Hong Kong protest: China asked Lam not to withdraw extradition bill. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong protest: China urges Lam not to withdraw extradition bill

China brought fresh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-military-rotates-new-batch-of-troops-into-hong-kong-amid-protests-246299">troops into Hong Kong </a>on Thursday in what it described as a routine rotation of the garrison, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy for the Chinese-ruled city after three months of demonstrations.

Chinese state media stressed the troop movement was routine and Asian and Western diplomats watching the People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces in the former British colony had been expecting it.

Even so, the timing of the redeployment is likely to hit nerves in Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997 as a Special Administrative Region and has been hit by a wave of sometimes violent protests since June.

State news agency Xinhua said the military had completed a p rotation of air, land and maritime forces. It released pictures and footage of armoured personnel carriers moving in convoy in Hong Kong before dawn, their lights flashing.

The PLA will make even greater contributions to maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, Xinhua cited its garrison in Hong Kong as saying.

Analysts estimate the garrison numbers between 8,000 and 10,000 troops split between bases in southern China and a network of former British army barracks in Hong Kong.

Trucks full of PLA soldiers rolled into Hong Kong within hours of the 1997 handover which ended British rule, raising questions about their role. They stage frequent drills but have seldom since been seen outside their bases.

Reuters witnesses on Thursday saw significantly more activity in and around the PLA's Shek Kong military base in the rural New Territories than has been apparent in recent months.

About a dozen military jeeps inside the base could be seen just inside the base from a nearby public road, with several camouflaged soldiers milling about.

Four black civilian SUV's drove between military buildings on a nearby hill road. Several larger green army trucks could be seen outside some buildings, flanked by guards.

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.

The protests have posed the biggest challenge for Communist Party rulers in Beijing since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012.

China has denounced the protests and accused the United States and Britain of interfering in its affairs in Hong Kong. It has sent clear warnings that forceful intervention is possible.

Hundreds of People's Armed Police this month conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen that borders Hong Kong a day after the U.S. State Department said it was "deeply concerned" about their movements.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said the timing of the troop rotation was similar to that of previous years to "meet the demands of defending Hong Kong".

The protests have rattled Hong Kong's business community, with Cathay Pacific Airways the biggest corporate casualty after Beijing demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations.

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) said Hong Kong faced an unprecedented test of the "one country, two systems" formula it has been ruled under since 1997.

"AmCham believes that Hong Kong still stands apart from its rivals in the region due to a combination of competitive advantages, including the rule of law, individual freedoms and its deep pool of talent," it said in a statement.

"While these remain intact for now, they can no longer be taken for granted."

'Confident and determined'

Defence Ministry spokesman Ren said the garrison troops would fulfil their obligation of defending Hong Kong according to the law and would follow the orders of the Communist Party.

They had the confidence, determination and capability to "protect and defend Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," he told a briefing in Beijing.

He did not answer a question on whether troop levels in Hong Kong had risen with the new deployment.

Ren said that the People's Armed Police drills in Shenzhen were routine and that they conduct similar exercises every year.

The Civil Human Rights Front, the organiser of previous mass protests in Hong Kong, plans a rally from Hong Kong's Central business district to Beijing's main representative Liaison Office in the city on Saturday.

The group's leader, Jimmy Sham, was attacked by two men armed with a knife and a baseball bat on Thursday, it said on its Facebook page. He was not hurt but a friend who tried to protect him suffered injuries to his arm.

Protesters targeted the Liaison Office, a symbol of Beijing's rule, in July, daubing anti-China slogans on its walls and signs.

Police refused permission for the march on Thursday, but the group said it would appeal.

The protest would mark five years since Beijing ruled out universal suffrage for Hong Kong and comes as Hong Kong faces its first recession in a decade, with all its pillars of growth under stress.

Beijing is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1, when Xi will oversee a military parade in Beijing.

China brought fresh troops into Hong Kong on Thursday in what it described as a routine rotation of the garrison, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy for the Chinese-ruled city after three months of demonstrations.

China brought fresh troops into Hong Kong on Thursday in what it described as a routine rotation of the garrison, days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy for the Chinese-ruled city after three months of demonstrations. Chinese state media stressed the troop movement was routine and Asian and Western diplomats watching the People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces in the former British colony had been expecting it. Even so, the timing of the redeployment is likely to hit nerves in Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997 as a Special Administrative Region and has been hit by a wave of sometimes violent protests since June. State news agency Xinhua said the military had completed a p rotation of air, land and maritime forces. It released pictures and footage of armoured personnel carriers moving in convoy in Hong Kong before dawn, their lights flashing. The PLA will make even greater contributions to maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, Xinhua cited its garrison in Hong Kong as saying. Analysts estimate the garrison numbers between 8,000 and 10,000 troops split between bases in southern China and a network of former British army barracks in Hong Kong. Trucks full of PLA soldiers rolled into Hong Kong within hours of the 1997 handover which ended British rule, raising questions about their role. They stage frequent drills but have seldom since been seen outside their bases. Reuters witnesses on Thursday saw significantly more activity in and around the PLA's Shek Kong military base in the rural New Territories than has been apparent in recent months. About a dozen military jeeps inside the base could be seen just inside the base from a nearby public road, with several camouflaged soldiers milling about. Four black civilian SUV's drove between military buildings on a nearby hill road. Several larger green army trucks could be seen outside some buildings, flanked by guards. 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. The protests have posed the biggest challenge for Communist Party rulers in Beijing since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012. China has denounced the protests and accused the United States and Britain of interfering in its affairs in Hong Kong. It has sent clear warnings that forceful intervention is possible. Hundreds of People's Armed Police this month conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen that borders Hong Kong a day after the U.S. State Department said it was "deeply concerned" about their movements. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said the timing of the troop rotation was similar to that of previous years to "meet the demands of defending Hong Kong". The protests have rattled Hong Kong's business community, with Cathay Pacific Airways the biggest corporate casualty after Beijing demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations. The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) said Hong Kong faced an unprecedented test of the "one country, two systems" formula it has been ruled under since 1997. "AmCham believes that Hong Kong still stands apart from its rivals in the region due to a combination of competitive advantages, including the rule of law, individual freedoms and its deep pool of talent," it said in a statement. "While these remain intact for now, they can no longer be taken for granted." 'Confident and determined' Defence Ministry spokesman Ren said the garrison troops would fulfil their obligation of defending Hong Kong according to the law and would follow the orders of the Communist Party. They had the confidence, determination and capability to "protect and defend Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," he told a briefing in Beijing. He did not answer a question on whether troop levels in Hong Kong had risen with the new deployment. Ren said that the People's Armed Police drills in Shenzhen were routine and that they conduct similar exercises every year. The Civil Human Rights Front, the organiser of previous mass protests in Hong Kong, plans a rally from Hong Kong's Central business district to Beijing's main representative Liaison Office in the city on Saturday. The group's leader, Jimmy Sham, was attacked by two men armed with a knife and a baseball bat on Thursday, it said on its Facebook page. He was not hurt but a friend who tried to protect him suffered injuries to his arm. Protesters targeted the Liaison Office, a symbol of Beijing's rule, in July, daubing anti-China slogans on its walls and signs. Police refused permission for the march on Thursday, but the group said it would appeal. The protest would mark five years since Beijing ruled out universal suffrage for Hong Kong and comes as Hong Kong faces its first recession in a decade, with all its pillars of growth under stress. Beijing is eager to quell the unrest before the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1, when Xi will oversee a military parade in Beijing.

China says troops will defend Hong Kong's prosperity ahead of planned pro-democracy march

Watch WION Playlist, 29th August 2019. To know more watch the video...

Watch WION Playlist, 29th August 2019

China's military has rotated a new batch of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-diplomat-says-hong-kong-facing-worst-crisis-since-1997-handover-246124">troops into Hong Kong</a> describing the move as routine, state media said on Thursday, as protests against Beijing continue to rock the Asian financial hub.

Asian and Western diplomats in Hong Kong watching the People's Liberation Army (PLA) movements had been expecting a routine rotation about this time and will be looking closely for any sign of increased numbers or unusual activity.

"The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted the 22nd rotation of its members in the wee hours of Thursday since it began garrisoning Hong Kong in 1997," the official Xinhua news agency said.

"Approved by the Central Military Commission, the move is normal routine annual rotation in line with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Garrisoning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which stipulates that 'the Hong Kong Garrison shall practice a system of rotation of its members'".

Watch: Hong Kong —Tensions Intensify

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-tensions-intensify-245866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Xinhua showed pictures of armed personnel carriers and trucks carrying troops at the border, though it was unclear from the caption if they were passing into or out of Hong Kong.

It also showed a picture of a small naval vessel arriving in Hong Kong.

