in a string of protests over three months, some of which have turned violent, targeting the airport, the legislature and the Liaison Office, the symbol of Chinese rule.

"Hong Kong has religious freedom," Sally Yeung, 27, a Christian, told Reuters. "We are praying at different check points and praying for justice to arrive in Hong Kong.

"If they prosecute us simply because we are praying, they infringe our religious freedom."

Hovering under an umbrella outside the government offices, Eric, a 22-year-old student, said telling people not to protest was like telling them not to breathe.

"I feel it's my duty to fight for democracy," he said. "Maybe we win, maybe we lose. But we fight."

Police erected water-filled plastic barriers around key government buildings and two water cannon, used briefly for the first time last weekend, were parked near the Liaison Office, which was daubed with graffiti in an earlier protest.

The MTR subway suspended some services and shut station exits because of likely "public activities".

'Be like water'

Police arrested a number of prominent pro-democracy activists and three lawmakers on Friday, seeking to rein in a movement which started with anger over planned legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China. It soon broadened into calls for democracy amid fears China is squeezing Hong Kong's freedoms.

But the latest protests have no leaders. The slogan is "be like water", meaning be flexible. Marchers on Saturday were marching here and there, wherever streets took them, communicating with different hand signals and chanting "stand with Hong Kong" and "fight for freedom".

Some said roadblocks were forcing marchers to splinter.

China denies the charge of meddling in Hong Kong, which it says is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests and warned of the damage to the economy.

China is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1 but protesters vandalised a long red banner celebrating the event to cheers from the crowd.

Beijing has also accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting the demonstrations and warned against foreign interference.

Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that allows it to keep freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, like the freedom to protest and an independent legal system.

There have been frequent clashes between protesters and police, who have often fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, amid accusations of excessive force.

"A lot of people from the outside think it is the police who escalate (the violence) first," a police officer told a media briefing. "This is not true."

An off-duty policeman was attacked late on Friday night by three unidentified men with a knife in the Kwai Chung container port area, suffering wounds to his limbs and back, police said. The news was a top-trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo.

With protesters and authorities locked in an impasse and Hong Kong facing its first recession in a decade, speculation has grown that the city government may impose emergency laws, giving it extra powers over detentions, censorship and curfews.

Lawmaker Fernando Cheung said the arrests of the three legislators were probably aimed at causing more anger and chaos to justify the use of emergency laws.

"To incite more people to come out today is totally ridiculous," he told Reuters.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon on Saturday as they tried to disperse pro-democracy protests that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon on Saturday as they tried to disperse pro-democracy protests that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades. Police fired round after round of tear gas as protesters took cover behind umbrellas between the local headquarters of China's People's Liberation Army and government HQ. Protesters threw bricks at police in return. The clashes came on the fifth anniversary of a decision by China to curtail democratic reforms in the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997. The PLA on Thursday rotated its troops in Hong Kong in what it said was a routine operation. Their Hong Kong HQ was the former base of the British military garrison. People took to the streets on a largely peaceful, meandering rally, many joining a "Christian march" from the Wanchai entertainment district and congregating next to the Legislative Council, stormed by activists in an earlier protest. Other demonstrators, many wearing black and face masks, marched in the Causeway Bay shopping district. It was the latest in a string of protests over three months, some of which have turned violent, targeting the airport, the legislature and the Liaison Office, the symbol of Chinese rule. "Hong Kong has religious freedom," Sally Yeung, 27, a Christian, told Reuters. "We are praying at different check points and praying for justice to arrive in Hong Kong. "If they prosecute us simply because we are praying, they infringe our religious freedom." Hovering under an umbrella outside the government offices, Eric, a 22-year-old student, said telling people not to protest was like telling them not to breathe. "I feel it's my duty to fight for democracy," he said. "Maybe we win, maybe we lose. But we fight." Police erected water-filled plastic barriers around key government buildings and two water cannon, used briefly for the first time last weekend, were parked near the Liaison Office, which was daubed with graffiti in an earlier protest. The MTR subway suspended some services and shut station exits because of likely "public activities". 'Be like water' Police arrested a number of prominent pro-democracy activists and three lawmakers on Friday, seeking to rein in a movement which started with anger over planned legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China. It soon broadened into calls for democracy amid fears China is squeezing Hong Kong's freedoms. But the latest protests have no leaders. The slogan is "be like water", meaning be flexible. Marchers on Saturday were marching here and there, wherever streets took them, communicating with different hand signals and chanting "stand with Hong Kong" and "fight for freedom". Some said roadblocks were forcing marchers to splinter. China denies the charge of meddling in Hong Kong, which it says is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests and warned of the damage to the economy. China is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1 but protesters vandalised a long red banner celebrating the event to cheers from the crowd. Beijing has also accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting the demonstrations and warned against foreign interference. Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that allows it to keep freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, like the freedom to protest and an independent legal system. There have been frequent clashes between protesters and police, who have often fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, amid accusations of excessive force. "A lot of people from the outside think it is the police who escalate (the violence) first," a police officer told a media briefing. "This is not true." An off-duty policeman was attacked late on Friday night by three unidentified men with a knife in the Kwai Chung container port area, suffering wounds to his limbs and back, police said. The news was a top-trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo. With protesters and authorities locked in an impasse and Hong Kong facing its first recession in a decade, speculation has grown that the city government may impose emergency laws, giving it extra powers over detentions, censorship and curfews. Lawmaker Fernando Cheung said the arrests of the three legislators were probably aimed at causing more anger and chaos to justify the use of emergency laws. "To incite more people to come out today is totally ridiculous," he told Reuters.

