<p>Chinese state media called on Beijing on Wednesday to deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-resumes-flights-after-clashes-mass-protests-242850">protests in Hong Kong</a> more decisively after a reporter from one of China`s largest government-backed newspapers was caught up in overnight clashes.</p>

<p>Ten weeks of increasingly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-violent-protest-in-hong-kong-civil-unrest-242887">violent clashes</a> between police and pro-democracy protesters, angered by a perceived erosion of freedoms, are posing one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Demonstrators and riot police clashed at Hong Kong`s airport late on Tuesday after flights were cancelled for a second day. Protesters at one point held a man who Chinese media have said was a reporter from China`s Global Times newspaper.</p>

<p>A front-page commentary on the overseas edition of the Communist Party`s official People`s Daily newspaper said on Wednesday Hong Kong had reached a critical juncture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Using the sword of the law to stop violence and restore order is overwhelmingly the most important and urgent task for Hong Kong!" it said.</p>

<p>Another commentary by a Shenzhen University researcher, published by the China Daily, said the central government should deal with Hong Kong issues more decisively.</p>

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Twitter overnight the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong and urged calm.</p>

<p>However, Chinese state media has stopped short of calling for military action to deal with the protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined some autonomy for Hong Kong after China took it back from Britain in 1997.</p>

<p>"Extreme political ideas have found frequent expression in Hong Kong, with some even raising `Hong Kong independence` slogans recently. Which means the `one country, two systems` principle faces a new challenge," Chinese author Li Peiwen said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese state media has also posted messages of support for the Hong Kong police, describing what was happening in the city as "a shame". Such posts were the most-discussed topics on China`s social media platforms on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We support the Hong Kong police too!" said a post on the People`s Daily`s official Twitter-like Weibo account that was reposted more than 500,000 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Global Times editor Hu Xijin said one of the newspaper`s reporters was rescued by police after being tied up by demonstrators. The tabloid is published by the People`s Daily.</p>

<p>"GT reporter Fu Guohao has been rescued by police and sent to the hospital. We`re still learning about his injury conditions," said in a tweet.</p>

<p>Chinese state broadcaster CCTV called Fu "a real man" in a another Weibo post that had more than 140,000 "likes".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netizens have been closely watching what Beijing might do next after China this week condemned some protesters for using dangerous tools to attack police and said the clashes showed "sprouts of terrorism."</p>

<p>The Global Times reported on Monday that China`s People`s Armed Police assembled in the southeastern city of Shenzhen, fuelling speculation of a possible intervention in Hong Kong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some reactions on China`s social media platforms called for Beijing to intervene while many others urged calm.</p>


Chinese state media called on Beijing on Wednesday to deal with protests in Hong Kong more decisively after a reporter from one of China`s largest government-backed newspapers was caught up in overnight clashes.

Chinese state media called on Beijing on Wednesday to deal with protests in Hong Kong more decisively after a reporter from one of China`s largest government-backed newspapers was caught up in overnight clashes. Ten weeks of increasingly violent clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters, angered by a perceived erosion of freedoms, are posing one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Demonstrators and riot police clashed at Hong Kong`s airport late on Tuesday after flights were cancelled for a second day. Protesters at one point held a man who Chinese media have said was a reporter from China`s Global Times newspaper. A front-page commentary on the overseas edition of the Communist Party`s official People`s Daily newspaper said on Wednesday Hong Kong had reached a critical juncture. "Using the sword of the law to stop violence and restore order is overwhelmingly the most important and urgent task for Hong Kong!" it said. Another commentary by a Shenzhen University researcher, published by the China Daily, said the central government should deal with Hong Kong issues more decisively. US President Donald Trump said on Twitter overnight the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong and urged calm. However, Chinese state media has stopped short of calling for military action to deal with the protests. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined some autonomy for Hong Kong after China took it back from Britain in 1997. "Extreme political ideas have found frequent expression in Hong Kong, with some even raising `Hong Kong independence` slogans recently. Which means the `one country, two systems` principle faces a new challenge," Chinese author Li Peiwen said. Chinese state media has also posted messages of support for the Hong Kong police, describing what was happening in the city as "a shame". Such posts were the most-discussed topics on China`s social media platforms on Wednesday. "We support the Hong Kong police too!" said a post on the People`s Daily`s official Twitter-like Weibo account that was reposted more than 500,000 times. Global Times editor Hu Xijin said one of the newspaper`s reporters was rescued by police after being tied up by demonstrators. The tabloid is published by the People`s Daily. "GT reporter Fu Guohao has been rescued by police and sent to the hospital. We`re still learning about his injury conditions," said in a tweet. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV called Fu "a real man" in a another Weibo post that had more than 140,000 "likes". Netizens have been closely watching what Beijing might do next after China this week condemned some protesters for using dangerous tools to attack police and said the clashes showed "sprouts of terrorism." The Global Times reported on Monday that China`s People`s Armed Police assembled in the southeastern city of Shenzhen, fuelling speculation of a possible intervention in Hong Kong. Some reactions on China`s social media platforms called for Beijing to intervene while many others urged calm.

Chinese state media urge action, voice support for Hong Kong police after overnight clashes

Hong Kong protesters and medics on Tuesday wore bloodied eye-patches at Hong Kong airport in solidarity with a young protester who was injured in her right eye during a violent police crackdown over the weekend. Protesters occupying the airport held signs illustrating with images of the incident whilst wearing red-stained bandages over their eyes. Ten weeks of increasingly violent protests have roiled the Asian financial hub as thousands chafe at a perceived erosion of freedoms and autonomy under Chinese rule. The protests began as opposition to a now-suspended bill that would have allowed suspects' extradition to mainland China, but have swelled into wider calls for democracy.

'We do not tolerate violence from police' - Hong Kong's eye-patch protesters

<p>Airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-resumes-flights-after-clashes-mass-protests-242850">operations resumed on Wednesday in Hong Kong</a> after two days of protest in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">Chinese controlled city</a>.</p>

<p>Hundreds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-in-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242407">flights that had been disrupted </a>over the past two days were started again.</p>

<p>The unrest, which has seen<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-protesters-return-to-streets-for-tenth-week-riot-police-fire-tears-gas-into-rail-station-242309"> millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets</a>, was sparked by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Violent clashes in Hong Kong</strong></p>

<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/violent-clashes-continue-in-hong-kong-242886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>But it quickly evolved into a much broader campaign for democratic freedoms, and to stop the growing influence of China's authoritarian rulers in the semi-autonomous city.</p>

<p>On Monday and Tuesday, thousands of protesters wearing their signature black T-shirts gathered at Hong Kong's airport, forcing hundreds of flights to be cancelled.</p>

<p>After initially just voicing their demands with peaceful demonstrations, the protesters adopted more aggressive tactics on Tuesday and created barricades with luggage trolleys to block passengers at the departure halls.</p>

<p>Late on Tuesday night, the protests descended into a series of violent confrontations with police, and demonstrators scuffling with passengers desperate to get on flights.</p>

<p>In one particularly ugly scene filmed by media, a group of protesters ganged up on a policeman and beat him. They stopped their attack when the policeman pulled his gun and pointed it at them, but did not fire.</p>

<p>Demonstrators also turned on two men, fuelled by suspicions within their ranks about undercover police or spies.</p>

<p>The first man was held for about two hours before eventually being led away in an ambulance. Riot police briefly deployed pepper spray and batons to beat back protesters while they escorted the vehicle away from the departures hall. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Another man, wearing a yellow journalist vest, was surrounded, zip-tied and then beaten by a small group who accused him of being a spy.</p>

<p>In a tweet, Hu Xijun, the editor of China's state-controlled Global Times tabloid -- which has vociferously condemned the protests -- said the man was a journalist working for the paper.</p>

<p>By early Wednesday, most protesters had left and many flights were operating as scheduled in the morning.</p>

<p>However, it was unclear if the protesters, who have no public leaders and organise via social media, would return to the airport.</p>

<p>The Airport Authority has obtained an injunction to remove demonstrators but enforcing it may prove difficult, as the hub is designed to make entry as fast and efficient as possible.</p>

<p>Passengers can also arrive via bus, train and taxi, with each mode of transport having different entrances.</p>


Airport operations resumed on Wednesday in Hong Kong after two days of protest in the Chinese controlled city. Hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days were started again.

Airport operations resumed on Wednesday in Hong Kong after two days of protest in the Chinese controlled city. Hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days were started again. The unrest, which has seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets, was sparked by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Watch: Violent clashes in Hong Kong × But it quickly evolved into a much broader campaign for democratic freedoms, and to stop the growing influence of China's authoritarian rulers in the semi-autonomous city. On Monday and Tuesday, thousands of protesters wearing their signature black T-shirts gathered at Hong Kong's airport, forcing hundreds of flights to be cancelled. After initially just voicing their demands with peaceful demonstrations, the protesters adopted more aggressive tactics on Tuesday and created barricades with luggage trolleys to block passengers at the departure halls. Late on Tuesday night, the protests descended into a series of violent confrontations with police, and demonstrators scuffling with passengers desperate to get on flights. In one particularly ugly scene filmed by media, a group of protesters ganged up on a policeman and beat him. They stopped their attack when the policeman pulled his gun and pointed it at them, but did not fire. Demonstrators also turned on two men, fuelled by suspicions within their ranks about undercover police or spies. The first man was held for about two hours before eventually being led away in an ambulance. Riot police briefly deployed pepper spray and batons to beat back protesters while they escorted the vehicle away from the departures hall. Another man, wearing a yellow journalist vest, was surrounded, zip-tied and then beaten by a small group who accused him of being a spy. In a tweet, Hu Xijun, the editor of China's state-controlled Global Times tabloid -- which has vociferously condemned the protests -- said the man was a journalist working for the paper. By early Wednesday, most protesters had left and many flights were operating as scheduled in the morning. However, it was unclear if the protesters, who have no public leaders and organise via social media, would return to the airport. The Airport Authority has obtained an injunction to remove demonstrators but enforcing it may prove difficult, as the hub is designed to make entry as fast and efficient as possible. Passengers can also arrive via bus, train and taxi, with each mode of transport having different entrances.