<a href="wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-becoming-more-serious-but-government-in-control-carrie-lam-245949">Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and sometimes violent protests</a> against the government for three months, sparked by a now-suspended extradition bill and concerns that Beijing was trying to bring the territory under greater mainland control.

The protests are the greatest political threat to Hong Kong's government since the territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997, and one of the biggest popular challenges to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

China's military has rotated a new batch of troops into Hong Kong describing the move as routine, state media said on Thursday, as protests against Beijing continue to rock the Asian financial hub.

China's military has rotated a new batch of troops into Hong Kong describing the move as routine, state media said on Thursday, as protests against Beijing continue to rock the Asian financial hub. Asian and Western diplomats in Hong Kong watching the People's Liberation Army (PLA) movements had been expecting a routine rotation about this time and will be looking closely for any sign of increased numbers or unusual activity. "The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted the 22nd rotation of its members in the wee hours of Thursday since it began garrisoning Hong Kong in 1997," the official Xinhua news agency said. "Approved by the Central Military Commission, the move is normal routine annual rotation in line with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Garrisoning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which stipulates that 'the Hong Kong Garrison shall practice a system of rotation of its members'". Watch: Hong Kong —Tensions Intensify Xinhua showed pictures of armed personnel carriers and trucks carrying troops at the border, though it was unclear from the caption if they were passing into or out of Hong Kong. It also showed a picture of a small naval vessel arriving in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and sometimes violent protests against the government for three months, sparked by a now-suspended extradition bill and concerns that Beijing was trying to bring the territory under greater mainland control. The protests are the greatest political threat to Hong Kong's government since the territory returned to Chinese rule in 1997, and one of the biggest popular challenges to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

China's military rotates new batch of troops into Hong Kong amid protests

China rotated troops in its People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Hong Kong on Thursday (August 29), days before protesters planned to hold a march calling for full democracy for the Chinese-ruled city after three months of sometimes violent demonstrations.

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong Protests; What lies ahead?

Hong Kong Protests: China rotates new batch of troops

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 for the Chinese-ruled city after three months of sometimes violent demonstrations.

China rotates new batch of troops in Hong Kong

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi told a Hong Kong business delegation that more support should be given to the city's government to end the violence that has evolved into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-g7-for-carping-remarks-on-hong-kongs-internal-affairs-246022">biggest crisis</a> it has faced since the return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and sometimes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-becoming-more-serious-but-government-in-control-carrie-lam-245949">violent protests against the government</a> for three months, 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 later warned that authorities would be forced to stamp down on the escalating violence.

The China Daily warned in an editorial that the gap between the government and protesters appeared to be "unbridgeable", with the administration not able to "swallow the pills the demonstrators prescribe".

Watch: China denounces G7 Statement on Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-denounces-g7-statement-on-hong-kong-246041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Wang said in Beijing on Tuesday that, while Hong Kong was facing its most serious challenge since the handover, it was capable of overcoming its problems with the support of the government and the unity of Hong Kong residents.

According to a notice on China's official government website, Wang said business groups should also play a positive role by helping young people take part in the city's economic development.

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi told a Hong Kong business delegation that more support should be given to the city's government to end the violence that has evolved into the biggest crisis it has faced since the return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi told a Hong Kong business delegation that more support should be given to the city's government to end the violence that has evolved into the biggest crisis it has faced since the return to Chinese rule in 1997. Hong Kong has been engulfed in angry and sometimes violent protests against the government for three months, 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 later warned that authorities would be forced to stamp down on the escalating violence. The China Daily warned in an editorial that the gap between the government and protesters appeared to be "unbridgeable", with the administration not able to "swallow the pills the demonstrators prescribe". Watch: China denounces G7 Statement on Hong Kong However, Wang said in Beijing on Tuesday that, while Hong Kong was facing its most serious challenge since the handover, it was capable of overcoming its problems with the support of the government and the unity of Hong Kong residents. According to a notice on China's official government website, Wang said business groups should also play a positive role by helping young people take part in the city's economic development.

Hong Kong facing worst crisis since 1997 handover: Chinese diplomat

By Deana Rohlinger

The summer of 2019 has seen week after week of protest in Hong Kong.

The protests began June 9 when as many as a million people marched against a bill that could allow suspects to be extradited to China. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, who was appointed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2017, proclaimed the legislation dead days later. But she also declined to withdraw the legislation, spurring additional – larger – protests that at times disrupted financial and transportation systems, leading to clashes with police.

Many in the West have wondered why China hasn’t taken firmer action to quell the protests.

As an expert on social movements and political change, I believe that the conflict in Hong Kong – and its resolution – may have implications for America and the rest of the world. If China brings Hong Kong under its thumb, this shift would alter the terrority’s politics and economic decision-making. Such a change would undoubtedly ripple through the global economy and affect the ability of American companies to do business abroad.

Yet, for now, China’s response is fairly subdued. That may be because China is benefiting from not appearing to be involved. Here are three ways.

1. Repression and control 
 
Hong Kong’s residents have more freedom than Chinese residents living in mainland China – including an independent legal system and a free press.

That’s because Hong Kong is its own special administrative region, which gives it significant autonomy from China’s central government. This model, known as “one country, two systems,” was a condition imposed by the British when they transferred Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

But China’s leaders in Beijing want to bring the territory under its control. In 2014, for example, a Hong Kong court purged several pro-democracy politicians from the territory’s Legislative council and installed pro-Beijing politicians in their place. Much like this summer, Hong Kong’s citizens took to the streets, and their calls for democracy were met with pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets.

While China is well known for its overt and covert repression against its citizens, in the case of Hong Kong, Beijing can argue it is not directing Lam’s response but is simply standing by if she calls on Beijing for assistance.

China has little to lose by taking this approach. If the conflict between the police and citizens resumes and the political system destabilises, China can swoop in and try to remake Hong Kong in its own image.

This is certainly a possibility. State repression, even when it involves violence against demonstrators, does not always end protest movements. If residents of Hong Kong sense that their window of opportunity to effect change is closing, they may risk their lives to push back against the government. That kind of violence between police and demonstrators can escalate and create a political crisis.

Chaos in Hong Kong enables Beijing to continue to exert more control over the region – possibly crushing the pro-democracy movement once and for all – all while letting it deny its intent to do so.

2. A show of military might 
 
Even if it remains on the sidelines, China’s central government can use the protests to influence other outcomes in its favour.

Over the last week, it has implied that it might intervene to end the demonstrations by moving military equipment and personnel to a sports center in Shenzhen, China, that is visible from Hong Kong.

This show of force is a reminder to Hong Kong’s citizens that Beijing is willing – and prepared – to assume control of the territory through the use of force. That may provide enough of an incentive for demonstrators to find a way to work with Lam and encourage a resolution more in Beijing’s favour.

Arguably, this has already influenced some demonstrators’ behaviours. While protesters are still calling for Lam’s ouster and more democratic freedoms, one of the leaders of the pro-democracy Civil Human Rights Front told American news media that the group was working hard to ensure that the demonstrations would once again be peaceful. However, participants in mass demonstrations rarely share a single vision on how to effect political change. It is clear that some protesters continue to believe that violence will help them.

Another potential benefit to Beijing is the message their show of force sends to the Trump administration – proof that China can engage in video-ready shows of global military might. Such spectacles are one way that political leaders can buttress their authority and send a warning to other countries.

3. Building support at home 
 
Trump’s trade war is hurting China’s economy. In fact, China’s economic growth stalled to a 27-year low of 6.6 per cent. Although this rate is still high compared to most world economies, slowdowns such as these increase citizen dissatisfaction, particularly in nondemocratic countries.

While China has historically stymied popular protests, it has been harder to do so as more of its citizens gain access to the internet. Some Chinese citizens have moved away from politely protesting local officials to directly challenging government authority online, which is harder for government officials to contain.

The protests in Hong Kong give China an opportunity to quell that discontent by redirecting their attention toward a common enemy – the demonstrators, who, according to government accounts broadcast on state television, are violent and often paid provocateurs doing America’s bidding.

Beijing’s efforts to mobilize the citizenry around a Chinese identity seem to be working. On the social media site Weibo, users circulated a post that personifies China as a “little brother” whom its citizens are rallying around and willing to defend against the demonstrators’ disparaging characterisations. At least in the short term, this surge of nationalism will quell discontent at home.

(Deana Rohlinger is Professor of Sociology, Florida State University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Deana Rohlinger The summer of 2019 has seen week after week of protest in Hong Kong. The protests began June 9 when as many as a million people marched against a bill that could allow suspects to be extradited to China.