Hong Kong police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protests

Hong Kong protesters take to streets despite police ban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-troops-will-defend-hong-kongs-prosperity-ahead-of-planned-pro-democracy-march-246480">Chinese soldiers stationed in Hong Kong</a> are not there merely for symbolic purposes and they will have "no reason to sit on their hands" if the situation in the city worsens, an editorial in the China Daily newspaper said on Friday.

China on Thursday completed what it called a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-military-rotates-new-batch-of-troops-into-hong-kong-amid-protests-246299">routine rotation of the air</a>, land and maritime forces stationed in the former British colony, which has been rocked since June by a wave of sometimes violent demonstrations.

A detachment of People`s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers have been stationed in Hong Kong since the 1997 handover which ended British rule. They stage frequent drills but have seldom been seen outside their bases.

The possibility of their deployment to quell the protests has hung over Hong Kong, but the city`s government, which ultimately answers to Beijing, has repeatedly said it can handle the situation.

Analysts estimate the garrison numbers between 8,000 and 10,000 troops split between bases in southern China and a network of barracks in Hong Kong, which Beijing now administers as a Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Watch: China sends fresh troops to Hong Kong

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"While the SAR government has so far not felt the need to call on the garrison, that does not mean it will not do so should the situation demand it," the China Daily editorial said.

"If the already ugly situation worsens, with the violence and unrest threatening to spiral out of control under the orchestration of secessionist-minded troublemakers, the armed forces stationed in the SAR will have no reason to sit on their hands," said the government-run English-language newspaper.

"The PLA garrison in Hong Kong is not merely a symbol of Chinese sovereignty over the city."

Hong Kong`s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, states that Hong Kong can request the garrison`s assistance to maintain public order but "they shall not interfere in local affairs".

Unrest in Hong Kong escalated in mid-June over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts.

It has since evolved into calls for greater democracy under the "one country, two systems" formula, which guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent judiciary.&nbsp;

Chinese soldiers stationed in Hong Kong are not there merely for symbolic purposes and they will have "no reason to sit on their hands" if the situation in the city worsens, an editorial in the China Daily newspaper said on Friday.

Chinese soldiers stationed in Hong Kong are not there merely for symbolic purposes and they will have "no reason to sit on their hands" if the situation in the city worsens, an editorial in the China Daily newspaper said on Friday. China on Thursday completed what it called a routine rotation of the air, land and maritime forces stationed in the former British colony, which has been rocked since June by a wave of sometimes violent demonstrations. A detachment of People`s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers have been stationed in Hong Kong since the 1997 handover which ended British rule. They stage frequent drills but have seldom been seen outside their bases. The possibility of their deployment to quell the protests has hung over Hong Kong, but the city`s government, which ultimately answers to Beijing, has repeatedly said it can handle the situation. Analysts estimate the garrison numbers between 8,000 and 10,000 troops split between bases in southern China and a network of barracks in Hong Kong, which Beijing now administers as a Special Administrative Region (SAR). Watch: China sends fresh troops to Hong Kong × "While the SAR government has so far not felt the need to call on the garrison, that does not mean it will not do so should the situation demand it," the China Daily editorial said. "If the already ugly situation worsens, with the violence and unrest threatening to spiral out of control under the orchestration of secessionist-minded troublemakers, the armed forces stationed in the SAR will have no reason to sit on their hands," said the government-run English-language newspaper. "The PLA garrison in Hong Kong is not merely a symbol of Chinese sovereignty over the city." Hong Kong`s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, states that Hong Kong can request the garrison`s assistance to maintain public order but "they shall not interfere in local affairs". Unrest in Hong Kong escalated in mid-June over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts. It has since evolved into calls for greater democracy under the "one country, two systems" formula, which guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent judiciary.