Watch: Violence at Hong Kong airport as police and protesters clash

Hong Kong airport remains on the edge despite reopening. In a social media footage, cops can be seen getting beaten up by the protesters. Watch this video to know more.

Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

<p>The United States said Wednesday that it was concerned about movements of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intelligence-has-informed-china-moving-troops-to-hong-kong-border-trump-242841">Chinese forces on the border</a> with Hong Kong and urged Beijing to honour the territory's autonomy as pro-democracy protests continued.</p>

<p>A day after President Donald Trump appeared to take a hands-off position on the protests, a State Department spokesperson voiced concerns about the "continued erosion" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-silence-to-terrorism-beijings-evolving-rhetoric-on-hong-kong-242926">Hong Kong's autonomy</a> and expressed "staunch" support for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the territory.</p>

<p>"The United States is deeply concerned by reports of Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border," the spokesperson, who would not be named, told AFP in a statement.</p>

<p>"The United States strongly urges Beijing to adhere to its commitments in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to allow Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of autonomy."</p>

Watch Video:
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-hope-nobody-gets-killed-says-donald-trump-242992/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>The spokesperson said the protests, which forced the partial closure of Hong Kong's international airport on Tuesday, reflect "broad and legitimate concerns" among Hong Kong's citizenry over the loss of autonomy, which was agreed in the deal between London and Beijing over returning the former British colony to China in 1997.</p>

<p>"We condemn violence and urge all sides to exercise restraint, but remain staunch in our support for freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in Hong Kong," the US official said.</p>

<p>"We categorically reject the false charge of foreign forces as the black hand behind the protests," the official added.</p>

<p>Trump, who is locked in a tense showdown with Beijing over trade relations, said Tuesday that US intelligence had reported that the Chinese government "is moving troops" to the Hong Kong border.</p>

<p>He called the situation "very tricky," adding: &nbsp;"I hope it works out for everybody including China. I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed."</p>


The United States said Wednesday that it was concerned about movements of Chinese forces on the border with Hong Kong and urged Beijing to honour the territory's autonomy as pro-democracy protests continued.

The United States said Wednesday that it was concerned about movements of Chinese forces on the border with Hong Kong and urged Beijing to honour the territory's autonomy as pro-democracy protests continued. A day after President Donald Trump appeared to take a hands-off position on the protests, a State Department spokesperson voiced concerns about the "continued erosion" of Hong Kong's autonomy and expressed "staunch" support for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the territory. "The United States is deeply concerned by reports of Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border," the spokesperson, who would not be named, told AFP in a statement. "The United States strongly urges Beijing to adhere to its commitments in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to allow Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of autonomy." Watch Video: The spokesperson said the protests, which forced the partial closure of Hong Kong's international airport on Tuesday, reflect "broad and legitimate concerns" among Hong Kong's citizenry over the loss of autonomy, which was agreed in the deal between London and Beijing over returning the former British colony to China in 1997. "We condemn violence and urge all sides to exercise restraint, but remain staunch in our support for freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in Hong Kong," the US official said. "We categorically reject the false charge of foreign forces as the black hand behind the protests," the official added. Trump, who is locked in a tense showdown with Beijing over trade relations, said Tuesday that US intelligence had reported that the Chinese government "is moving troops" to the Hong Kong border. He called the situation "very tricky," adding: "I hope it works out for everybody including China. I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed."

We urge China to adhere to Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong: US State Department

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airport-resumes-flights-after-clashes-mass-protests-242850">Hong Kong airport resumes flights after clashes, mass protests</a></p>

<p>Hong Kong's airport resumed operations on Wednesday, rescheduling hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days as protesters clashed with riot police in a deepening crisis in the Chinese-controlled city.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebook-paid-contractors-to-transcribe-users-audio-report-242853">Facebook paid contractors to transcribe users' audio: Report</a></p>

<p>Facebook Inc&nbsp;has been paying outside contractors to transcribe audio clips from users of its services, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company confirmed that it had been transcribing users' audio and said it was no longer doing so, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asks-un-security-council-to-meet-over-india-moves-in-kashmir-242852">Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India moves in Kashmir</a></p>

<p>Pakistan&nbsp;on Tuesday asked the&nbsp;United Nations Security Council&nbsp;to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the Himalayan region that has long been a flashpoint in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-marks-independence-day-of-balochistan-242873">Free Balochistan movement marks Independence Day of Balochistan</a></p>

<p>Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) organised a seminar in London to mark the Independence Day of Baloch. It was attended by members of several Baloch and non-Baloch political parties including Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Balochistan National Movement (Zrombesh), Balochistan People Party, Nation without States, Arab Front for The liberation of ALahwaz, Campaign against Criminalizing Communities and 15 April Movement for Liberation of Al- Ahwaz.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-successfully-enters-lunar-transfer-trajectory-242851">Chandrayaan-2 successfully enters Lunar Transfer Trajectory</a></p>

<p>Chandrayaan-2 headed onwards on its path to the moon after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) early Wednesday successfully carried out a crucial process to manoeuvre India's second lunar probe out of the earth's orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Hong Kong airport resumes flights after clashes, mass protests Hong Kong's airport resumed operations on Wednesday, rescheduling hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days as protesters clashed with riot police in a deepening crisis in the Chinese-controlled city.

Hong Kong airport resumes flights after clashes, mass protests Hong Kong's airport resumed operations on Wednesday, rescheduling hundreds of flights that had been disrupted over the past two days as protesters clashed with riot police in a deepening crisis in the Chinese-controlled city. Facebook paid contractors to transcribe users' audio: Report Facebook Inc has been paying outside contractors to transcribe audio clips from users of its services, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company confirmed that it had been transcribing users' audio and said it was no longer doing so, Bloomberg reported. Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India moves in Kashmir Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the Himalayan region that has long been a flashpoint in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Free Balochistan movement marks Independence Day of Balochistan Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) organised a seminar in London to mark the Independence Day of Baloch. It was attended by members of several Baloch and non-Baloch political parties including Baloch Republican Party (BRP), Balochistan National Movement (Zrombesh), Balochistan People Party, Nation without States, Arab Front for The liberation of ALahwaz, Campaign against Criminalizing Communities and 15 April Movement for Liberation of Al- Ahwaz. Chandrayaan-2 successfully enters Lunar Transfer Trajectory Chandrayaan-2 headed onwards on its path to the moon after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) early Wednesday successfully carried out a crucial process to manoeuvre India's second lunar probe out of the earth's orbit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-state-media-urge-action-voice-support-for-hong-kong-police-after-overnight-clashes-242898">Hong Kong carrier comes</a> under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.</p>

<p>"Cathay Pacific confirms that two pilots have been terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment contracts," the airline said in a statement.</p>

<p>"One is currently involved in legal proceedings. The other misused company information on Flight CX216/12 August."</p>

<p>Cathay Pacific has flown into a storm of controversy generated by the Hong Kong protests that has left it trying to appease an angry Beijing while not alienating its home market.</p>

<p>Watch:</p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-tourists-scared-as-flights-disrupted-for-second-day-running-242945/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>


<p>Over the past week the airline has emerged as a target on the mainland after some of its 27,000-strong workforce took part in, or voiced support for, the protests.</p>

<p>China's aviation regulator demanded that the airline prevent such staff from working on flights to the mainland or those routed through Chinese airspace.</p>

<p>It also ordered the carrier to hand over identity information for employees on mainland-bound flights -- declaring unapproved flights would not be allowed in.</p>

<p>Executives scrambled to reassure authorities that the company has no truck with the demonstrators, vowing to sack any employee who takes part in an "illegal protest".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swire Pacific -- a Hong Kong-based conglomerate and Cathay's largest shareholder -- released a statement saying it "strongly supports" the Hong Kong government and "(shares) the vision of the Chinese Central government".</p>

<p>"We resolutely support the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Chief Executive and the Police in their efforts to restore law and order," the company said, adding that it would comply with any regulations Beijing placed on it.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies. "Cathay Pacific confirms that two pilots have been terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment contracts," the airline said in a statement. "One is currently involved in legal proceedings. The other misused company information on Flight CX216/12 August." Cathay Pacific has flown into a storm of controversy generated by the Hong Kong protests that has left it trying to appease an angry Beijing while not alienating its home market. Watch: Over the past week the airline has emerged as a target on the mainland after some of its 27,000-strong workforce took part in, or voiced support for, the protests. China's aviation regulator demanded that the airline prevent such staff from working on flights to the mainland or those routed through Chinese airspace. It also ordered the carrier to hand over identity information for employees on mainland-bound flights -- declaring unapproved flights would not be allowed in. Executives scrambled to reassure authorities that the company has no truck with the demonstrators, vowing to sack any employee who takes part in an "illegal protest". Swire Pacific -- a Hong Kong-based conglomerate and Cathay's largest shareholder -- released a statement saying it "strongly supports" the Hong Kong government and "(shares) the vision of the Chinese Central government". "We resolutely support the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Chief Executive and the Police in their efforts to restore law and order," the company said, adding that it would comply with any regulations Beijing placed on it.