By Deana Rohlinger The summer of 2019 has seen week after week of protest in Hong Kong. The protests began June 9 when as many as a million people marched against a bill that could allow suspects to be extradited to China. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, who was appointed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in 2017, proclaimed the legislation dead days later. But she also declined to withdraw the legislation, spurring additional – larger – protests that at times disrupted financial and transportation systems, leading to clashes with police. Many in the West have wondered why China hasn’t taken firmer action to quell the protests. As an expert on social movements and political change, I believe that the conflict in Hong Kong – and its resolution – may have implications for America and the rest of the world. If China brings Hong Kong under its thumb, this shift would alter the terrority’s politics and economic decision-making. Such a change would undoubtedly ripple through the global economy and affect the ability of American companies to do business abroad. Yet, for now, China’s response is fairly subdued. That may be because China is benefiting from not appearing to be involved. Here are three ways. 1. Repression and control Hong Kong’s residents have more freedom than Chinese residents living in mainland China – including an independent legal system and a free press. That’s because Hong Kong is its own special administrative region, which gives it significant autonomy from China’s central government. This model, known as “one country, two systems,” was a condition imposed by the British when they transferred Hong Kong back to China in 1997. But China’s leaders in Beijing want to bring the territory under its control. In 2014, for example, a Hong Kong court purged several pro-democracy politicians from the territory’s Legislative council and installed pro-Beijing politicians in their place. Much like this summer, Hong Kong’s citizens took to the streets, and their calls for democracy were met with pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets. While China is well known for its overt and covert repression against its citizens, in the case of Hong Kong, Beijing can argue it is not directing Lam’s response but is simply standing by if she calls on Beijing for assistance. China has little to lose by taking this approach. If the conflict between the police and citizens resumes and the political system destabilises, China can swoop in and try to remake Hong Kong in its own image. This is certainly a possibility. State repression, even when it involves violence against demonstrators, does not always end protest movements. If residents of Hong Kong sense that their window of opportunity to effect change is closing, they may risk their lives to push back against the government. That kind of violence between police and demonstrators can escalate and create a political crisis. Chaos in Hong Kong enables Beijing to continue to exert more control over the region – possibly crushing the pro-democracy movement once and for all – all while letting it deny its intent to do so. 2. A show of military might Even if it remains on the sidelines, China’s central government can use the protests to influence other outcomes in its favour. Over the last week, it has implied that it might intervene to end the demonstrations by moving military equipment and personnel to a sports center in Shenzhen, China, that is visible from Hong Kong. This show of force is a reminder to Hong Kong’s citizens that Beijing is willing – and prepared – to assume control of the territory through the use of force. That may provide enough of an incentive for demonstrators to find a way to work with Lam and encourage a resolution more in Beijing’s favour. Arguably, this has already influenced some demonstrators’ behaviours. While protesters are still calling for Lam’s ouster and more democratic freedoms, one of the leaders of the pro-democracy Civil Human Rights Front told American news media that the group was working hard to ensure that the demonstrations would once again be peaceful. However, participants in mass demonstrations rarely share a single vision on how to effect political change. It is clear that some protesters continue to believe that violence will help them. Another potential benefit to Beijing is the message their show of force sends to the Trump administration – proof that China can engage in video-ready shows of global military might. Such spectacles are one way that political leaders can buttress their authority and send a warning to other countries. 3. Building support at home Trump’s trade war is hurting China’s economy. In fact, China’s economic growth stalled to a 27-year low of 6.6 per cent. Although this rate is still high compared to most world economies, slowdowns such as these increase citizen dissatisfaction, particularly in nondemocratic countries. While China has historically stymied popular protests, it has been harder to do so as more of its citizens gain access to the internet. Some Chinese citizens have moved away from politely protesting local officials to directly challenging government authority online, which is harder for government officials to contain. The protests in Hong Kong give China an opportunity to quell that discontent by redirecting their attention toward a common enemy – the demonstrators, who, according to government accounts broadcast on state television, are violent and often paid provocateurs doing America’s bidding. Beijing’s efforts to mobilize the citizenry around a Chinese identity seem to be working. On the social media site Weibo, users circulated a post that personifies China as a “little brother” whom its citizens are rallying around and willing to defend against the demonstrators’ disparaging characterisations. At least in the short term, this surge of nationalism will quell discontent at home. (Deana Rohlinger is Professor of Sociology, Florida State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How China benefits from the Hong Kong protests

Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam has urged rioters to stop illegal violent acts. At a press conference, she said that the region's government will resort to lawful measures to restore social order.

WION Dispatch: Carrie Lam says government is open to dialogue

China says the statement by G7 is irresponsible says Hong Kong is an internal matter

China denounces G7 Statement on Hong Kong

China on Tuesday slammed G7's statement on Hong Kong and said that it's purely internal affairs of China which can well handle it and the members of Group of Seven should not put their nose in with ulterior motives, reported news agency Reuters.

China on Tuesday slammed G7's statement on Hong Kong and said that it's purely internal affairs of China which can well handle it and the members of Group of Seven should not put their nose in with ulterior motives, reported news agency Reuters. The spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Geng Shuang made the statement at a press briefing in response to the statement issued at the end of the G7 summit, which reaffirms the procedure and importance of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. "We are strongly dissatisfied and firmly oppose to the carping remarks as the back-seat driver on the Hong Kong affairs in the G7 leaders' statement. We have time and again emphasized that Hong Kong affairs are purely the internal affairs of China and no foreign government, organization or individual has the right to intervene," Geng was quoted as saying. "The protests and violence have lasted for more than two months in Hong Kong, seriously affecting Hong Kong's rule of law, public order, economy, people's livelihood and international image. No one is more concerned about Hong Kong's prosperity and stability than the Chinese people, the people of Hong Kong included. China can well handle its own affairs. The G7 members, please do not put your nose in with ulterior motives," Geng added. On the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Geng said: "I would like to stress once again that the ultimate purpose and core contents of the declaration are to determine that China recovers Hong Kong and resumes the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. With Hong Kong returning to the embrace of the motherland, the Chinese government has exercised its rule in accordance with China's Constitution and the Basic Law. According to the international law and the basic norms of international relations, no country or organization has the right to intervene in the Hong Kong affairs under the pretext of the declaration." (With inputs from Reuters)

China slams G7's 'carping remarks' on Hong Kong's internal affairs

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-violence-becoming-more-serious-but-government-in-control-carrie-lam-245949"> crackdown on violent terrorist activities</a> and firmly safeguard its political security.

Zhao, in a statement issued by his ministry, was quoted as saying China would rigorously fend off and crackdown on all subversive and terrorism activities to ensure the security and stability of the country.

Hong Kong has seen weeks of at times violent protests, the city's biggest crisis since its handover from colonial ruler Britain to China in 1997.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-tensions-intensify-245866/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control.

More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1.

Beijing warned again on Tuesday against foreign governments interfering in the Hong Kong protests, after the G7 summit of leaders of seven industrialised nations called for violence to be avoided.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the G7 "making thoughtless remarks and gesticulating" about Hong Kong matters.

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will crackdown on violent terrorist activities and firmly safeguard its political security.

China's public security minister, Zhao Kezhi, visiting Guangdong province near Hong Kong, said China will crackdown on violent terrorist activities and firmly safeguard its political security. Zhao, in a statement issued by his ministry, was quoted as saying China would rigorously fend off and crackdown on all subversive and terrorism activities to ensure the security and stability of the country. Hong Kong has seen weeks of at times violent protests, the city's biggest crisis since its handover from colonial ruler Britain to China in 1997. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters. "We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control. More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1. Beijing warned again on Tuesday against foreign governments interfering in the Hong Kong protests, after the G7 summit of leaders of seven industrialised nations called for violence to be avoided. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was "strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the G7 "making thoughtless remarks and gesticulating" about Hong Kong matters.

Will rigorously fend off & crackdown on terrorist activities: China minister

Violence in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/escalating-violent-acts-pushing-hong-kong-to-verge-of-very-dangerous-situation-government-245777">Hong Kong's anti-government protests</a> is becoming more serious but the government is confident it can handle the crisis itself, the city's embattled leader said on Tuesday.

Carrie Lam was speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, when <a href="wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-36-youngest-aged-12-after-running-battles-with-protesters-245706">police fired water cannon and volleys of tear gas</a> in running battles with protesters who threw bricks and petrol bombs.

The Chinese-ruled city is grappling with its biggest political crisis since its handover to Beijing in 1997 and Communist Party authorities have sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible to quell the violence.

Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters.

"We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control.

More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1.

The unrest escalated in mid-June over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

But the demonstrations have evolved over 12 straight weeks into a broad demand for greater democracy under the "one country, two systems" formula following the handover to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997.

Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters' five key demands: withdraw the extradition bill, set up an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform.

The government said on Monday illegal violence was pushing Hong Kong to the brink of great danger after weekend clashes that included the first gun-shot and the arrest of 86 people, the youngest just 12.

The protests come as Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade, with all its growth pillars under significant stress. Rating agencies have raised long-term questions over the quality of the city's governance.