Chinese troops in Hong Kong won't 'sit on their hands' if situation worsens: Report

Earlier this summer, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-hong-kong-reject-carrie-lams-assertion-extradition-bill-dead-threaten-mass-rallies-234227">Carrie Lam</a>, the chief executive of Hong Kong, submitted a report to Beijing that assessed protesters` five key demands and found that withdrawing a contentious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-hong-kong-demanding-scrapping-of-extradition-bill-227510">extradition bill </a>could help defuse the mounting political crisis in the territory.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-troops-in-hong-kong-wont-sit-on-hands-if-situation-worsens-report-246499">Chinese central government</a> rejected Lam`s proposal to withdraw the extradition bill and ordered her not to yield to any of the protesters` other demands at that time, three individuals with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

China`s role in directing how Hong Kong handles the protests has been widely assumed, supported by stern statements in state media about the country`s sovereignty and protesters` "radical" goals.

Beijing`s rebuff of Lam`s proposal for how to resolve the crisis, detailed for the first time by Reuters, represents concrete evidence of the extent to which China is controlling the Hong Kong government`s response to the unrest.

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 the situation there is an "internal affair."

Watch- Hong Kong: Tensions Intensify

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Lam`s report on the tumult, made before an Aug. 7 meeting in Shenzhen about Hong Kong led by senior Chinese officials that examined the feasibility of the five demands of the protesters, analysing how conceding to some of these might quiet things down, the individuals with direct knowledge said.

In addition to the withdrawal of the extradition bill, the other demands analysed in the report were: an independent inquiry into the protests; fully democratic elections; dropping of the term "riot" in describing protests; and dropping charges against those arrested so far.

The withdrawal of the bill and an independent inquiry were seen to be the most feasible politically, according to a senior government official in the Hong Kong administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said the move was envisioned as helping pacify some of the more moderate protesters who have been angered by Lam`s silence.

The extradition bill is one of the key issues that has helped drive the protests, which have drawn millions of people into the streets of Hong Kong. Lam has said the bill is "dead," but has refused to say explicitly that it has been "withdrawn."

Beijing told Lam not to withdraw the bill, or to launch an inquiry into the tumult, including allegations of excessive police force, according to the senior government official.

Another of the three individuals, who has close ties with senior officials in Hong Kong and also declined to be identified, confirmed the Hong Kong government had submitted the report.

"They said no" to all five demands, said the source. "The situation is far more complicated than most people realise."

The third individual, a senior Chinese official, said that the Hong Kong government had submitted the report to the Central Co-ordination Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, a high-level group led by Politburo Standing Committee member Han Zheng, and that President Xi Jinping was aware of it.

The official confirmed that Beijing had rejected giving in to any of the protesters` demands and wanted Lam`s administration to take more initiative.

In a statement responding to Reuters, Lam`s office said her government had made efforts to address protesters` concerns, but did not comment directly on whether it had made such a proposal to Beijing, or received instructions.

Written questions to China`s Foreign Ministry were referred to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), a high-level bureau under China`s State Council. HKMAO did not respond to a faxed request for comment.

Reuters has not seen the report. The news agency also was unable to establish the precise timing of the rejection.

The two Hong Kong sources said the report was submitted between June 16 - the day after Lam announced the suspension of the extradition bill - and Aug. 7, when the HKMAO and China`s representative Liaison Office in Hong Kong held a forum in nearby Shenzhen attended by nearly 500 pro-establishment figures and businesspeople from Hong Kong.

The question of Beijing`s influence strikes at the heart of Hong Kong`s "one country, two systems" governance, which promised the city a high degree of autonomy and wide-ranging freedoms that don`t exist in mainland China.

More than two months of protests have embroiled Hong Kong in its most severe crisis since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. 
What began as a movement to oppose the extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial in Communist Party controlled courts, has morphed into a broader campaign for greater rights and democracy in a direct challenge to Beijing.

'Her hands are tied'

Ip Kwok-him, a senior pro-Beijing politician who sits on Hong Kong`s elite Executive Council, which advises senior officials, including Lam, told Reuters that "if the central government won`t allow something, you can`t do it." Ip did not know about the proposal to withdraw the bill.

A senior businessman who attended the Shenzhen meeting and has met with Lam recently said "her hands are tied" and Beijing wouldn`t let her withdraw the bill. The businessman spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

At the Shenzhen meeting, Zhang Xiaoming, the head of the HKMAO, said in televised public remarks that if the turmoil persisted, "the central government must intervene."

Since then, there have been signs of Beijing taking a harder line.

For instance, officials have likened some protests to "terrorism," Chinese paramilitary police have conducted drills near the border, several Hong Kong companies have been pressured to suspend staff supporting the protests, and security personnel have searched the digital devices of some travellers entering China.