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests

<p>Travellers in Hong Kong's airport voiced support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-rule-of-law-being-damaged-citys-recovery-will-take-long-time-242574">pro-democracy demonstrators</a> on Tuesday, despite an overnight occupation of the international transit hub that saw tens of thousands of passengers stranded.</p>

<p>The airport, one of the busiest in the world, reopened on Tuesday morning but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-us-urges-all-sides-to-refrain-from-violence-flight-operations-resume-after-unprecedented-closure-242560">hundreds of flights remained cancelled </a>and several hundred protesters returned for a fresh rally on Tuesday afternoon.</p>

<p>Monday's abrupt closure came 10 weeks into a crisis that has seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets in the biggest challenge to Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain.</p>

<p>"It may affect me, but I still know what they are doing and I support them so it doesn't matter, said 27-year-old advertising worker Mag Mak, whose flight back home to Hong Kong from Dubai was delayed by five hours.</p>

<p>"I think the government is so rubbish and they don't have any response to the protesters," she added.</p>

<p>Frank Filser, 53, was struggling to reschedule a flight back to Germany to visit his father who has terminal cancer.</p>

<p>But he said he sympathised with the protesters despite the disruption.</p>

<p>"They fight for Hong Kong and that's their view," he said.</p>

<p>"Anytime I can go back to Germany, but what about the people who grew up here? This is their home."</p>

<p>Real estate worker Tibor, a long-term foreign resident of Hong Kong, was waiting at the terminal for a rescheduled flight after his journey on Monday was cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said he understood the protests because "it's really frustrating to live in a society where your government is not really having a dialogue with their own people".</p>

<p>A wide cross-section of Hong Kong has taken to the streets in recent weeks to show their support for the pro-democracy movement and condemn the police response to protests, including rallies of elderly residents and civil servants.</p>

<p>But the movement has divided parts of the city, with small demonstrations in support of police and the government, and scuffles breaking out between pro-Beijing residents and protesters in some neighbourhoods.</p>

<p>Some passengers at the airport took a less forgiving view of the occupation.</p>

<p>The nationalistic Chinese tabloid the Global Times tweeted footage of one irate Australian passenger who confronted young demonstrators and told them to "go get a job".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others told AFP they were angry at having their travel plans frustrated.</p>

<p>"I don't mind what they [the protesters] do but they made us five hours delayed," said 50-year-old Wing Au-Yeung, who had stopped off in the city to collect his aged mother before travelling to South Korea with his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They can do what they want but it should not affect other people."</p>


Travellers in Hong Kong's airport voiced support for pro-democracy demonstrators on Tuesday, despite an overnight occupation of the international transit hub that saw tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

Travellers in Hong Kong's airport voiced support for pro-democracy demonstrators on Tuesday, despite an overnight occupation of the international transit hub that saw tens of thousands of passengers stranded. The airport, one of the busiest in the world, reopened on Tuesday morning but hundreds of flights remained cancelled and several hundred protesters returned for a fresh rally on Tuesday afternoon. Monday's abrupt closure came 10 weeks into a crisis that has seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets in the biggest challenge to Chinese rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain. "It may affect me, but I still know what they are doing and I support them so it doesn't matter, said 27-year-old advertising worker Mag Mak, whose flight back home to Hong Kong from Dubai was delayed by five hours. "I think the government is so rubbish and they don't have any response to the protesters," she added. Frank Filser, 53, was struggling to reschedule a flight back to Germany to visit his father who has terminal cancer. But he said he sympathised with the protesters despite the disruption. "They fight for Hong Kong and that's their view," he said. "Anytime I can go back to Germany, but what about the people who grew up here? This is their home." Real estate worker Tibor, a long-term foreign resident of Hong Kong, was waiting at the terminal for a rescheduled flight after his journey on Monday was cancelled. He said he understood the protests because "it's really frustrating to live in a society where your government is not really having a dialogue with their own people". A wide cross-section of Hong Kong has taken to the streets in recent weeks to show their support for the pro-democracy movement and condemn the police response to protests, including rallies of elderly residents and civil servants. But the movement has divided parts of the city, with small demonstrations in support of police and the government, and scuffles breaking out between pro-Beijing residents and protesters in some neighbourhoods. Some passengers at the airport took a less forgiving view of the occupation. The nationalistic Chinese tabloid the Global Times tweeted footage of one irate Australian passenger who confronted young demonstrators and told them to "go get a job". Others told AFP they were angry at having their travel plans frustrated. "I don't mind what they [the protesters] do but they made us five hours delayed," said 50-year-old Wing Au-Yeung, who had stopped off in the city to collect his aged mother before travelling to South Korea with his family. "They can do what they want but it should not affect other people."

Stranded passengers voice support for Hong Kong protesters

Hong Kong's airport reopened on August 13 with some flights being resumed but hundreds remaining cancelled; airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and Malaysia Airlines were advising travellers to reschedule. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled

The US has urged all sides in Hong Kong to refrain from violence. Watch this video to know more.

US reacts to Hong Kong protest

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-check-ins-suspended-at-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242706">All check-ins suspended at Hong Kong airport as protests escalate</a></p>

<p>Authorities at Hong Kong airport on Tuesday suspended all departure check-ins after protesters blocked the facility for a second day, but some flights were still arriving and taking off.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerned-poland-says-india-pakistan-must-resolve-kashmir-issue-through-dialogue-242711">'Concerned’ Poland hopes India, Pakistan resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue</a></p>

<p>Poland's ambassador to India Adam Burakowski on Tuesday said that India and Pakistan have to resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-britain-might-free-oil-tanker-soon-irna-242778">Iran says Britain might free oil tanker soon; Gibraltar government source denies claim</a></p>

<p>Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-knife-attack-currently-not-classed-as-a-terrorist-incident-police-242764">Sydney knife attack currently not classed as a terrorist incident: Police</a></p>

<p>After a man went on a stabbing attack in downtown Sydney killing one woman and wounding another, police said he was carrying a knife and a computer thumb drive containing information about deadly attacks in North America and New Zealand when he went on the frenzy as a "lone actor".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-everything-stays-normal-we-will-meet-people-of-jammu-and-kashmir-without-guns-says-army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-242769">If everything stays normal, we will meet people of Jammu and Kashmir without guns, says Army Chief General Bipin Rawat</a></p>

<p>Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.</p>


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

All check-ins suspended at Hong Kong airport as protests escalate Authorities at Hong Kong airport on Tuesday suspended all departure check-ins after protesters blocked the facility for a second day, but some flights were still arriving and taking off. 'Concerned’ Poland hopes India, Pakistan resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue Poland's ambassador to India Adam Burakowski on Tuesday said that India and Pakistan have to resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally. Iran says Britain might free oil tanker soon; Gibraltar government source denies claim Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. Sydney knife attack currently not classed as a terrorist incident: Police After a man went on a stabbing attack in downtown Sydney killing one woman and wounding another, police said he was carrying a knife and a computer thumb drive containing information about deadly attacks in North America and New Zealand when he went on the frenzy as a "lone actor". If everything stays normal, we will meet people of Jammu and Kashmir without guns, says Army Chief General Bipin Rawat Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

Flights were cancelled after protesters took over terminals

Breaking News: Hong Kong airport cancels departing flights

Flight operations have been resumed after the halt

Hong Kong Airport Re-Opens

<p>Gold&nbsp;prices scaled their highest in more than&nbsp;six&nbsp;years on Tuesday, as concerns around protests in Hong Kong and an Argentine currency crash amid fears of global economic slowdown, prompted investors to move away from&nbsp;riskier assets.</p>

<p>Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;rose 0.7 per cent to $1,521.98 per ounce as of 0715 GMT, its highest since April 2013.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;gold&nbsp;futures rose 1 per cent to $1,533 an ounce.</p>

<p>"It is a pretty straight forward case of&nbsp;risk&nbsp;aversion. Crisis in Argentina and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/hong-kong-protestors-have-made-their-point-to-china-241289">political deterioration in Hong Kong</a>; underlying all of this, global growth is slowing," said Ilya Spivak, senior currency strategist with DailyFx.</p>

<p>"Central banks can only do so much because a lot of them are at near record-low interest rates. There is not a lot of ammunition to deploy as countermeasures to the slowdown in global growth."</p>

<p>Protesters managed to shut down Hong Kong's airport, the world's busiest cargo airport, on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protests, which started as an opposition to an extradition bill to mainland China, have expanded into wider calls for democracy.</p>

<p>On the other side of the globe, fears of a possible return to interventionist policies gripped the Argentine market after market-friendly President Mauricio Macri lost by a much bigger-than-expected margin in presidential primaries.</p>

<p>These uncertainties alongside fears of a drawn-out Sino-US trade war rattled financial markets, spurring investors to safe-haven assets.</p>

<p>Bullion, along with the Japanese yen and US Treasuries, is seen as a relatively safe investment in times of political and financial uncertainty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The yen stood near a seven-month high against the dollar.</p>

<p>Investors are focused on the Federal Reserve's annual symposium next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Traders see a 74 per cent chance of a 25 basis-point rate cut by the Fed this September.</p>

<p>Lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion and weigh on the dollar, making&nbsp;gold&nbsp;cheaper for investors holding other currencies.</p>

<p>"Heightened geopolitical&nbsp;risks from Hong Kong protests along with global growth concerns remain largely supportive towards safe-haven flows," brokerage Phillip Futures said in a note.</p>

<p>"Gold&nbsp;prices must hold above $1,500 for an extension of the bullish wave in the current term."</p>

<p>Reflecting increased investor interest in&nbsp;gold, holdings of SPDR&nbsp;Gold&nbsp;Trust, the world's largest&nbsp;gold-backed exchange-traded fund, jumped 0.9 per cent to 847.77 tonnes on Monday from Friday.</p>

<p>Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;may test a resistance at $1,524 per ounce, a break above which could lead to a gain to $1,546, said Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao.</p>

<p>Among other precious metals, silver climbed 1.8 per cent to $17.36 per ounce. During the session, it hit its highest since January 2018 at $17.42. Platinum rose 1.3 per cent to $863.83 and palladium gained 0.7 per cent to $1,437.98 an ounce.</p>


Gold prices scaled their highest in more than six years on Tuesday, as concerns around protests in Hong Kong and an Argentine currency crash amid fears of global economic slowdown, prompted investors to move away from riskier assets.