The unrest has sent jitters across the Asian financial centre, prompting some Hong Kong tycoons to start moving personal wealth offshore and residents to look for homes elsewhere.

Jamie Mi, partner at Melbourne-based Kay &amp; Burton, said the real estate agency was receiving about one-third more enquiries from Hong Kong buyers than usual, with most buyers targeting high-end properties priced above $3.4 million.

Juwai.com, China's largest international property website, recorded a 50% increase in Hong Kong enquiries for Australian properties in the past quarter.

Violence in Hong Kong's anti-government protests is becoming more serious but the government is confident it can handle the crisis itself, the city's embattled leader said on Tuesday.

Violence in Hong Kong's anti-government protests is becoming more serious but the government is confident it can handle the crisis itself, the city's embattled leader said on Tuesday. Carrie Lam was speaking in public for the first time since demonstrations escalated on Sunday, when police fired water cannon and volleys of tear gas in running battles with protesters who threw bricks and petrol bombs. The Chinese-ruled city is grappling with its biggest political crisis since its handover to Beijing in 1997 and Communist Party authorities have sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible to quell the violence. Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader said she would not give up on building a platform for dialogue, although the time was not right to set up an independent inquiry into the crisis, one of the cornerstone demands of protesters. "We should prepare for reconciliation in society by communicating with different people ... We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong," Lam said, adding she did not believe her government had lost control. More demonstrations are planned over coming days and weeks, posing a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 1. The unrest escalated in mid-June over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. But the demonstrations have evolved over 12 straight weeks into a broad demand for greater democracy under the "one country, two systems" formula following the handover to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997. Authorities have so far refused to meet any of the protesters' five key demands: withdraw the extradition bill, set up an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform. The government said on Monday illegal violence was pushing Hong Kong to the brink of great danger after weekend clashes that included the first gun-shot and the arrest of 86 people, the youngest just 12. The protests come as Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade, with all its growth pillars under significant stress. Rating agencies have raised long-term questions over the quality of the city's governance. The unrest has sent jitters across the Asian financial centre, prompting some Hong Kong tycoons to start moving personal wealth offshore and residents to look for homes elsewhere. Jamie Mi, partner at Melbourne-based Kay & Burton, said the real estate agency was receiving about one-third more enquiries from Hong Kong buyers than usual, with most buyers targeting high-end properties priced above $3.4 million. Juwai.com, China's largest international property website, recorded a 50% increase in Hong Kong enquiries for Australian properties in the past quarter.

Hong Kong violence becoming more serious, but government in control: Carrie Lam

Carrie Lam: Protesters have to give up violence

Hong Kong police said on Monday they arrested 36 people, the youngest aged 12, after violence during anti-government demonstrations escalated as protesters hurled Molotov cocktails at security forces who responded with water cannon and tear gas. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Police arrest 36, youngest aged 12

G7 leaders meeting in France on Monday backed Hong Kong's autonomy as laid out in a 1984 agreement between Britain and China and called for calm in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/escalating-violent-acts-pushing-hong-kong-to-verge-of-very-dangerous-situation-government-245777">protest-hit city.</a>

"The G7 reaffirms the existence and the importance of the 1984 Sino-British agreement on Hong Kong and calls for avoiding violence," according to a joint statement issued in French at the end of a G7 meeting in Biarritz, southwest France.

The city has been wracked by more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-36-youngest-aged-12-after-running-battles-with-protesters-245706">two months of protests </a>over an attempt by its Beijing-backed government to pass an extradition bill which opponents saw as a huge dent in Hong Kong's autonomy.

They have since morphed into a call for greater democracy and police accountability, with youths at the forefront of demonstrations that have at times descended into clashes with security forces.

On Monday, police used water cannons to repel what they termed "extremely violent" demonstrators, following another weekend of clashes at pro-democracy rallies.

Twenty-one officers were injured during the clashes, Hong Kong police said, while dozens of protesters were arrested -- including a 12-year-old -- for unlawful assembly, possession of weapons and assaulting police.

Officials worldwide have urged Hong Kong authorities to show restraint to avoid serious violence or death.

More demonstrations are planned in the days and weeks ahead, including a rally at Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways headquarters on Wednesday to protest against perceived "white terror", a term used to describe anonymous acts that create a climate of fear.

Cathay has emerged as the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who supported, the anti-government demonstrations that have plunged the city into its biggest crisis since 1997.

Grave challenge

The protests pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012, with his government keen to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1.

Protesters again adopted cat-and-mouse tactics on Sunday evening, gathering then quickly dispersing, only to reappear in other places.

They also set up barricades to block some roads, following a largely peaceful rally earlier in the day.

Police said the 86 arrested people were aged 12 to 52, and they were suspected of offences including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons and assaulting police officers.

Twenty-one officers were injured in the violence, they said.

 
&nbsp;

G7 leaders meeting in France on Monday backed Hong Kong's autonomy as laid out in a 1984 agreement between Britain and China and called for calm in the protest-hit city.

G7 leaders meeting in France on Monday backed Hong Kong's autonomy as laid out in a 1984 agreement between Britain and China and called for calm in the protest-hit city. "The G7 reaffirms the existence and the importance of the 1984 Sino-British agreement on Hong Kong and calls for avoiding violence," according to a joint statement issued in French at the end of a G7 meeting in Biarritz, southwest France. The city has been wracked by more than two months of protests over an attempt by its Beijing-backed government to pass an extradition bill which opponents saw as a huge dent in Hong Kong's autonomy. They have since morphed into a call for greater democracy and police accountability, with youths at the forefront of demonstrations that have at times descended into clashes with security forces. On Monday, police used water cannons to repel what they termed "extremely violent" demonstrators, following another weekend of clashes at pro-democracy rallies. Twenty-one officers were injured during the clashes, Hong Kong police said, while dozens of protesters were arrested -- including a 12-year-old -- for unlawful assembly, possession of weapons and assaulting police. Officials worldwide have urged Hong Kong authorities to show restraint to avoid serious violence or death. More demonstrations are planned in the days and weeks ahead, including a rally at Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways headquarters on Wednesday to protest against perceived "white terror", a term used to describe anonymous acts that create a climate of fear. Cathay has emerged as the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who supported, the anti-government demonstrations that have plunged the city into its biggest crisis since 1997. Grave challenge The protests pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012, with his government keen to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1. Protesters again adopted cat-and-mouse tactics on Sunday evening, gathering then quickly dispersing, only to reappear in other places. They also set up barricades to block some roads, following a largely peaceful rally earlier in the day. Police said the 86 arrested people were aged 12 to 52, and they were suspected of offences including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons and assaulting police officers. Twenty-one officers were injured in the violence, they said.

G7 leaders back Hong Kong autonomy, call for calm

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday, August 25 after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week.

Hong Kong protests: Police fires water cannons for the first time

Watch Top news of the day in WION Playlist, 26th August 2019

Watch WION Playlist, 26th August 2019

As one of the world’s most important trade and business hubs, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-first-gunshot-water-cannon-in-protest-clashes-245583">Hong Kong was always going to struggle this year</a> because of the escalating US-China tariff war.

But after three months of anti-government protests, the semi-autonomous Chinese city, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-29-after-overnight-clashes-more-protests-planned-245416">shopper’s paradise and gourmet destination</a> for millions of tourists each year, is facing an existential as well as an economic crisis.

The world’s biggest equity deal this year was to unfold in Hong Kong later this month but has been put on hold. Banks are issuing unprecedented profit warnings, while hotels and restaurants are half-empty. Several global events have been postponed and economists say retail sales could drop by 20%-30% this year.

Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade, with all its growth pillars under significant stress.

While protesters are disrupting day-to-day activities, Beijing has displayed its paramilitary might near the border, raising questions over the city’s political, financial and economic future.

“Hong Kong is facing a crisis almost unprecedented in its history,” said Edison Lee, equities analyst at Jefferies.

In the April-June quarter, when the impact of the protests was mild, the economy shrank 0.4 per cent from the previous quarter. Since then, demonstrations have spread across the territory, disrupting traffic, paralyzing shopping and tourist areas and closing down the city’s sprawling airport at times.

The third quarter is bound to confirm the recession by its technical definition of two consecutive quarters of economic contraction.

For the whole year, the government expects growth at 0-1%, but some analysts expect it to shrink. Forecasting at this juncture, given the myriad of pathways the social crisis might take, is of little value, but the contraction could be severe.

Hong Kong protests: Relatives of police officials join rally

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-relatives-of-police-officials-join-rally-245581/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“When you have a boom for so many years, and now you get a bust, the bust is going to be quite massive also,” said Kevin Lai, chief economist for Asia ex-Japan at Daiwa Capital Markets.

Corporate warnings

Citing political unrest, China’s biggest e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has delayed its up to $15 billion listing in Hong Kong, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters earlier this week.