On Friday, Joshua Wong, a prominent democracy activist, was arrested, according to his political party, Demosisto.

Earlier this summer, Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, submitted a report to Beijing that assessed protesters` five key demands and found that withdrawing a contentious extradition bill could help defuse the mounting political crisis in the territory.

Earlier this summer, Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, submitted a report to Beijing that assessed protesters` five key demands and found that withdrawing a contentious extradition bill could help defuse the mounting political crisis in the territory. The Chinese central government rejected Lam`s proposal to withdraw the extradition bill and ordered her not to yield to any of the protesters` other demands at that time, three individuals with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. China`s role in directing how Hong Kong handles the protests has been widely assumed, supported by stern statements in state media about the country`s sovereignty and protesters` "radical" goals. Beijing`s rebuff of Lam`s proposal for how to resolve the crisis, detailed for the first time by Reuters, represents concrete evidence of the extent to which China is controlling the Hong Kong government`s response to the unrest. 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 the situation there is an "internal affair." Watch- Hong Kong: Tensions Intensify × Lam`s report on the tumult, made before an Aug. 7 meeting in Shenzhen about Hong Kong led by senior Chinese officials that examined the feasibility of the five demands of the protesters, analysing how conceding to some of these might quiet things down, the individuals with direct knowledge said. In addition to the withdrawal of the extradition bill, the other demands analysed in the report were: an independent inquiry into the protests; fully democratic elections; dropping of the term "riot" in describing protests; and dropping charges against those arrested so far. The withdrawal of the bill and an independent inquiry were seen to be the most feasible politically, according to a senior government official in the Hong Kong administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He said the move was envisioned as helping pacify some of the more moderate protesters who have been angered by Lam`s silence. The extradition bill is one of the key issues that has helped drive the protests, which have drawn millions of people into the streets of Hong Kong. Lam has said the bill is "dead," but has refused to say explicitly that it has been "withdrawn." Beijing told Lam not to withdraw the bill, or to launch an inquiry into the tumult, including allegations of excessive police force, according to the senior government official. Another of the three individuals, who has close ties with senior officials in Hong Kong and also declined to be identified, confirmed the Hong Kong government had submitted the report. "They said no" to all five demands, said the source. "The situation is far more complicated than most people realise." The third individual, a senior Chinese official, said that the Hong Kong government had submitted the report to the Central Co-ordination Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, a high-level group led by Politburo Standing Committee member Han Zheng, and that President Xi Jinping was aware of it. The official confirmed that Beijing had rejected giving in to any of the protesters` demands and wanted Lam`s administration to take more initiative. In a statement responding to Reuters, Lam`s office said her government had made efforts to address protesters` concerns, but did not comment directly on whether it had made such a proposal to Beijing, or received instructions. Written questions to China`s Foreign Ministry were referred to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), a high-level bureau under China`s State Council. HKMAO did not respond to a faxed request for comment. Reuters has not seen the report. The news agency also was unable to establish the precise timing of the rejection. The two Hong Kong sources said the report was submitted between June 16 - the day after Lam announced the suspension of the extradition bill - and Aug. 7, when the HKMAO and China`s representative Liaison Office in Hong Kong held a forum in nearby Shenzhen attended by nearly 500 pro-establishment figures and businesspeople from Hong Kong. The question of Beijing`s influence strikes at the heart of Hong Kong`s "one country, two systems" governance, which promised the city a high degree of autonomy and wide-ranging freedoms that don`t exist in mainland China. More than two months of protests have embroiled Hong Kong in its most severe crisis since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. What began as a movement to oppose the extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to China for trial in Communist Party controlled courts, has morphed into a broader campaign for greater rights and democracy in a direct challenge to Beijing. 'Her hands are tied' Ip Kwok-him, a senior pro-Beijing politician who sits on Hong Kong`s elite Executive Council, which advises senior officials, including Lam, told Reuters that "if the central government won`t allow something, you can`t do it." Ip did not know about the proposal to withdraw the bill. A senior businessman who attended the Shenzhen meeting and has met with Lam recently said "her hands are tied" and Beijing wouldn`t let her withdraw the bill. The businessman spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. At the Shenzhen meeting, Zhang Xiaoming, the head of the HKMAO, said in televised public remarks that if the turmoil persisted, "the central government must intervene." Since then, there have been signs of Beijing taking a harder line. For instance, officials have likened some protests to "terrorism," Chinese paramilitary police have conducted drills near the border, several Hong Kong companies have been pressured to suspend staff supporting the protests, and security personnel have searched the digital devices of some travellers entering China. On Friday, Joshua Wong, a prominent democracy activist, was arrested, according to his political party, Demosisto.