Gold prices scaled their highest in more than six years on Tuesday, as concerns around protests in Hong Kong and an Argentine currency crash amid fears of global economic slowdown, prompted investors to move away from riskier assets. Spot gold rose 0.7 per cent to $1,521.98 per ounce as of 0715 GMT, its highest since April 2013. US gold futures rose 1 per cent to $1,533 an ounce. "It is a pretty straight forward case of risk aversion. Crisis in Argentina and political deterioration in Hong Kong; underlying all of this, global growth is slowing," said Ilya Spivak, senior currency strategist with DailyFx. "Central banks can only do so much because a lot of them are at near record-low interest rates. There is not a lot of ammunition to deploy as countermeasures to the slowdown in global growth." Protesters managed to shut down Hong Kong's airport, the world's busiest cargo airport, on Monday. The protests, which started as an opposition to an extradition bill to mainland China, have expanded into wider calls for democracy. On the other side of the globe, fears of a possible return to interventionist policies gripped the Argentine market after market-friendly President Mauricio Macri lost by a much bigger-than-expected margin in presidential primaries. These uncertainties alongside fears of a drawn-out Sino-US trade war rattled financial markets, spurring investors to safe-haven assets. Bullion, along with the Japanese yen and US Treasuries, is seen as a relatively safe investment in times of political and financial uncertainty. The yen stood near a seven-month high against the dollar. Investors are focused on the Federal Reserve's annual symposium next week. Traders see a 74 per cent chance of a 25 basis-point rate cut by the Fed this September. Lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion and weigh on the dollar, making gold cheaper for investors holding other currencies. "Heightened geopolitical risks from Hong Kong protests along with global growth concerns remain largely supportive towards safe-haven flows," brokerage Phillip Futures said in a note. "Gold prices must hold above $1,500 for an extension of the bullish wave in the current term." Reflecting increased investor interest in gold, holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, jumped 0.9 per cent to 847.77 tonnes on Monday from Friday. Spot gold may test a resistance at $1,524 per ounce, a break above which could lead to a gain to $1,546, said Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. Among other precious metals, silver climbed 1.8 per cent to $17.36 per ounce. During the session, it hit its highest since January 2018 at $17.42. Platinum rose 1.3 per cent to $863.83 and palladium gained 0.7 per cent to $1,437.98 an ounce.

Gold hits over the six-year peak on risk-off sentiment

Hong Kong will suffer a heavy economic loss due to its airport shutdown caused by disruptive protests, said a government official from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday.

Illegal airport protests to cost Hong Kong heavily: SAR official

Hong Kong's airport was open for business again on Tuesday, a day after a mass protest by pro-democracy activists inside the terminal brought the air-transport hub to a standstill.

Hong Kong airport reopens after protest disruption

<p><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Share&nbsp;markets&nbsp;fell for a third straight day on Tuesday as fears about a drawn-out&nbsp;global&nbsp;trade war, protests in Hong Kong and a&nbsp;crash&nbsp;in&nbsp;Argentina's peso currency kept investors huddled in bonds, gold, and the Japanese yen for&nbsp;safety.</p>

<p>Early 0.3 per cent - 0.6 per cent drops from Europe's main indexes&nbsp;after&nbsp;some heavy falls in China, Hong Kong, Japan and other parts of Asia left MSCI's main 47-country world index down nearly 4 per cent for August so far.</p>

<p>Hong Kong's airport, the world's busiest cargo hub, had reopened&nbsp;after&nbsp;protests closed it the previous day, but the mood remained febrile&nbsp;after&nbsp;weeks of increasingly violent demonstrations in the Chinese-ruled territory.</p>

<p>Investors were also still assessing the wider damage caused by Monday's&nbsp;crash&nbsp;in&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;after&nbsp;its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauricio-macri-suffers-crushing-defeat-in-key-argentina-primaries-242365"> President Mauricio Macri </a>became the latest pro-free market, pro-reform leader to be given a beating at the polls by a populist rival.</p>

<p>The response was brutal. The peso collapsed 15 per cent, equities crumbled 48 per cent in dollar terms the second-biggest one-day slump anywhere since 1950 and the bond market&nbsp;crashed, with a 100-year bond that investors had recently gobbled up tumbling 20 per cent as fears of yet another government default spiked.</p>

<p>"Yes,&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;is a small economy. However, the last thing&nbsp;global&nbsp;markets&nbsp;want to see is another market-friendly government fall to populism and/or geopolitics," said Rabobank strategist Michael Every.</p>

<p>He added the 'wall of worry' also now includes the trade war, Brexit, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Kashmir, North Korea, South China Sea, Turkey, and Venezuela.</p>

<p>"Did I miss anything with tired eyes?"</p>

<p>With so much uncertainty around, Europe's traditional&nbsp;safety play, the 10-year German government bond, saw yields hit a new record low.</p>

<p>Equivalent US Treasury yields were straining for their lowest in almost three years, gold was pinned close to six-year highs and the yen was within a whisker of a seven-month peak versus the dollar.</p>

<p>ING analysts said the yen was benefiting 'from the best of both worlds', pointing to general risk aversion and a rush to the price in more interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.</p>

<p>They think the yen, at 105.32 in Europe, will rally to 102 or 103 per dollar later this year.</p>

<p>There was also the danger that moves could be amplified as many traders and investors are off for European and US summer holidays.</p>

<p>Yet, there was no shortage of gloomy news for investors looking to catch their breath from several months of market ructions.</p>

<p><strong>Panic and chaos</strong></p>

<p>The weeks-long protests in Hong Kong began in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China but have quickly morphed into the biggest challenge to China's authority over the city since it took Hong Kong back from Britain in 1997.</p>

<p>A state of 'panic and chaos' now exists, the city's embattled leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday, defying fresh calls to quit.</p>

<p>As she spoke, the benchmark Hang Seng index hit a seven-month low. By the close, it had dropped 2.1 per cent, dragging down&nbsp;markets&nbsp;across Asia and taking its losses past 6 per cent since the protests began in June.</p>

<p>MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific&nbsp;shares&nbsp;skidded 1.2 per cent as Chinese stocks and the Nikkei in Tokyo both fell around 1 per cent too.</p>

<p>The dive for&nbsp;safety pushed gold up another 0.5 per cent to $1.523 per ounce and its latest six-year high.</p>

<p>Oil prices meanwhile held their ground as expectations that major producers will continue to reduce supplies balanced out worries about sluggish economic growth.</p>

<p>Brent crude inched up to $58.74 while US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate futures were flat at $54.81 a barrel.</p>

<p>It comes too with Saudi Arabia pushing plans to float its national oil company Saudi Aramco in what could be the world's largest initial public offering (IPO).</p>

<p>"With Saudi Aramco reportedly eyeing an IPO once again, there is some support to the idea that Saudi Arabia has a heightened interest in strong crude prices and will cut its output accordingly," Vienna-based consultancy JBC Energy said.</p>


Share markets fell for a third straight day on Tuesday as fears about a drawn-out global trade war, protests in Hong Kong and a crash in Argentina's peso currency kept investors huddled in bonds, gold, and the Japanese yen for safety.