Bank of East Asia, after reporting a 75% plunge in first-half net profit due to writedowns in China, warned on Wednesday about the impact further protests could have on small and medium enterprises.

More than 20 other companies, including developer Henderson Land, hotel group Shangri-La Asia, Emperor Watch &amp; Jewellery, department store operator Lifestyle International and rail operator MTR Corp, said in recent earnings reports the protests have been damaging.

The Catering and Hotel Industries Employees General Union told Reuters employers had asked some of its members to take non-paid leave this month because of the downturn in business.

Yiu Si-wing, Chairman of China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, a major mainland tour operator, said revenue from room sales was set to plunge 50 per cent in August.

“Visits from mainland China that usually account for 80% of arrivals are down most as people fear for their safety,” Yiu told Reuters.

Organizers of several conferences and exhibitions are scrambling to postpone events.

Trade representatives of the world’s largest diamond trading centres have asked the organizer of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair to postpone the high-profile event, which typically welcomes more than 54,000 visitors. The fair is due to be held in September.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has postponed a two-day September conference at the Four Seasons Hotel until February “so that as many partners as possible from across Asia are able to join.”

On Thursday, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, which represents more than 8,000 businesses, urged all landlords to halve rents for six months and warned if the situation continued “many retailers may have to sack staff”.

Hands tied

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has repeatedly warned that protests are hurting the economy. She has consistently declined to meet any of the protesters’ core demands.

Instead, this month, she announced stimulus measures worth $2.4 billion, from subsidies for education and utilities to loan relief for small businesses.

But analysts warn that in the current climate, handouts are ineffective as firms and consumers are in no mood to spend.

With no obvious infrastructure upgrades needed, and with the government having a long track record of failing to adequately boost housing supply, analysts only expect announcements of more handouts and tax breaks at Lam’s annual policy address in October.

Since the turn of the century, every time Hong Kong’s economy got in trouble, the mainland’s economic boom or its stimulus measures came to the rescue. Now Beijing is facing its sharpest slowdown in nearly three decades and record debt.

“Hong Kong is on its own this time,” said Tommy Wu, senior economist at Oxford Economics.

Grim future

Rating agencies have raised long-term questions over the quality of Hong Kong’s governance.

But an increasingly assertive Beijing is fuelling larger concerns. Mainland regulatory scrutiny on airline Cathay Pacific over the involvement of some of its employees in the protests will affect Hong Kong’s image as a safe place for business.

A 1992 US-Hong Kong Policy Act allowing Washington to have a different customs regime with Hong Kong than with mainland China is also crucial for economic stability. For it to stand, US authorities need to see Hong Kong as sufficiently independent from Beijing, therefore movements of mainland troops at the border in Shenzhen are worrying.

But for now, the uncertainty is disruptive enough.

“The social situation tugs at all our heartstrings,” Kaisun Holdings, an investment holding company, said in a statement.

“Many investors have chosen to leave Hong Kong, and some banks and (multinationals) have started planning on moving their base to other nearby Asian cities. Kaisun Holdings may also begin to look for alternate markets for some of our service-based businesses.”

As one of the world’s most important trade and business hubs, Hong Kong was always going to struggle this year because of the escalating US-China tariff war. But after three months of anti-government protests, the semi-autonomous Chinese city, a shopper’s paradise and gourmet destination for millions of tourists each year, is facing an existential as well as an economic crisis.

As one of the world’s most important trade and business hubs, Hong Kong was always going to struggle this year because of the escalating US-China tariff war. But after three months of anti-government protests, the semi-autonomous Chinese city, a shopper’s paradise and gourmet destination for millions of tourists each year, is facing an existential as well as an economic crisis. The world’s biggest equity deal this year was to unfold in Hong Kong later this month but has been put on hold. Banks are issuing unprecedented profit warnings, while hotels and restaurants are half-empty. Several global events have been postponed and economists say retail sales could drop by 20%-30% this year. Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade, with all its growth pillars under significant stress. While protesters are disrupting day-to-day activities, Beijing has displayed its paramilitary might near the border, raising questions over the city’s political, financial and economic future. “Hong Kong is facing a crisis almost unprecedented in its history,” said Edison Lee, equities analyst at Jefferies. In the April-June quarter, when the impact of the protests was mild, the economy shrank 0.4 per cent from the previous quarter. Since then, demonstrations have spread across the territory, disrupting traffic, paralyzing shopping and tourist areas and closing down the city’s sprawling airport at times. The third quarter is bound to confirm the recession by its technical definition of two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. For the whole year, the government expects growth at 0-1%, but some analysts expect it to shrink. Forecasting at this juncture, given the myriad of pathways the social crisis might take, is of little value, but the contraction could be severe. Hong Kong protests: Relatives of police officials join rally “When you have a boom for so many years, and now you get a bust, the bust is going to be quite massive also,” said Kevin Lai, chief economist for Asia ex-Japan at Daiwa Capital Markets. Corporate warnings Citing political unrest, China’s biggest e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has delayed its up to $15 billion listing in Hong Kong, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters earlier this week. Bank of East Asia, after reporting a 75% plunge in first-half net profit due to writedowns in China, warned on Wednesday about the impact further protests could have on small and medium enterprises. More than 20 other companies, including developer Henderson Land, hotel group Shangri-La Asia, Emperor Watch & Jewellery, department store operator Lifestyle International and rail operator MTR Corp, said in recent earnings reports the protests have been damaging. The Catering and Hotel Industries Employees General Union told Reuters employers had asked some of its members to take non-paid leave this month because of the downturn in business. Yiu Si-wing, Chairman of China Travel Service (HK) Ltd, a major mainland tour operator, said revenue from room sales was set to plunge 50 per cent in August. “Visits from mainland China that usually account for 80% of arrivals are down most as people fear for their safety,” Yiu told Reuters. Organizers of several conferences and exhibitions are scrambling to postpone events. Trade representatives of the world’s largest diamond trading centres have asked the organizer of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair to postpone the high-profile event, which typically welcomes more than 54,000 visitors. The fair is due to be held in September. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has postponed a two-day September conference at the Four Seasons Hotel until February “so that as many partners as possible from across Asia are able to join.” On Thursday, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, which represents more than 8,000 businesses, urged all landlords to halve rents for six months and warned if the situation continued “many retailers may have to sack staff”. Hands tied Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has repeatedly warned that protests are hurting the economy. She has consistently declined to meet any of the protesters’ core demands. Instead, this month, she announced stimulus measures worth $2.4 billion, from subsidies for education and utilities to loan relief for small businesses. But analysts warn that in the current climate, handouts are ineffective as firms and consumers are in no mood to spend. With no obvious infrastructure upgrades needed, and with the government having a long track record of failing to adequately boost housing supply, analysts only expect announcements of more handouts and tax breaks at Lam’s annual policy address in October. Since the turn of the century, every time Hong Kong’s economy got in trouble, the mainland’s economic boom or its stimulus measures came to the rescue. Now Beijing is facing its sharpest slowdown in nearly three decades and record debt. “Hong Kong is on its own this time,” said Tommy Wu, senior economist at Oxford Economics. Grim future Rating agencies have raised long-term questions over the quality of Hong Kong’s governance. But an increasingly assertive Beijing is fuelling larger concerns. Mainland regulatory scrutiny on airline Cathay Pacific over the involvement of some of its employees in the protests will affect Hong Kong’s image as a safe place for business. A 1992 US-Hong Kong Policy Act allowing Washington to have a different customs regime with Hong Kong than with mainland China is also crucial for economic stability. For it to stand, US authorities need to see Hong Kong as sufficiently independent from Beijing, therefore movements of mainland troops at the border in Shenzhen are worrying. But for now, the uncertainty is disruptive enough. “The social situation tugs at all our heartstrings,” Kaisun Holdings, an investment holding company, said in a statement. “Many investors have chosen to leave Hong Kong, and some banks and (multinationals) have started planning on moving their base to other nearby Asian cities. Kaisun Holdings may also begin to look for alternate markets for some of our service-based businesses.”

Battered Hong Kong faces economic recession, existential crisis amid escalating US-China tariff war

Illegal violence is pushing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-36-youngest-aged-12-after-running-battles-with-protesters-245706">Hong Kong to the brink of great danger</a>, the city government said on Monday, after a weekend of clashes that included the first gun-shot and the arrest of 86 people, the youngest just 12.

Police fired water cannon and volleys of tear gas in running battles with protesters who threw bricks and petrol bombs on Sunday, the second day of weekend clashes in the Chinese-ruled city.

Six officers drew their pistols and one officer fired a warning shot into the air, police said in a statement, adding that 215 rounds of tear gas and 74 rubber bullets were fired over the two days.