Amid crisis, China rejected Hong Kong plan to appease protesters: Report

Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow were arrested Friday ahead of a planned demonstration this weekend.

Hong Kong braces for 13th weekend of protests

Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and other opposition figures have been arrested.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong arrested

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 30th, 2019

China's military deployed fresh troops to Hong Kong on Thursday in what it called a routine rotation.

China sends fresh troops to Hong Kong

Leading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-troops-in-hong-kong-wont-sit-on-hands-if-situation-worsens-report-246499">Hong Kong democracy</a> activist Joshua Wong was arrested Friday, his party said, a day ahead of a planned rally in the city that has been banned by the police.

His arrest came just hours after the reported detention at Hong Kong's airport of a vocal independence campaigner, and as Beijing continues to pile pressure on the anti-establishment movement in the city.

"Our secretary-general @joshuawongcf was just arrested this morning at roughly 7:30," Demosisto tweeted. "He was forcefully pushed into a private minivan on the street in broad daylight. Our lawyers following the case now."

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BREAKING: Our secretary-general <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@joshuawongcf</a> was just arrested this morning at roughly 7:30, when he was walking to the South Horizons MTR station. He was forcefully pushed into a private minivan on the street in broad daylight. Our lawyers following the case now.
— Demosistō 香港眾志 (@demosisto) <a href="https://twitter.com/demosisto/status/1167232095175028738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There was no immediate confirmation of Wong's arrest, and police did not respond to multiple calls.

More than 850 people have been arrested in connection with the recent protests since June, including prominent independence campaigner Andy Chan who was detained by police at Hong Kong airport on Thursday night.

Chan was arrested while trying to board a flight to Japan, the Hong Kong Free Press website reported, which cited a police spokesman saying he was suspected of rioting and assaulting an officer.&nbsp;

Chan's small independence party was outlawed last year on the grounds it posed a national security threat, the first such ban since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The party numbers only a few dozen members, but Beijing sees calls for independence as an absolute red line.

Hong Kong has been wracked by three months of political unrest, with huge, peaceful demonstrations interspersed by episodes of violence between police and protesters.

Saturday marks the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of a call for universal suffrage in the city, a decision that sparked the 79-day Umbrella Movement led by mainly young protesters including Wong.

Permission for a mass rally on Saturday was denied on security grounds, raising the likelihood of another weekend of clashes between police and protesters, who will likely come out in defiance of the ban.

In a letter to the rally organisers the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), police said they feared some participants would commit "violent and destructive acts".

The protests ignited when the city's Beijing-backed government tried to pass a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China.

But they have evolved into a wider call for greater democracy and an investigation into allegations of police brutality.&nbsp;

Protesters say freedoms in the semi-autonomous city, unique within China, are being eroded by Beijing.&nbsp;

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Leading Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong was arrested Friday, his party said, a day ahead of a planned rally in the city that has been banned by the police.

Leading Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong was arrested Friday, his party said, a day ahead of a planned rally in the city that has been banned by the police. His arrest came just hours after the reported detention at Hong Kong's airport of a vocal independence campaigner, and as Beijing continues to pile pressure on the anti-establishment movement in the city. "Our secretary-general @joshuawongcf was just arrested this morning at roughly 7:30," Demosisto tweeted. "He was forcefully pushed into a private minivan on the street in broad daylight. Our lawyers following the case now." BREAKING: Our secretary-general @joshuawongcf was just arrested this morning at roughly 7:30, when he was walking to the South Horizons MTR station. He was forcefully pushed into a private minivan on the street in broad daylight. Our lawyers following the case now. — Demosistō 香港眾志 (@demosisto) August 30, 2019 × There was no immediate confirmation of Wong's arrest, and police did not respond to multiple calls. More than 850 people have been arrested in connection with the recent protests since June, including prominent independence campaigner Andy Chan who was detained by police at Hong Kong airport on Thursday night. Chan was arrested while trying to board a flight to Japan, the Hong Kong Free Press website reported, which cited a police spokesman saying he was suspected of rioting and assaulting an officer. Chan's small independence party was outlawed last year on the grounds it posed a national security threat, the first such ban since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The party numbers only a few dozen members, but Beijing sees calls for independence as an absolute red line. Hong Kong has been wracked by three months of political unrest, with huge, peaceful demonstrations interspersed by episodes of violence between police and protesters. Saturday marks the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of a call for universal suffrage in the city, a decision that sparked the 79-day Umbrella Movement led by mainly young protesters including Wong. Permission for a mass rally on Saturday was denied on security grounds, raising the likelihood of another weekend of clashes between police and protesters, who will likely come out in defiance of the ban. In a letter to the rally organisers the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), police said they feared some participants would commit "violent and destructive acts". The protests ignited when the city's Beijing-backed government tried to pass a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China. But they have evolved into a wider call for greater democracy and an investigation into allegations of police brutality. Protesters say freedoms in the semi-autonomous city, unique within China, are being eroded by Beijing. Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong arrested, party says

Joshua Wong, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist granted bail.