Share markets fell for a third straight day on Tuesday as fears about a drawn-out global trade war, protests in Hong Kong and a crash in Argentina's peso currency kept investors huddled in bonds, gold, and the Japanese yen for safety. Early 0.3 per cent - 0.6 per cent drops from Europe's main indexes after some heavy falls in China, Hong Kong, Japan and other parts of Asia left MSCI's main 47-country world index down nearly 4 per cent for August so far. Hong Kong's airport, the world's busiest cargo hub, had reopened after protests closed it the previous day, but the mood remained febrile after weeks of increasingly violent demonstrations in the Chinese-ruled territory. Investors were also still assessing the wider damage caused by Monday's crash in Argentina after its President Mauricio Macri became the latest pro-free market, pro-reform leader to be given a beating at the polls by a populist rival. The response was brutal. The peso collapsed 15 per cent, equities crumbled 48 per cent in dollar terms the second-biggest one-day slump anywhere since 1950 and the bond market crashed, with a 100-year bond that investors had recently gobbled up tumbling 20 per cent as fears of yet another government default spiked. "Yes, Argentina is a small economy. However, the last thing global markets want to see is another market-friendly government fall to populism and/or geopolitics," said Rabobank strategist Michael Every. He added the 'wall of worry' also now includes the trade war, Brexit, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Kashmir, North Korea, South China Sea, Turkey, and Venezuela. "Did I miss anything with tired eyes?" With so much uncertainty around, Europe's traditional safety play, the 10-year German government bond, saw yields hit a new record low. Equivalent US Treasury yields were straining for their lowest in almost three years, gold was pinned close to six-year highs and the yen was within a whisker of a seven-month peak versus the dollar. ING analysts said the yen was benefiting 'from the best of both worlds', pointing to general risk aversion and a rush to the price in more interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. They think the yen, at 105.32 in Europe, will rally to 102 or 103 per dollar later this year. There was also the danger that moves could be amplified as many traders and investors are off for European and US summer holidays. Yet, there was no shortage of gloomy news for investors looking to catch their breath from several months of market ructions. Panic and chaos The weeks-long protests in Hong Kong began in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China but have quickly morphed into the biggest challenge to China's authority over the city since it took Hong Kong back from Britain in 1997. A state of 'panic and chaos' now exists, the city's embattled leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday, defying fresh calls to quit. As she spoke, the benchmark Hang Seng index hit a seven-month low. By the close, it had dropped 2.1 per cent, dragging down markets across Asia and taking its losses past 6 per cent since the protests began in June. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares skidded 1.2 per cent as Chinese stocks and the Nikkei in Tokyo both fell around 1 per cent too. The dive for safety pushed gold up another 0.5 per cent to $1.523 per ounce and its latest six-year high. Oil prices meanwhile held their ground as expectations that major producers will continue to reduce supplies balanced out worries about sluggish economic growth. Brent crude inched up to $58.74 while US West Texas Intermediate futures were flat at $54.81 a barrel. It comes too with Saudi Arabia pushing plans to float its national oil company Saudi Aramco in what could be the world's largest initial public offering (IPO). "With Saudi Aramco reportedly eyeing an IPO once again, there is some support to the idea that Saudi Arabia has a heightened interest in strong crude prices and will cut its output accordingly," Vienna-based consultancy JBC Energy said.

Shares shunted after Argentina crash, safe-havens shine

<p>The UN rights chief on Tuesday voiced concern over force used against protesters during massive<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-you-die-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-grilled-at-press-conference-242677"> demonstrations in Hong Kong</a> and called for an impartial probe.</p>

<p>UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is calling for "prompt, independent, impartial investigation" into alleged excessive force by police <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stranded-passengers-voice-support-for-hong-kong-protesters-242662">against the protesters</a>, her spokesman Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, pro-democracy protesters blocked passengers at departure gates in several sections of Hong Kong airport Tuesday, a day after a sit-in forced authorities to cancel all flights to and from the major international hub.</p>

<p>In both terminals of the airport, protesters blocked paths to departure gates, though several dozen passengers were able to push through.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I support your cause... but I need to see my family," a man shouted as protesters dressed in black surrounded him, preventing him from reaching the gates.</p>

<p>Some passengers said they had been told to check their bags in at Terminal 1 and then move to Terminal 2 to take-off, but when they arrived they found more protesters also blocking the way.</p>

<p>The demonstrators moved luggage trolleys to prevent passengers using an elevator or escalator leading down to the departure gates on the bottom floor of Terminal 2.</p>

<p>Then they formed a human chain, linking arm-in-arm to stop passengers from getting to the departures area.</p>

<p>A crowd of angry passengers, among them families with children, tried to push through without success.</p>

<p>"Come on you're being really selfish now," shouted one man.</p>


The UN rights chief on Tuesday voiced concern over force used against protesters during massive demonstrations in Hong Kong and called for an impartial probe. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is calling for "prompt, independent, impartial investigation" into alleged excessive force by police against the protesters, her spokesman Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva.

The UN rights chief on Tuesday voiced concern over force used against protesters during massive demonstrations in Hong Kong and called for an impartial probe. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is calling for "prompt, independent, impartial investigation" into alleged excessive force by police against the protesters, her spokesman Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva. Meanwhile, pro-democracy protesters blocked passengers at departure gates in several sections of Hong Kong airport Tuesday, a day after a sit-in forced authorities to cancel all flights to and from the major international hub. In both terminals of the airport, protesters blocked paths to departure gates, though several dozen passengers were able to push through. "I support your cause... but I need to see my family," a man shouted as protesters dressed in black surrounded him, preventing him from reaching the gates. Some passengers said they had been told to check their bags in at Terminal 1 and then move to Terminal 2 to take-off, but when they arrived they found more protesters also blocking the way. The demonstrators moved luggage trolleys to prevent passengers using an elevator or escalator leading down to the departure gates on the bottom floor of Terminal 2. Then they formed a human chain, linking arm-in-arm to stop passengers from getting to the departures area. A crowd of angry passengers, among them families with children, tried to push through without success. "Come on you're being really selfish now," shouted one man.

UN rights chief calls for independent, impartial investigation into Hong Kong violence

<p>When Hong Kong's leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-rule-of-law-being-damaged-citys-recovery-will-take-long-time-242574">Carrie Lam</a> appeared before the press on Tuesday, she appeared to be expecting to deliver a brief statement and move on. Instead, she faced a media onslaught.</p>

<p>No sooner were her prepared remarks finished than the full-frontal assault -- in both Cantonese and English -- began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You blame your own political misjudgement on others, and refuse to acknowledge your mistakes," one journalist said.</p>

<p>"When will you accept political responsibility to end citizens' fear?... When will you be willing to step down? When will you tell the police to stop?," the reporter from Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK asked.</p>

<p>Before Lam could respond, the reporter added an admonition: "You asked me in the past to take my job seriously, so please answer me seriously as well."</p>

<p>The embattled Beijing-backed leader began to reply but more questions were shouted.</p>

<p>"Citizens are afraid of you and the police, can you answer the question?"</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled</strong></p>

<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-airport-reopens-still-about-200-flights-remain-cancelled-242660/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The combative press conference was an indication of the rising tensions in the city after a weekend of violence that left dozens of people with injuries, some of them serious.</p>

<p>Under the "One country, two systems" principle, the media in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-us-urges-all-sides-to-refrain-from-violence-flight-operations-resume-after-unprecedented-closure-242560">Hong Kong</a> enjoys freedoms unheard of in mainland China. A broad spectrum of political leanings are represented, from fiesty independent elements to strongly pro-Beijing outlets.</p>

<p>Lam at times appeared caught off-guard by the intensity of the questioning, with reporters repeatedly interrupting her and accusing her of failing to respond.</p>

<p>"Please don't interrupt," an official pleaded as reporters shouted over Lam.</p>

<p>At one point she paused, looked down, and then looked up again at reporters with her eyebrows raised as they continued to fire questions at her.</p>

<p>At other moments, she sipped from a glass of water as the barrage of questions continued.</p>

<p>In her opening remarks, she called for calm.</p>

<p>"I again ask everyone to put aside your differences and calm down," Lam said, who appeared to be on the verge of tears at one point.</p>

<p>"Take a minute to think, look at our city, our home, do you all really want to see it pushed into an abyss?"</p>

<p>Lam defended the police against accusations of excessive force over the weekend, when rounds of tear gas were fired into subway stations and on crowded shopping streets.</p>

<p>She said she was "heartbroken" by reports of serious injuries, but offered no concessions to the demonstrators and insisted that police were facing "extremely difficult circumstances".</p>

<p>"This question has been answered," she repeated as she was pressed on whether Beijing would allow her to fully withdraw a now-suspended bill allowing extradition to the mainland -- a key protester demand.</p>

<p>And the barrage continued as she abruptly left the podium: "Do you have a conscience?" shouted one journalist.</p>

<p>"Mrs Lam, many citizens have been asking recently when you will die," yelled another.</p>


When Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam appeared before the press on Tuesday, she appeared to be expecting to deliver a brief statement and move on. Instead, she faced a media onslaught.

When Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam appeared before the press on Tuesday, she appeared to be expecting to deliver a brief statement and move on. Instead, she faced a media onslaught. No sooner were her prepared remarks finished than the full-frontal assault -- in both Cantonese and English -- began. "You blame your own political misjudgement on others, and refuse to acknowledge your mistakes," one journalist said. "When will you accept political responsibility to end citizens' fear?... When will you be willing to step down? When will you tell the police to stop?," the reporter from Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK asked. Before Lam could respond, the reporter added an admonition: "You asked me in the past to take my job seriously, so please answer me seriously as well." The embattled Beijing-backed leader began to reply but more questions were shouted. "Citizens are afraid of you and the police, can you answer the question?" Watch: Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled × The combative press conference was an indication of the rising tensions in the city after a weekend of violence that left dozens of people with injuries, some of them serious. Under the "One country, two systems" principle, the media in Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unheard of in mainland China. A broad spectrum of political leanings are represented, from fiesty independent elements to strongly pro-Beijing outlets. Lam at times appeared caught off-guard by the intensity of the questioning, with reporters repeatedly interrupting her and accusing her of failing to respond. "Please don't interrupt," an official pleaded as reporters shouted over Lam. At one point she paused, looked down, and then looked up again at reporters with her eyebrows raised as they continued to fire questions at her. At other moments, she sipped from a glass of water as the barrage of questions continued. In her opening remarks, she called for calm. "I again ask everyone to put aside your differences and calm down," Lam said, who appeared to be on the verge of tears at one point. "Take a minute to think, look at our city, our home, do you all really want to see it pushed into an abyss?" Lam defended the police against accusations of excessive force over the weekend, when rounds of tear gas were fired into subway stations and on crowded shopping streets. She said she was "heartbroken" by reports of serious injuries, but offered no concessions to the demonstrators and insisted that police were facing "extremely difficult circumstances". "This question has been answered," she repeated as she was pressed on whether Beijing would allow her to fully withdraw a now-suspended bill allowing extradition to the mainland -- a key protester demand. And the barrage continued as she abruptly left the podium: "Do you have a conscience?" shouted one journalist. "Mrs Lam, many citizens have been asking recently when you will die," yelled another.