"The escalating illegal and violent acts of radical protesters are not only outrageous, they also push Hong Kong to the verge of a very dangerous situation," the government said in a statement.

Watch: Hong Kong protests - Police arrest 36, youngest aged 12

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-police-arrest-36-youngest-aged-12-245641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The protests began in mid-June over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong people to be sent to mainland China for trial.

But the demonstrations have evolved over 12 straight weeks into a broad demand for greater democracy in the financial hub that was promised a high degree of autonomy under a "one country, two systems" formula when it was handed to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997.

More demonstrations are planned in the days and weeks ahead, including a rally at Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways headquarters on Wednesday to protest against perceived "white terror", a term used to describe anonymous acts that create a climate of fear.

Cathay has emerged as the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who supported, the anti-government demonstrations that have plunged the city into its biggest crisis since 1997.

On Saturday, activists threw petrol bombs and bricks in the gritty industrial district of Kwun Tong, on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Some protesters cut down "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras.

Grave challenge

The protests pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012, with his government keen to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1.

Protesters again adopted cat-and-mouse tactics on Sunday evening, gathering then quickly dispersing, only to reappear in other places.

They also set up barricades to block some roads, following a largely peaceful rally earlier in the day.

Police said the 86 arrested people were aged 12 to 52, and they were suspected of offences including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons and assaulting police officers.

Twenty-one officers were injured in the violence, they said. 
&nbsp;

Illegal violence is pushing Hong Kong to the brink of great danger, the city government said on Monday, after a weekend of clashes that included the first gun-shot and the arrest of 86 people, the youngest just 12.

Illegal violence is pushing Hong Kong to the brink of great danger, the city government said on Monday, after a weekend of clashes that included the first gun-shot and the arrest of 86 people, the youngest just 12. Police fired water cannon and volleys of tear gas in running battles with protesters who threw bricks and petrol bombs on Sunday, the second day of weekend clashes in the Chinese-ruled city. Six officers drew their pistols and one officer fired a warning shot into the air, police said in a statement, adding that 215 rounds of tear gas and 74 rubber bullets were fired over the two days. "The escalating illegal and violent acts of radical protesters are not only outrageous, they also push Hong Kong to the verge of a very dangerous situation," the government said in a statement. Watch: Hong Kong protests - Police arrest 36, youngest aged 12 × The protests began in mid-June over a now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong people to be sent to mainland China for trial. But the demonstrations have evolved over 12 straight weeks into a broad demand for greater democracy in the financial hub that was promised a high degree of autonomy under a "one country, two systems" formula when it was handed to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997. More demonstrations are planned in the days and weeks ahead, including a rally at Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways headquarters on Wednesday to protest against perceived "white terror", a term used to describe anonymous acts that create a climate of fear. Cathay has emerged as the biggest corporate casualty of the protests after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who supported, the anti-government demonstrations that have plunged the city into its biggest crisis since 1997. On Saturday, activists threw petrol bombs and bricks in the gritty industrial district of Kwun Tong, on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Some protesters cut down "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Grave challenge The protests pose the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012, with his government keen to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1. Protesters again adopted cat-and-mouse tactics on Sunday evening, gathering then quickly dispersing, only to reappear in other places. They also set up barricades to block some roads, following a largely peaceful rally earlier in the day. Police said the 86 arrested people were aged 12 to 52, and they were suspected of offences including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons and assaulting police officers. Twenty-one officers were injured in the violence, they said.

Escalating violent acts pushing Hong Kong to verge of very dangerous situation: Government

Hong Kong police arrest 29 people after clashes. Police use tear gas to try to disperse protests. Protesters throw petrol bombs at riot police. Hong Kong police ramps up security. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong Protests: 12th consecutive week of protests

Hong Kong police used water cannon for the first time and at least one officer fired his sidearm during pitched battles with protesters Sunday, one of the most violent nights in three months of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-briefly-turn-water-cannon-on-protesters-fire-tear-gas-245531"> pro-democracy rallies</a> that have rocked the city.

An afternoon rally in the district of Tsuen Wan spiralled into violent running confrontations between protesters and police, with officers several times caught outnumbered and isolated by masked youths wielding sticks and throwing rocks.

In one instance, several police officers drew their sidearms, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

"According to my understanding, just now a gunshot was fired by a colleague," Superintendent Leung Kwok Win told the press.

"My initial understanding was that it was a uniformed policeman who fired his gun."&nbsp;

It was unclear where the shot was aimed, but it was the first live round fired since the protests started three months ago.

The financial hub has been gripped by mass rallies that were initially against a proposed extradition bill to China, but have spun into a wider pro-democracy movement targeting the pro-Beijing government.

Earlier Sunday, after thousands of people, marched peacefully in the pouring rain, a group of hardcore protesters erected makeshift roadblocks and threw bricks and Molotov cocktails at riot police.

After firing tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds, police drove water cannon vehicles onto the streets for the first time during the protests, unfurling signs warning demonstrators they would deploy the jets if they did not leave.&nbsp;

The jets were later fired down from the moving trucks down a road towards a crowd of protesters who ran away.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.&nbsp;

Police had previously said the vehicles, complete with surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, would only be used in the event of a "large-scale public disturbance".&nbsp;

Throughout the protests, Beijing has used a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle to constrict the protests in a strategy dubbed "white terror" by the movement.

The MTR -- the city's metro -- is the latest Hong Kong enterprise to face public censure, after appearing to bend to Chinese state-media attacks accusing the transport system of being an "exclusive" service to ferry protesters to rallies.

On Sunday the MTR shut stations near the main demonstration area in Tsuen Wan, the second day of station closures in a row.

'Enemies of Hong Kong'

"However bleak our future is, we're trying to express ourselves rationally," said Peter, in his 20s, before the clashes began.

"We have faith in ourselves and we have faith in our city that someday our demands will be answered."

A second rally in the afternoon of a few hundred people -- some of them family members of police -- criticised the government for leaving officers to handle the brunt of the crisis, while also calling for an independent investigation into the police handling of the protests.

"I believe within these two months, police have got enough opprobrium," said a woman who asked not to be named and said she was a police officer's wife.

The city's officers are often the focus of protesters' anger because of their perceived heavy handling of the rallies.

Ten people were left in hospital after Saturday's clashes -- two in a serious condition -- staff said, without detailing if they were police or protesters.

Protesters say Hong Kong's unique freedoms are in jeopardy as Beijing tightens its political chokehold on the semi-autonomous city.

The city had appeared to have pulled back from a sharp nosedive into violence, with the last serious confrontation taking place more than a week ago, shortly after protests paralysed the airport.

Hong Kong police used water cannon for the first time and at least one officer fired his sidearm during pitched battles with protesters Sunday, one of the most violent nights in three months of pro-democracy rallies that have rocked the city.

Hong Kong police used water cannon for the first time and at least one officer fired his sidearm during pitched battles with protesters Sunday, one of the most violent nights in three months of pro-democracy rallies that have rocked the city. An afternoon rally in the district of Tsuen Wan spiralled into violent running confrontations between protesters and police, with officers several times caught outnumbered and isolated by masked youths wielding sticks and throwing rocks. In one instance, several police officers drew their sidearms, an AFP reporter at the scene said. "According to my understanding, just now a gunshot was fired by a colleague," Superintendent Leung Kwok Win told the press. "My initial understanding was that it was a uniformed policeman who fired his gun." It was unclear where the shot was aimed, but it was the first live round fired since the protests started three months ago. The financial hub has been gripped by mass rallies that were initially against a proposed extradition bill to China, but have spun into a wider pro-democracy movement targeting the pro-Beijing government. Earlier Sunday, after thousands of people, marched peacefully in the pouring rain, a group of hardcore protesters erected makeshift roadblocks and threw bricks and Molotov cocktails at riot police. After firing tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds, police drove water cannon vehicles onto the streets for the first time during the protests, unfurling signs warning demonstrators they would deploy the jets if they did not leave. The jets were later fired down from the moving trucks down a road towards a crowd of protesters who ran away. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Police had previously said the vehicles, complete with surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, would only be used in the event of a "large-scale public disturbance". Throughout the protests, Beijing has used a mix of intimidation, propaganda and economic muscle to constrict the protests in a strategy dubbed "white terror" by the movement. The MTR -- the city's metro -- is the latest Hong Kong enterprise to face public censure, after appearing to bend to Chinese state-media attacks accusing the transport system of being an "exclusive" service to ferry protesters to rallies. On Sunday the MTR shut stations near the main demonstration area in Tsuen Wan, the second day of station closures in a row. 'Enemies of Hong Kong' "However bleak our future is, we're trying to express ourselves rationally," said Peter, in his 20s, before the clashes began. "We have faith in ourselves and we have faith in our city that someday our demands will be answered." A second rally in the afternoon of a few hundred people -- some of them family members of police -- criticised the government for leaving officers to handle the brunt of the crisis, while also calling for an independent investigation into the police handling of the protests. "I believe within these two months, police have got enough opprobrium," said a woman who asked not to be named and said she was a police officer's wife. The city's officers are often the focus of protesters' anger because of their perceived heavy handling of the rallies. Ten people were left in hospital after Saturday's clashes -- two in a serious condition -- staff said, without detailing if they were police or protesters. Protesters say Hong Kong's unique freedoms are in jeopardy as Beijing tightens its political chokehold on the semi-autonomous city. The city had appeared to have pulled back from a sharp nosedive into violence, with the last serious confrontation taking place more than a week ago, shortly after protests paralysed the airport.