Wion Dispatch: Bruce Harrison on Joshua Wong released on Bail

Prominent Hong Kong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-crisis-china-rejected-hong-kong-plan-to-appease-protesters-report-246541">democracy activists</a> including a lawmaker were arrested Friday in a protest crackdown -- a move described by rights groups as a well-worn tactic deployed by China to suffocate dissent ahead of key political events.

The sweep comes after a major rally planned for Saturday was banned by police on security grounds, and then called off by the organisers.

The latest protest had been due to mark the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of a call for universal suffrage in the semi-autonomous city, sparking the 79-day Umbrella Movement in 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-need-yet-for-hong-kong-to-use-emergency-powers-senior-parliamentary-official-246625">Hong Kong</a> has been locked in three months of political crisis, with increasingly violent clashes between police and protesters that have prompted an escalating intimidation campaign from China.

Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow -- both still well-regarded among the city's youth -- appeared in court accused of "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly" among other charges, having been arrested in dawn swoops on Friday.

After receiving bail, they spoke outside the court and Wong vowed to "continue our fight", railing against the "chilling effect" of the arrests on opponents of Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government.

Authorities are "trying to create white terror" to scare people away from participating in the social and democratic movement, he added -- deploying a term used for China's efforts to fragment and harass the protesters.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini on Friday said the developments were "extremely worrying".

The day saw rolling arrests of leading pro-democracy voices, including lawmaker Cheng Chung-tai, who advocates greater political autonomy for Hong Kong, his Civic Passion party said in a Facebook post.

Police confirmed that a 35-year-old man surnamed Cheng had been held over "conspiracy to cause criminal damage" linked to the storming of the city's parliament in July.

Pro-democracy campaigner Rick Hui -- a district councillor -- and former student leader Althea Suen were also arrested separately, while vocal independence campaigner Andy Chan was detained at Hong Kong's airport.

More than 900 people have been arrested in connection with protests since June.

But that has failed to snuff out a leaderless movement, which says freedoms in the city, unique within China, are being eviscerated by Beijing.

Amnesty International decried Friday's "ludicrous dawn swoops", describing them as "scare tactics straight out of Beijing's playbook".

Police spokesperson John Tse denied the slew of arrests were timed specifically to defang the weekend's protests as "totally false."

Defy the ban?

Hong Kong's crisis-hit government has refused to back down over the protests, which have by turns seen millions march, closed the airport and left city streets strewn with bricks and shrouded in tear gas.

What started as a pushback against a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China quickly morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability.

Bonnie Leung of the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), the organiser of Saturday's banned rally, said it had "no option but to cancel the march".

However, pockets of protesters have vowed to hold creative events at the scheduled time and place to sidestep the ban.

Those included a mass shopping trip, football match and impromptu religious gatherings in downtown Hong Kong, while a YouTuber with 800,000 followers called a fan meeting.

With a hardcore minority among the protesters, mainly young students, unlikely to heed the police ban, the weekend could be poised for renewed violent clashes.

Student protester Kelly, who wanted to be identified only by her first name, said the arrests would not cow the movement.

"The police think there are leaders behind the protests and this will stop us," she said.

"We are our own leaders and we will keep coming out."

On Sunday, the city saw some of its worst clashes, with running battles between a core group of radical protesters, armed with bricks and Molotov cocktails, and police wielding batons, rubber bullets and tear gas.

One officer fired a warning shot -- believed to be the first live round used during the protests -- as a mob with sticks set upon several policemen.

The violence has damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity.

China has responded with a campaign of intimidation and state-media on Friday reported that fresh military anti-riot drills were held across the border in Shenzhen.

Businesses in the financial hub -- from airline Cathay Pacific to the city's metro operator -- have also been squeezed by Beijing for harbouring apparent supporters of the pro-democracy movement.

Cathay sacked several staff over the protests and on Friday the airline went further, threatening to sack any staff who join a scheduled two-day strike next week.

Prominent Hong Kong democracy activists including a lawmaker were arrested Friday in a protest crackdown -- a move described by rights groups as a well-worn tactic deployed by China to suffocate dissent ahead of key political events.