'When will you die?' Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam grilled at press conference

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-protesters-return-to-streets-for-tenth-week-riot-police-fire-tears-gas-into-rail-station-242309">As Hong Kong protesters return to streets for tenth week, riot police fire tears gas into rail station</a></p>

<p>Police in Hong Kong fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-lekima-affects-more-than-6-million-people-in-china-242310">Typhoon Lekima affects more than 6 million people in China</a></p>

<p>Typhoon Lekima has affected at least six and a half million people in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Fujian, since making landfall last week.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-death-toll-rises-to-72-58-reported-to-be-missing-242306">Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 72; 58 reported to be missing</a></p>

<p>As many as 72 people have died as flood and landslides wreak havoc in Kerala while 58 have been reported missing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-security-adviser-john-bolton-to-urge-tougher-uk-stance-on-iran-and-china-242307">US security adviser John Bolton to urge tougher UK stance on Iran and China</a></p>

<p>John Bolton, US President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, arrived in London on Sunday for talks at which he is expected to urge Britain to toughen its stance on Iran and Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-victims-express-outrage-over-sex-trafficker-jeffrey-epsteins-death-us-lawmakers-push-for-investigation-for-any-foul-play-242305">As victims express outrage over sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's death, US lawmakers push for investigation for any foul play</a></p>

<p>Outrage and intrigue over the apparent suicide in prison of well-connected accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein soared Sunday as US lawmakers pushed for answers, including whether "criminal acts" played a role in his death.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


As Hong Kong protesters return to streets for tenth week, riot police fire tears gas into rail station Police in Hong Kong fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row.

As Hong Kong protesters return to streets for tenth week, riot police fire tears gas into rail station Police in Hong Kong fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at thousands of pro-democracy protesters who defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the tenth weekend in a row. Typhoon Lekima affects more than 6 million people in China Typhoon Lekima has affected at least six and a half million people in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong and Fujian, since making landfall last week. Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 72; 58 reported to be missing As many as 72 people have died as flood and landslides wreak havoc in Kerala while 58 have been reported missing. US security adviser John Bolton to urge tougher UK stance on Iran and China John Bolton, US President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, arrived in London on Sunday for talks at which he is expected to urge Britain to toughen its stance on Iran and Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei. As victims express outrage over sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's death, US lawmakers push for investigation for any foul play Outrage and intrigue over the apparent suicide in prison of well-connected accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein soared Sunday as US lawmakers pushed for answers, including whether "criminal acts" played a role in his death.

Know why the fashion brand Versace is courting controversy.

WION PLaylist: China hits out at Versace

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-president-xi-to-meet-in-varanasi-on-october-11-report-242469">PM Modi, President Xi to meet in Varanasi on October 11: Report</a></p>

<p>PM Modi will be meeting President Xi in Varanasi in October, sources have told WION. The meeting is likely to take place on October 11th, reports said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-in-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242407">Flights cancelled in Hong Kong airport as protests escalate</a></p>

<p>Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammua-and-kashmir-omar-abdullah-and-mehbooba-mufti-fight-it-out-at-srinagars-hari-niwas-palace-242437">Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti 'fight it out' at Srinagar's Hari Niwas Palace</a></p>

<p>Scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-to-reach-moons-orbit-on-august-20-says-isro-chairman-k-sivan-242446">Chandrayaan-2 to reach moon's orbit on August 20, says ISRO chairman K Sivan</a></p>

<p>Chandrayaan-2, the second generation moon mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expected to reach the moon's orbit on August 20, chairman K Sivan said on Monday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-floods-death-toll-due-to-landslide-climbs-to-59-242443">Myanmar floods: Death toll due to landslide climbs to 59</a></p>

<p>Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under floodwaters that have already forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday.</p>


PM Modi, President Xi to meet in Varanasi on October 11: Report PM Modi will be meeting President Xi in Varanasi in October, sources have told WION. The meeting is likely to take place on October 11th, reports said.

PM Modi, President Xi to meet in Varanasi on October 11: Report PM Modi will be meeting President Xi in Varanasi in October, sources have told WION. The meeting is likely to take place on October 11th, reports said. Flights cancelled in Hong Kong airport as protests escalate Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration. Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti 'fight it out' at Srinagar's Hari Niwas Palace Scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two. Chandrayaan-2 to reach moon's orbit on August 20, says ISRO chairman K Sivan Chandrayaan-2, the second generation moon mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expected to reach the moon's orbit on August 20, chairman K Sivan said on Monday. Myanmar floods: Death toll due to landslide climbs to 59 Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under floodwaters that have already forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday.

<p>The British government is&nbsp;concerned&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../as-hong-kong-protesters-return-to-streets-for- tenth-week-riot-police-fire-tears-gas-into-rail-station-242309">latest&nbsp;violence&nbsp;</a>in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and wants calm from all sides, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.</p>

<p>Hong&nbsp;Kong's airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-100-flights-cancelled-as-hong-kong- protesters-launch-city-wide-strike-240696">cancelled all flights</a> on Monday, with authorities blaming demonstrators for the disruption of one of the world's busiest terminals, an escalation in anti-government protests in the former British colony.</p>

<p>Johnson's spokesman said the Britain wanted the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government to engage with all parties in constructive dialogue.</p>


The British government is concerned about the latest violence in Hong Kong and wants calm from all sides, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

The British government is concerned about the latest violence in Hong Kong and wants calm from all sides, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Hong Kong's airport cancelled all flights on Monday, with authorities blaming demonstrators for the disruption of one of the world's busiest terminals, an escalation in anti-government protests in the former British colony. Johnson's spokesman said the Britain wanted the Hong Kong government to engage with all parties in constructive dialogue.

Want Hong Kong government to engage with all parties: UK

<p>Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">departing and arriving flights</a> at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.</p>

<p>"Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement.</p>

<p>The decision came after thousands of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equipped-with-surveillance-cameras-hong-kong-police-unveils-water-cannon-after-new-protests-242370"> pro-democracy demonstrators</a> flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police".</p>

<p>"Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said.</p>

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-humanitarian-the-medics-helping-hong-kongs-protesters-242400/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>


<p>It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full.</p>

<p>"Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport."</p>

<p>More than 5,000 protesters gathered at Hong Kong airport on Monday, police said, as authorities cancelled all the day's remaining flights in and out of the busy international transport hub.</p>

<p>"The information I got before we came in was that in the airport passenger terminal building there are over 5,000 protesters," said Kong Wing-cheung, senior superintendent of the police public relations branch, at a press conference.</p>

<p>Kong said airport authorities had allowed demonstrators to gather in the arrivals halls -- although the protest was not granted a permit from police -- but accused the activists of blocking departures.</p>

<p>"Some of the protesters had gone into the departures hall, causing some passengers to be unable to enter the restricted area to exercise their personal freedom, which is to board their flight," he said.</p>

<p>Pro-democracy activists staged three days of sit-ins at the airport from Friday, but the protests were significantly smaller than Monday's which followed a weekend of often violent confrontations between police and demonstrators across the city.</p>


Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.

Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration. "Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement. The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police". "Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said. Watch Video: It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full. "Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport." More than 5,000 protesters gathered at Hong Kong airport on Monday, police said, as authorities cancelled all the day's remaining flights in and out of the busy international transport hub. "The information I got before we came in was that in the airport passenger terminal building there are over 5,000 protesters," said Kong Wing-cheung, senior superintendent of the police public relations branch, at a press conference. Kong said airport authorities had allowed demonstrators to gather in the arrivals halls -- although the protest was not granted a permit from police -- but accused the activists of blocking departures. "Some of the protesters had gone into the departures hall, causing some passengers to be unable to enter the restricted area to exercise their personal freedom, which is to board their flight," he said. Pro-democracy activists staged three days of sit-ins at the airport from Friday, but the protests were significantly smaller than Monday's which followed a weekend of often violent confrontations between police and demonstrators across the city.