Hong Kong police fire first gunshot, water cannon in protest clashes

Dozens of Hong Kong protesters, including relatives of serving and retired police officers, braved heavy rain in Hong Kong on Sunday, August 25 to participate in a rally to encourage the city's police force to better serve the community and dial down their use of force in handling anti-government protests.

Hong Kong protests: Relatives of police officials join rally

Hong Kong police said on Sunday they arrested 29 people after clashes overnight in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hong-kong-police-use-tear-gas-to-counter-protest-petrol-bombs-245314">volleys of tear gas were fired</a> to disperse anti-government protesters, as the Asian financial hub braced for more demonstrations later in the day.

Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial area of Kwun Tong, a densely populated area of the Chinese territory on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Four MTR subway stations were closed due to the protests.

Police used tear gas after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and bricks and others tore up "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Other demonstrators had set up roadblocks with bamboo scaffolding.

It was the first use of tear gas in more than a week after a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the former British colony.

The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill and have evolved into demands for greater democracy, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

The wider calls for democracy pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the protests ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October&nbsp;1.

Transport to the city's international airport appeared normal early on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub.

The protest movement still appears to have broad support, with thousands, including families, lawyers, accountants and young and old people, taking to the streets in anti-government rallies.

Demonstrators' demands include an independent inquiry into what they describe as police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill and universal suffrage.

They say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrines a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since the handover to China.

Police said in a statement on Sunday they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June.

Those arrested also included the organiser of Saturday's march, Ventus Lau, public broadcaster RTHK reported.

Another protest is planned for Sunday in the working class district of Tsuen Wan, while demonstrators also plan a city-wide strike and class boycotts at universities in coming weeks.

On Saturday, China freed British consulate worker Simon Cheng, whose detention had fuelled tensions.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday they arrested 29 people after clashes overnight in which volleys of tear gas were fired to disperse anti-government protesters, as the Asian financial hub braced for more demonstrations later in the day.

Hong Kong police said on Sunday they arrested 29 people after clashes overnight in which volleys of tear gas were fired to disperse anti-government protesters, as the Asian financial hub braced for more demonstrations later in the day. Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial area of Kwun Tong, a densely populated area of the Chinese territory on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Four MTR subway stations were closed due to the protests. Police used tear gas after some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and bricks and others tore up "smart" lamp posts equipped with surveillance cameras. Other demonstrators had set up roadblocks with bamboo scaffolding. It was the first use of tear gas in more than a week after a series of mostly peaceful demonstrations in the former British colony. The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill and have evolved into demands for greater democracy, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The wider calls for democracy pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the protests ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Transport to the city's international airport appeared normal early on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub. The protest movement still appears to have broad support, with thousands, including families, lawyers, accountants and young and old people, taking to the streets in anti-government rallies. Demonstrators' demands include an independent inquiry into what they describe as police brutality, a full withdrawal of the extradition bill and universal suffrage. They say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrines a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong since the handover to China. Police said in a statement on Sunday they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June. Those arrested also included the organiser of Saturday's march, Ventus Lau, public broadcaster RTHK reported. Another protest is planned for Sunday in the working class district of Tsuen Wan, while demonstrators also plan a city-wide strike and class boycotts at universities in coming weeks. On Saturday, China freed British consulate worker Simon Cheng, whose detention had fuelled tensions.

Hong Kong police arrest 29 after overnight clashes, more protests planned

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and brief spurts of water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and brief spurts of water cannon amid running battles with brick-throwing protesters in driving rain on Sunday after violent clashes a day earlier in which police fired tear gas for the first time in more than a week. At least one petrol bomb was thrown by protesters, some of whom took off down narrow side streets where the water cannon, which had not been used in years of anti-government protests, could not follow. The Chinese-ruled city's MTR rail operator had suspended some services to try to prevent people gathering but the protesters, calling for democracy for the former British colony, made it to a sports stadium in the vast container port of Kwai Chung, from where they marched to nearby Tsuen Wan. Some dug up bricks from the pavement and wheeled them away to use as ammunition, others sprayed detergent on the road to make it slippery for the lines of police. Clashes spread in many directions. The vast majority marched peacefully. Police had warned earlier they would launch a "dispersal operation" and told people to leave. Hundreds remained long after dusk fell, discussing what to do next. "Some radical protesters have removed railings ... and set up barricades with water-filled barriers, bamboo sticks, traffic cones, and other objects," they said in a statement. "Such acts neglect the safety of citizens and road users, paralysing traffic in the vicinity," the statement said. Activists threw petrol bombs and bricks on Saturday in the gritty industrial district of Kwun Tong, on the east of the Kowloon peninsula. Last chance M. Sung, a 53-year-old software engineer in a black mask emblematic of the many older, middle-class citizens at the march, said he had been at almost every protest and would keep coming. "We know this is the last chance to fight for 'one country, two systems', otherwise the Chinese Communist Party will penetrate our home city and control everything," he said. "If we keep a strong mind, we can sustain this movement for justice and democracy. It won’t die," Sung said. Protesters say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 with the promise of continued freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland for 50 years. The protests, which started over a now-suspended extradition bill, have rocked Hong Kong for three months and plunged the city into its biggest political crisis since the handover. They also pose a direct challenge for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, who are eager to quell the unrest ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Beijing has sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible, with paramilitary forces holding drills just over the border. Transport to the airport appeared normal on Sunday, despite protesters' plans for a day-long "stress test" of transport in the international aviation and financial hub. Police said they strongly condemned protesters "breaching public peace" and that 19 men and 10 women had been arrested after Saturday's violence. More than 700 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in June. The neighbouring gambling territory of Macau, a former Portuguese colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1999, elected former legislature head Ho Iat Seng as its leader on Sunday - the sole approved candidate. Ho, who has deep ties to China, is expected to cement Beijing's control over the "special administrative region", the same status is given to Hong Kong, and distance it from the unrest there.

Hong Kong police briefly turn water cannon on protesters, fire tear gas

A human chain stretched for kilometres across both sides of Hong Kong harbour on Friday night. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong protesters form human chains across the city

British consulate staffer Simon Cheng returns to Hong Kong. Watch video to know more.

British consulate staffer Simon Cheng returns to Hong Kong

China releases British Consulate worker, Now Simon Cheng returns to Hong Kong, he was detained in China for 15 days.

China releases British Consulate worker

Hong Kong is bracing for more anti-government demonstrations and a "stress test" of its international airport this weekend, as protests in the Asian financial hub show no signs of abating and diplomatic tensions between China and some Western nations rise.

The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong said on Friday it has suspended travel to mainland China for local staff, just days after an employee of the city's British Consulate was confirmed to have been detained in China.

China's foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-of-detained-uk-consulate-worker-simon-cheng-rejects-made-up-report-244939"> Simon Cheng</a>, an employee of the British mission, had been detained in the border city of Shenzhen neighbouring Hong Kong.

Beijing has accused Britain and other Western countries of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-says-wont-back-down-in-dispute-with-china-urges-restraint-in-hong-kong-244764"> meddling in its affairs </a>in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/relations-with-canada-facing-serious-difficulties-responsibility-lies-entirely-on-the-canadian-side-china-244785">Canada</a>'s latest travel advisory on Thursday warned that increased screening of travellers' digital devices had been reported at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Multiple protests are planned for Hong Kong on Friday, including a march by accountants to government headquarters and a "Baltic Chain" event where protesters will join hands across different districts in the Chinese territory.

In 1989, an estimated two million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against Soviet rule that became known as the Baltic Way or Baltic Chain.

"The Baltic Way brought the world’s attention to their cause and inspired following generations," the rally organisers said in a statement. "We plead that you will not look away at this crucial time. Stand with Hong Kong."

The protests, originally over a now-suspended extradition bill to mainland China, have plunged Hong Kong into its deepest crisis since its British handover to Beijing in 1997 and pose a major challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Alphabet Inc's Google announced on Thursday its YouTube streaming video service had disabled 210 channels appearing to engage in a coordinated influence operation around the Hong Kong protests. Twitter and Facebook have also dismantled a similar campaign originating in mainland China.