Prominent Hong Kong democracy activists including a lawmaker were arrested Friday in a protest crackdown -- a move described by rights groups as a well-worn tactic deployed by China to suffocate dissent ahead of key political events. The sweep comes after a major rally planned for Saturday was banned by police on security grounds, and then called off by the organisers. The latest protest had been due to mark the fifth anniversary of Beijing's rejection of a call for universal suffrage in the semi-autonomous city, sparking the 79-day Umbrella Movement in 2014. Hong Kong has been locked in three months of political crisis, with increasingly violent clashes between police and protesters that have prompted an escalating intimidation campaign from China. Two of the Umbrella Movement's leaders, Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow -- both still well-regarded among the city's youth -- appeared in court accused of "inciting others to take part in unauthorised assembly" among other charges, having been arrested in dawn swoops on Friday. After receiving bail, they spoke outside the court and Wong vowed to "continue our fight", railing against the "chilling effect" of the arrests on opponents of Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government. Authorities are "trying to create white terror" to scare people away from participating in the social and democratic movement, he added -- deploying a term used for China's efforts to fragment and harass the protesters. The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini on Friday said the developments were "extremely worrying". The day saw rolling arrests of leading pro-democracy voices, including lawmaker Cheng Chung-tai, who advocates greater political autonomy for Hong Kong, his Civic Passion party said in a Facebook post. Police confirmed that a 35-year-old man surnamed Cheng had been held over "conspiracy to cause criminal damage" linked to the storming of the city's parliament in July. Pro-democracy campaigner Rick Hui -- a district councillor -- and former student leader Althea Suen were also arrested separately, while vocal independence campaigner Andy Chan was detained at Hong Kong's airport. More than 900 people have been arrested in connection with protests since June. But that has failed to snuff out a leaderless movement, which says freedoms in the city, unique within China, are being eviscerated by Beijing. Amnesty International decried Friday's "ludicrous dawn swoops", describing them as "scare tactics straight out of Beijing's playbook". Police spokesperson John Tse denied the slew of arrests were timed specifically to defang the weekend's protests as "totally false." Defy the ban? Hong Kong's crisis-hit government has refused to back down over the protests, which have by turns seen millions march, closed the airport and left city streets strewn with bricks and shrouded in tear gas. What started as a pushback against a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China quickly morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability. Bonnie Leung of the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), the organiser of Saturday's banned rally, said it had "no option but to cancel the march". However, pockets of protesters have vowed to hold creative events at the scheduled time and place to sidestep the ban. Those included a mass shopping trip, football match and impromptu religious gatherings in downtown Hong Kong, while a YouTuber with 800,000 followers called a fan meeting. With a hardcore minority among the protesters, mainly young students, unlikely to heed the police ban, the weekend could be poised for renewed violent clashes. Student protester Kelly, who wanted to be identified only by her first name, said the arrests would not cow the movement. "The police think there are leaders behind the protests and this will stop us," she said. "We are our own leaders and we will keep coming out." On Sunday, the city saw some of its worst clashes, with running battles between a core group of radical protesters, armed with bricks and Molotov cocktails, and police wielding batons, rubber bullets and tear gas. One officer fired a warning shot -- believed to be the first live round used during the protests -- as a mob with sticks set upon several policemen. The violence has damaged Hong Kong's reputation for stability and prosperity. China has responded with a campaign of intimidation and state-media on Friday reported that fresh military anti-riot drills were held across the border in Shenzhen. Businesses in the financial hub -- from airline Cathay Pacific to the city's metro operator -- have also been squeezed by Beijing for harbouring apparent supporters of the pro-democracy movement. Cathay sacked several staff over the protests and on Friday the airline went further, threatening to sack any staff who join a scheduled two-day strike next week.

Hong Kong: Mass rally called-off as pro-democracy lawmaker arrested in protest crackdown

Hong Kong is a long way from having to declare emergency powers or to ask the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-crisis-china-rejected-hong-kong-plan-to-appease-protesters-report-246541">Chinese military to intervene</a>, a senior official with China's parliament and pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician told Reuters, as months of protests show no sign of abating.

Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activist-joshua-wong-arrested-party-says-246501"> sometimes violent protests</a> against the government since mid-June, sparked by a now-suspended extradition bill and concerns that Beijing was trying to bring the territory under greater mainland control.

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators on Sunday, and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned later that authorities would be forced to stamp down on the escalating violence.

Maria Tam, deputy director of the Chinese parliament's Basic Law Committee, told Reuters in Beijing late on Thursday emergency legislation was not something for which Hong Kong's government would have to ask Beijing's permission.

"The emergency legislation is something that is left behind by the colonial British government. It's nothing to do with the Basic Law. It's entirely in the power of the highly autonomous region," Tam said, referring to the mini-constitution under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 return to China.