Flights cancelled in Hong Kong airport as protests escalate

<p>China on Monday slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-hong-kong-protesters-return-to-streets-for-tenth-week-riot-police-fire-tears-gas-into-rail-station-242309">violent protesters in Hong Kong</a> who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and linked them to "terrorism", as Beijing ramps up its rhetoric against pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.</p>

<p>"Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging," said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.</p>

<p>"This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order,"&nbsp;he said at a press briefing in Beijing.</p>

<p>Yang's remarks came a day after thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the 10th weekend in a row.</p>

<p>Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at protestors after denying their requests for permits to stage a march.</p>

<p>But Yang focused on the violent behavior of a "tiny minority", which he condemned as "a serious challenge to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."</p>

<p>The two-month crisis, which was triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law, has morphed into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms.</p>

<p>It is the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from Britain in 1997 -- and has drawn repeated criticism but no forceful actions yet from the central Chinese government.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Anti-government protest in Hong Kong</strong></p>

<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/11th-week-of-anti-government-protest-in-hong-kong-242373/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.</p>

<p>"Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement.</p>

<p>The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police".</p>

<p>"Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said.</p>

<p>It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full.</p>

<p>"Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport."</p>

<p>Earlier in the day,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equipped-with-surveillance-cameras-hong-kong-police-unveils-water-cannon-after-new-protests-242370"> Hong Kong Police demonstrated water cannon trucks </a>in warning to the protestors after tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies.</p>

<p>The brand-new vehicles, complete with real-time surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, were wheeled out after police clashed with demonstrators at nearly a dozen locations on Sunday.</p>

<p>They fired tear gas on shopping streets and in subway stations, with protesters hurling bricks and spraying riot police with fire extinguishers and water hoses.</p>

<p>A government official said 45 people were injured in the clashes, including two who were in serious condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police also arrested protesters across the city, with activists claiming plainclothes officers dressed in the movement's signature black and infiltrated their ranks to detain demonstrators.</p>


China on Monday slammed violent protesters in Hong Kong who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and linked them to "terrorism", as Beijing ramps up its rhetoric against pro-democracy protests in the financial hub.

China on Monday slammed violent protesters in Hong Kong who had thrown petrol bombs at police officers and linked them to "terrorism", as Beijing ramps up its rhetoric against pro-democracy protests in the financial hub. "Hong Kong's radical demonstrators have repeatedly used extremely dangerous tools to attack police officers, which already constitutes a serious violent crime, and also shows the first signs of terrorism emerging," said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. "This wantonly tramples on Hong Kong's rule of law and social order," he said at a press briefing in Beijing. Yang's remarks came a day after thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied warnings from authorities to hit the streets for the 10th weekend in a row. Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas Sunday at protestors after denying their requests for permits to stage a march. But Yang focused on the violent behavior of a "tiny minority", which he condemned as "a serious challenge to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability." The two-month crisis, which was triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law, has morphed into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms. It is the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from Britain in 1997 -- and has drawn repeated criticism but no forceful actions yet from the central Chinese government. Watch: Anti-government protest in Hong Kong × Meanwhile, Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration. "Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement. The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police". "Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said. It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full. "Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport." Earlier in the day, Hong Kong Police demonstrated water cannon trucks in warning to the protestors after tear gas and rubber bullets failed to stop more than two months of rallies. The brand-new vehicles, complete with real-time surveillance cameras and multiple spray nozzles, were wheeled out after police clashed with demonstrators at nearly a dozen locations on Sunday. They fired tear gas on shopping streets and in subway stations, with protesters hurling bricks and spraying riot police with fire extinguishers and water hoses. A government official said 45 people were injured in the clashes, including two who were in serious condition. Police also arrested protesters across the city, with activists claiming plainclothes officers dressed in the movement's signature black and infiltrated their ranks to detain demonstrators.

China slams Hong Kong violence as 'terrorism'; airport cancels all flight operations due to protests

<p>Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China.&nbsp;A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries.<br />
<br />
After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated.&nbsp;<br />
The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers.<br />
<br />
Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity.<br />
<br />
Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/versace/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Versace</a> (@versace) on <time datetime="2019-08-11T09:32:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coach</a> (@coach) on <time datetime="2019-08-12T04:14:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.&nbsp;</p>


Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China. A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.

Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China. A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue. Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”. On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”. Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries. After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated. The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers. Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity. Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“ View this post on Instagram “I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware. A post shared by Versace (@versace) on Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT × Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity. "In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. View this post on Instagram Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers. A post shared by Coach (@coach) on Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT × We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.

Luxury brands Versace, Coach face severe backlash in China for their T-shirts

Several thousand people gathered on Monday for the fourth day of protest at Hong Kong's busy international airport. It came as police fired water cannon as pro-democracy street protests continued on the streets of one of the city's main shopping districts. Watch this video to know more about the story.

11th week of anti-government protest in Hong Kong

<p>China warned Britain to stop "meddling" in Hong Kong after a top British official called the international financial hub's leader to voice concern about protests that have rocked the city for two months.</p>

<p>The pro-democracy protests, which are partly fuelled by widespread anger at erosion of liberties in Hong Kong, have become the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997.</p>

<p>On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had a call with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, where he emphasised the need for a "fully independent investigation into recent events", according to Britain's foreign ministry -- prompting a furious response from Beijing.</p>

<p>"China solemnly demands that the British side immediately stop all actions that meddle in Hong Kong affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying Saturday.</p>

<p>Slamming Raab's decision to call Carrie Lam as "wrong", Hua urged Britain to stop "stirring up trouble" in Hong Kong in an online statement.</p>

<p>Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous region as funded by the West but has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians.</p>

<p>Last week, the Chinese government slammed Washington after reports emerged that some US diplomats based in Hong Kong had met with pro-democracy activists.</p>

<p>The Chinese foreign ministry urged the US to "immediately make a clean break with various anti-China rioters" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs immediately".</p>

<p>Tensions are high in the Asian financial hub after two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.</p>

<p>Last week, the city witnessed a rare general strike and the most widespread unrest in two months of demonstrations -- with police firing 800 rounds of tear gas in a single day at a dozen locations.</p>

<p>A total of 420 people have been arrested since rallies began on June 9, according to Hong Kong police in early August.</p>


China warned Britain to stop "meddling" in Hong Kong after a top British official called the international financial hub's leader to voice concern about protests that have rocked the city for two months.

China warned Britain to stop "meddling" in Hong Kong after a top British official called the international financial hub's leader to voice concern about protests that have rocked the city for two months. The pro-democracy protests, which are partly fuelled by widespread anger at erosion of liberties in Hong Kong, have become the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997. On Friday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had a call with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, where he emphasised the need for a "fully independent investigation into recent events", according to Britain's foreign ministry -- prompting a furious response from Beijing. "China solemnly demands that the British side immediately stop all actions that meddle in Hong Kong affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying Saturday. Slamming Raab's decision to call Carrie Lam as "wrong", Hua urged Britain to stop "stirring up trouble" in Hong Kong in an online statement. Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous region as funded by the West but has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians. Last week, the Chinese government slammed Washington after reports emerged that some US diplomats based in Hong Kong had met with pro-democracy activists. The Chinese foreign ministry urged the US to "immediately make a clean break with various anti-China rioters" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs immediately". Tensions are high in the Asian financial hub after two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Last week, the city witnessed a rare general strike and the most widespread unrest in two months of demonstrations -- with police firing 800 rounds of tear gas in a single day at a dozen locations. A total of 420 people have been arrested since rallies began on June 9, according to Hong Kong police in early August.

China demands Britain stop 'meddling' in Hong Kong

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 11th, 2019

<p>&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police&nbsp;and&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;clashed in cat-and-mouse encounters across the city on Sunday, marking a shift in&nbsp;tactics&nbsp;during a tenth straight weekend of unrest in the former British colony where people are chafing at Chinese rule.</p>

<p>Seeking to clear streets quicker than before,&nbsp;police&nbsp;fired tear gas and charged with batons at flashpoints downtown and in working-class districts.</p>

<p>Demonstrators, who at one point lobbed two petrol bombs, retaliated with a flash-mob strategy: withdrawing when pressed, only to re-appear elsewhere.</p>

<p>The increasingly violent protests since June have plunged the Asian financial hub into its most serious crisis in decades and are one of the biggest popular challenges to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.</p>

<p>Despite the intense&nbsp;police&nbsp;response and a toughening stance from China, the movement that began two months ago in opposition to a bill allowing extradition to the mainland still seems to enjoy broad support in the city of more than 7 million people.</p>

<p>"We've been running all day but we're not tired," said Ah Sing, a protester in his 30s, wearing a black vest and surgical mask while he rushed from one protest to another.</p>

<p>"This is our response to Carrie Lam," he added, referring to the city's Beijing-backed leader. "If she doesn't listen to the people and respond to our reasonable demands, we're going to continue to spread protests across&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong."</p>

<p>Beijing says criminals and agitators are stirring violence, encouraged by "interfering" foreign powers including Britain.</p>

<p>Demonstrators say they are fighting against the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement enshrining some autonomy for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;when China took it back in 1997.</p>

<p>"Independence for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is not viable in the near term," acknowledged protester Sam, 23, a barrister, while music pumped from cabaret lounges in Wan Chai's bar district behind him, "But we have to fight for our freedoms and democracy."</p>

<p>Shortly after, riot&nbsp;police&nbsp;fired a volley-after volley of tear gas at his makeshift barricade of railings, wood and&nbsp;police&nbsp;cones, forcing&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;to withdraw.</p>

<p><strong>Liberate Hong Kong</strong></p>

<p>Tear gas was also used against&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in several places in Kowloon, the main built-up area on the mainland side of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;harbour. Demonstrators avoided heading to North Point, where local pro-Beijing groups had mobilised supporters.</p>

<p>Authorities have begun emphasising the damage on the city's economy, already buffeted by China's slowdown and the U.S.-China trade war. They are also applying pressure on big companies like Cathay Pacific Airways, which has been told to suspend staff engaged in illegal protests.</p>

<p>Police&nbsp;have arrested more than 600 people.</p>

<p>Yet activists' demands have grown to include greater democracy and Lam's resignation. They marched on Sunday despite an official ban, with confrontations coming at nightfall.</p>