Protests target airport

The unrest has widened into calls for greater freedom, fuelled by worries about the erosion of rights guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula, adopted after the 1997 handover, such as an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

Activists plan to disrupt transport to Hong Kong's international airport at the weekend.

"Go to the airport by different means, including MTR, Airport Bus, Taxi, Bike and Private Car to increase pressure on airport transport," protest organisers wrote online.

Hong Kong's airport, one of the world's busiest, was forced to close temporarily last week and hundreds of flights were cancelled or rescheduled when protesters and police clashed.

The Airport Authority published a half-page advertisement in major newspapers on Friday urging young people to "love Hong Kong" and said it opposed acts that "blocked and interfered with the operation of the airport". It said it would continue to work to maintain smooth operations.

Hong Kong's High Court on Friday extended an order restricting protesters at the city's international airport.

The order requires public demonstrations have the permission of authorities and is aimed at banning "those who want to deliberately obstruct or interfere with the normal use of the airport", said the court.

Nearly three months of anti-government rallies have plunged the city into crisis, drawing in corporate casualties such as Cathay Pacific amid mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of the carrier's staff in protests.

Cathay confirmed on Friday that Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association, was no longer with the company. Her departure follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week.

The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions said it will hold a news conference later on Friday to provide details of Sy's departure.

The protests are already taking a toll on the city's economy and tourism, with the special administrative region on the cusp of its first recession in a decade.

Corporations, including big banks and property developers, have called for a restoration of law and order, while exhibitors are seeing widespread cancellations of events.

In the most recent case, international jewellers have sought the rescheduling of a huge trade fair with up to 40% of exhibitors threatening to pull out.

Demonstrators have five demands: withdraw the extradition bill, establish an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform.

Hong Kong is bracing for more anti-government demonstrations and a "stress test" of its international airport this weekend, as protests in the Asian financial hub show no signs of abating and diplomatic tensions between China and some Western nations rise.

Hong Kong is bracing for more anti-government demonstrations and a "stress test" of its international airport this weekend, as protests in the Asian financial hub show no signs of abating and diplomatic tensions between China and some Western nations rise. The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong said on Friday it has suspended travel to mainland China for local staff, just days after an employee of the city's British Consulate was confirmed to have been detained in China. China's foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Simon Cheng, an employee of the British mission, had been detained in the border city of Shenzhen neighbouring Hong Kong. Beijing has accused Britain and other Western countries of meddling in its affairs in Hong Kong. Canada's latest travel advisory on Thursday warned that increased screening of travellers' digital devices had been reported at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong. Multiple protests are planned for Hong Kong on Friday, including a march by accountants to government headquarters and a "Baltic Chain" event where protesters will join hands across different districts in the Chinese territory. In 1989, an estimated two million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against Soviet rule that became known as the Baltic Way or Baltic Chain. "The Baltic Way brought the world’s attention to their cause and inspired following generations," the rally organisers said in a statement. "We plead that you will not look away at this crucial time. Stand with Hong Kong." The protests, originally over a now-suspended extradition bill to mainland China, have plunged Hong Kong into its deepest crisis since its British handover to Beijing in 1997 and pose a major challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Alphabet Inc's Google announced on Thursday its YouTube streaming video service had disabled 210 channels appearing to engage in a coordinated influence operation around the Hong Kong protests. Twitter and Facebook have also dismantled a similar campaign originating in mainland China. Protests target airport The unrest has widened into calls for greater freedom, fuelled by worries about the erosion of rights guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula, adopted after the 1997 handover, such as an independent judiciary and the right to protest. Activists plan to disrupt transport to Hong Kong's international airport at the weekend. "Go to the airport by different means, including MTR, Airport Bus, Taxi, Bike and Private Car to increase pressure on airport transport," protest organisers wrote online. Hong Kong's airport, one of the world's busiest, was forced to close temporarily last week and hundreds of flights were cancelled or rescheduled when protesters and police clashed. The Airport Authority published a half-page advertisement in major newspapers on Friday urging young people to "love Hong Kong" and said it opposed acts that "blocked and interfered with the operation of the airport". It said it would continue to work to maintain smooth operations. Hong Kong's High Court on Friday extended an order restricting protesters at the city's international airport. The order requires public demonstrations have the permission of authorities and is aimed at banning "those who want to deliberately obstruct or interfere with the normal use of the airport", said the court. Nearly three months of anti-government rallies have plunged the city into crisis, drawing in corporate casualties such as Cathay Pacific amid mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of the carrier's staff in protests. Cathay confirmed on Friday that Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association, was no longer with the company. Her departure follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions said it will hold a news conference later on Friday to provide details of Sy's departure. The protests are already taking a toll on the city's economy and tourism, with the special administrative region on the cusp of its first recession in a decade. Corporations, including big banks and property developers, have called for a restoration of law and order, while exhibitors are seeing widespread cancellations of events. In the most recent case, international jewellers have sought the rescheduling of a huge trade fair with up to 40% of exhibitors threatening to pull out. Demonstrators have five demands: withdraw the extradition bill, establish an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform.

Hong Kong braces for fresh protests, Canada stops staff travel to mainland China

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on Friday called on Cathay Pacific to put an end to what it described as "white terror", following the dismissal of Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association.

Hong Kong's flagship carrier has become the biggest corporate casualty of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-says-youtube-campaign-targeted-hong-kong-protests-244915">city's anti-government protests</a> after China demanded the airline suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations that have roiled the city.

Sy's departure, which Cathay confirmed on Friday, follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week.

Sy said at a press conference on Friday she was fired after managers saw and confirmed her Facebook account. Management did not provide a reason for her dismissal, she added.

Pilots and cabin crew at Hong Kong's flagship carrier have described a "white terror" of political denunciations, sackings and phone searches by Chinese aviation officials amid anti-government protests gripping the former British colony.

Cathay said ahead of the press conference on Friday that recent weeks had been extremely challenging for its employees.

"We thank all our dedicated staff who are committed to serving our customers in a professional manner," Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs James Tong said.

The airline, 30% owned by Air China, became embroiled in crosswinds between Beijing and pro-democracy groups in the Asian financial hub after some of its employees took part in the Hong Kong protests.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on Friday called on Cathay Pacific to put an end to what it described as "white terror", following the dismissal of Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions on Friday called on Cathay Pacific to put an end to what it described as "white terror", following the dismissal of Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association. Hong Kong's flagship carrier has become the biggest corporate casualty of the city's anti-government protests after China demanded the airline suspend staff involved in, or who support, the demonstrations that have roiled the city. Sy's departure, which Cathay confirmed on Friday, follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week. Sy said at a press conference on Friday she was fired after managers saw and confirmed her Facebook account. Management did not provide a reason for her dismissal, she added. Pilots and cabin crew at Hong Kong's flagship carrier have described a "white terror" of political denunciations, sackings and phone searches by Chinese aviation officials amid anti-government protests gripping the former British colony. Cathay said ahead of the press conference on Friday that recent weeks had been extremely challenging for its employees. "We thank all our dedicated staff who are committed to serving our customers in a professional manner," Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs James Tong said. The airline, 30% owned by Air China, became embroiled in crosswinds between Beijing and pro-democracy groups in the Asian financial hub after some of its employees took part in the Hong Kong protests.

Hong Kong unions urge Cathay Pacific to end 'white terror'

hong-kong

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

hong kong

Hong Kong protest: China urges Lam not to withdraw extradition bill

China says troops will defend Hong Kong's prosperity ahead of planned pro-democracy march

Watch WION Playlist, 29th August 2019

China's military rotates new batch of troops into Hong Kong amid protests

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong Protests; What lies ahead?

Hong Kong Protests: China rotates new batch of troops

China rotates new batch of troops in Hong Kong

Hong Kong facing worst crisis since 1997 handover: Chinese diplomat

How China benefits from the Hong Kong protests

WION Dispatch: Carrie Lam says government is open to dialogue

China denounces G7 Statement on Hong Kong

China slams G7's 'carping remarks' on Hong Kong's internal affairs

Will rigorously fend off & crackdown on terrorist activities: China minister

Will rigorously fend off & crackdown on terrorist activities: China minister

Hong Kong violence becoming more serious, but government in control: Carrie Lam

Carrie Lam: Protesters have to give up violence

Hong Kong protests: Police arrest 36, youngest aged 12

G7 leaders back Hong Kong autonomy, call for calm

Hong Kong protests: Police fires water cannons for the first time

Watch WION Playlist, 26th August 2019

Battered Hong Kong faces economic recession, existential crisis amid escalating US-China tariff war

Escalating violent acts pushing Hong Kong to verge of very dangerous situation: Government

Hong Kong Protests: 12th consecutive week of protests

Hong Kong police fire first gunshot, water cannon in protest clashes