"At the moment there are still plenty of tools. We have different articles in the police force ordinance and articles in the public order ordinance which we can still invoke to control the situation. We haven't got to the stage when we really have to engage in enacted laws by the chief executive with the executive council to, for example, enact anti-mask or interception of internet messages. We're quite a distance from that," she said.

However, there may come a stage when Hong Kong has to do this, Tam said.

"I think if its come to the stage when all the other ordinances I have mentioned have failed to work, then I suppose the chief executive may have to consider it," she said.

Troop rotation

The Basic Law enshrines rights and freedoms - including freedom of speech, assembly and an independent judiciary - inherent in the "one country, two systems" formula that underpinned the agreement between Beijing and London.

Those freedoms remain far greater than those that exist on the mainland, where the Communist Party ultimately controls many aspects of society, including the media and the courts.

China rotated troops in its People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong on Thursday, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy in the Asian financial hub. [nL3N25P0EH]

Chinese state media described the troop movement as routine and Asian and Western diplomats watching PLA movements in the former British colony had been expecting it.

Tam said, under Article 14 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong government can make a request for the Chinese military in the event of natural disaster or extreme cases of disorder.

Any request would have to go first to China's Cabinet and then to the Guangzhou military command that is in charge of the Hong Kong garrison, she said.

However, Tam said she did not think Hong Kong had reached that stage yet. "Oh no, no, we are a long way from that."

The central government in Beijing has repeatedly expressed support for Lam and her administration, a message Tam said she had gotten from officials in the capital.

"I'm not important enough to see President Xi, but I have seen some senior government officials consistently saying, 'yes, (we) support Carrie Lam'," she said.

"There's one more question that I will ask you - who will replace her? She should carry on and put right whatever has gone wrong," Tam said.

Pressed on whether Lam would be replaced, she said that was not likely. "I don't see it happening."

Hong Kong is a long way from having to declare emergency powers or to ask the Chinese military to intervene, a senior official with China's parliament and pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician told Reuters, as months of protests show no sign of abating.

Hong Kong is a long way from having to declare emergency powers or to ask the Chinese military to intervene, a senior official with China's parliament and pro-Beijing Hong Kong politician told Reuters, as months of protests show no sign of abating. Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and sometimes violent protests against the government since mid-June, sparked by a now-suspended extradition bill and concerns that Beijing was trying to bring the territory under greater mainland control. Police fired water cannon and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators on Sunday, and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned later that authorities would be forced to stamp down on the escalating violence. Maria Tam, deputy director of the Chinese parliament's Basic Law Committee, told Reuters in Beijing late on Thursday emergency legislation was not something for which Hong Kong's government would have to ask Beijing's permission. "The emergency legislation is something that is left behind by the colonial British government. It's nothing to do with the Basic Law. It's entirely in the power of the highly autonomous region," Tam said, referring to the mini-constitution under which Hong Kong has been ruled since the 1997 return to China. "At the moment there are still plenty of tools. We have different articles in the police force ordinance and articles in the public order ordinance which we can still invoke to control the situation. We haven't got to the stage when we really have to engage in enacted laws by the chief executive with the executive council to, for example, enact anti-mask or interception of internet messages. We're quite a distance from that," she said. However, there may come a stage when Hong Kong has to do this, Tam said. "I think if its come to the stage when all the other ordinances I have mentioned have failed to work, then I suppose the chief executive may have to consider it," she said. Troop rotation The Basic Law enshrines rights and freedoms - including freedom of speech, assembly and an independent judiciary - inherent in the "one country, two systems" formula that underpinned the agreement between Beijing and London. Those freedoms remain far greater than those that exist on the mainland, where the Communist Party ultimately controls many aspects of society, including the media and the courts. China rotated troops in its People's Liberation Army garrison in Hong Kong on Thursday, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy in the Asian financial hub. [nL3N25P0EH] Chinese state media described the troop movement as routine and Asian and Western diplomats watching PLA movements in the former British colony had been expecting it. Tam said, under Article 14 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong government can make a request for the Chinese military in the event of natural disaster or extreme cases of disorder. Any request would have to go first to China's Cabinet and then to the Guangzhou military command that is in charge of the Hong Kong garrison, she said. However, Tam said she did not think Hong Kong had reached that stage yet. "Oh no, no, we are a long way from that." The central government in Beijing has repeatedly expressed support for Lam and her administration, a message Tam said she had gotten from officials in the capital. "I'm not important enough to see President Xi, but I have seen some senior government officials consistently saying, 'yes, (we) support Carrie Lam'," she said. "There's one more question that I will ask you - who will replace her? She should carry on and put right whatever has gone wrong," Tam said. Pressed on whether Lam would be replaced, she said that was not likely. "I don't see it happening."

No need yet for Hong Kong to use emergency powers: Senior parliamentary official

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