<p>Chants of "Liberate&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong" echoed through the working-class area of Sham Shui Po when more than a thousand black-shirted&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;marched. Some residents cheered, while drivers honked horns or gave a thumbs-up.</p>

<p>"We have lived in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;all our lives and this is the hardest time because the government is not listening to the citizens," said a 63-year-old man surnamed Leung, who joined a protest with his 93-year-old father in a wheelchair.</p>

<p>Hong&nbsp;Kong's government says the protests are pushing the city to an extremely dangerous edge.</p>

<p>"I fear the government's flat rejections of this is just one more missed opportunity to try to cool things down a bit," pro-democracy lawmaker Fernando Cheung told Reuters after a daytime rally near the financial centre's business district.</p>

<p>Young people have been at the forefront of activism.</p>

<p>They have dominated a peaceful sit-in at the city's international airport which entered its third day on Sunday, with about a thousand demonstrators singing songs and handing out flyers to arriving travellers amid a carnival atmosphere.</p>

<p>"I am concerned about my future, about&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's future, we all are," said Victor, a 27-year-old art tutor, his face slick with tears from tear-gas smoke near Wan Chai.</p>

<p>"We want to avoid China completely taking over. If we&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;leave, they will take over immediately."</p>


Hong Kong police and protesters clashed in cat-and-mouse encounters across the city on Sunday, marking a shift in tactics during a tenth straight weekend of unrest in the former British colony where people are chafing at Chinese rule.

Hong Kong police and protesters clashed in cat-and-mouse encounters across the city on Sunday, marking a shift in tactics during a tenth straight weekend of unrest in the former British colony where people are chafing at Chinese rule. Seeking to clear streets quicker than before, police fired tear gas and charged with batons at flashpoints downtown and in working-class districts. Demonstrators, who at one point lobbed two petrol bombs, retaliated with a flash-mob strategy: withdrawing when pressed, only to re-appear elsewhere. The increasingly violent protests since June have plunged the Asian financial hub into its most serious crisis in decades and are one of the biggest popular challenges to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Despite the intense police response and a toughening stance from China, the movement that began two months ago in opposition to a bill allowing extradition to the mainland still seems to enjoy broad support in the city of more than 7 million people. "We've been running all day but we're not tired," said Ah Sing, a protester in his 30s, wearing a black vest and surgical mask while he rushed from one protest to another. "This is our response to Carrie Lam," he added, referring to the city's Beijing-backed leader. "If she doesn't listen to the people and respond to our reasonable demands, we're going to continue to spread protests across Hong Kong." Beijing says criminals and agitators are stirring violence, encouraged by "interfering" foreign powers including Britain. Demonstrators say they are fighting against the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement enshrining some autonomy for Hong Kong when China took it back in 1997. "Independence for Hong Kong is not viable in the near term," acknowledged protester Sam, 23, a barrister, while music pumped from cabaret lounges in Wan Chai's bar district behind him, "But we have to fight for our freedoms and democracy." Shortly after, riot police fired a volley-after volley of tear gas at his makeshift barricade of railings, wood and police cones, forcing protesters to withdraw. Liberate Hong Kong Tear gas was also used against protesters in several places in Kowloon, the main built-up area on the mainland side of Hong Kong harbour. Demonstrators avoided heading to North Point, where local pro-Beijing groups had mobilised supporters. Authorities have begun emphasising the damage on the city's economy, already buffeted by China's slowdown and the U.S.-China trade war. They are also applying pressure on big companies like Cathay Pacific Airways, which has been told to suspend staff engaged in illegal protests. Police have arrested more than 600 people. Yet activists' demands have grown to include greater democracy and Lam's resignation. They marched on Sunday despite an official ban, with confrontations coming at nightfall. Chants of "Liberate Hong Kong" echoed through the working-class area of Sham Shui Po when more than a thousand black-shirted protesters marched. Some residents cheered, while drivers honked horns or gave a thumbs-up. "We have lived in Hong Kong all our lives and this is the hardest time because the government is not listening to the citizens," said a 63-year-old man surnamed Leung, who joined a protest with his 93-year-old father in a wheelchair. Hong Kong's government says the protests are pushing the city to an extremely dangerous edge. "I fear the government's flat rejections of this is just one more missed opportunity to try to cool things down a bit," pro-democracy lawmaker Fernando Cheung told Reuters after a daytime rally near the financial centre's business district. Young people have been at the forefront of activism. They have dominated a peaceful sit-in at the city's international airport which entered its third day on Sunday, with about a thousand demonstrators singing songs and handing out flyers to arriving travellers amid a carnival atmosphere. "I am concerned about my future, about Hong Kong's future, we all are," said Victor, a 27-year-old art tutor, his face slick with tears from tear-gas smoke near Wan Chai. "We want to avoid China completely taking over. If we protesters leave, they will take over immediately."

Hong Kong police and protesters refine battle tactics

<p>Empty hotel rooms, struggling shops and even disruption at Disneyland,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-during-another-weekend-of-protests-242034">months of protests in Hong Kong</a> have taken a major toll on the city's economy, with no end in sight.</p>

<p>City leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-chief-warns-of-economic-fall-rules-out-concessions-241809">Carrie Lam has warned that the international financial hub is facing an economic crisis</a> worse than either the 2003 SARS outbreak that paralysed Hong Kong or the 2008 financial crisis.</p>

<p>"The situation this time is more severe," she said. "In other words, the economic recovery will take a very long time."</p>

<p>The private sector, in particular, the tourism industry, has begun counting the cost of more than two months of demonstrations that erupted in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to China but have morphed into a broader pro-democracy movement.</p>

<p>The figures are stark,&nbsp;hotel occupancy rates are down "double-digit" percentages, as were visitor arrivals in July. Group tour bookings from the short-haul market have plunged up to 50 per cent.</p>

<p>"In recent months, what has happened in Hong Kong has indeed put local people's livelihoods as well as the economy in a worrying, or even dangerous situation," warned Edward Yau, Hong Kong's secretary for commerce and economic development.</p>

<p>The city's tourism industry says it feels under siege.</p>

<p>"I think the situation is getting more and more serious," Jason Wong, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impact is so bad that travel agents are considering putting staff on unpaid leave as they try to weather the storm, he warned.</p>

<p><strong>Even Disneyland hit</strong></p>

<p>Images of increasingly violent clashes between masked protesters and police firing tear gas in the city's streets have made global headlines, with protesters announcing new demonstrations throughout August as they press their demands.</p>

<p>A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesperson told AFP that the number of forwarding bookings in August and September has "dropped significantly," suggesting the economic toll will linger throughout the summer season.</p>

<p>A string of travel warnings issued by countries including the United States, Australia and Japan is likely to compound the industry's woes.</p>

<p>The fall in arrivals has hurt Hong Kong's carrier Cathay Pacific, which was also forced to cancel flights this week during a general strike that caused chaos in the city.</p>

<p>And even Disneyland Hong Kong has been hit, with CEO Bob Iger telling reporters: "We have seen an impact from the protests."</p>

<p>"There's definitely been disruption. That has impacted our visitation there."</p>

<p>The retail sector has also been hit by the drop in arriving visitors hunting for bargains, shops often forced to shutter during the sometimes daily protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts say the crisis is compounding the economic downturn Hong Kong was already experiencing as a result of being caught up in the US-China trade war.</p>

<p>It's a "double whammy," warned Stephen Innes, Managing Partner of Valour Markets."</p>

<p>"We always take a view that oh, this too will pass. But so far that view is not holding any water... and now it seems like every weekend we're dealing with further escalations," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Nastier than expected'</strong></p>

<p>The property market, which fell over 20 per cent during the 2008 financial crash, remains strong.</p>

<p>But Innes warned that the deepening crisis could result in capital outflows.</p>

<p>"All the money from the mainland that has propped up Hong Kong property markets could reverse as quickly as it flowed in," he said.</p>

<p>"This is getting a little bit nastier than any of us had expected."</p>

<p>The economic picture for the city was far from pretty even before the protests began, with growth shrinking from 4.6 per cent to 0.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter -- the worst quarterly performance in a decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Preliminary data suggests the second quarter fared no better, and while the government still hopes for 2-3 per cent growth this year, predictions from major banks are more pessimistic.</p>

<p>Those falls reflect the effects of the US-China trade war on an economy that relies heavily on logistics processing and is vulnerable to a fall in trade.</p>

<p>The impact of the protests on growth will not be clear until later in the year, but Martin Rasmussen, China Economist at Capital Economics, said the crisis was likely to weigh heavily.</p>

<p>"In the beginning, they were quite peaceful, you could say comparable to the protests back in 2014," he said, referring to pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in the city.</p>

<p>"Now they've become much more extreme, so we think the impact on the economy will begin to take its toll."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Empty hotel rooms, struggling shops and even disruption at Disneyland, months of protests in Hong Kong have taken a major toll on the city's economy, with no end in sight.

Empty hotel rooms, struggling shops and even disruption at Disneyland, months of protests in Hong Kong have taken a major toll on the city's economy, with no end in sight. City leader Carrie Lam has warned that the international financial hub is facing an economic crisis worse than either the 2003 SARS outbreak that paralysed Hong Kong or the 2008 financial crisis. "The situation this time is more severe," she said. "In other words, the economic recovery will take a very long time." The private sector, in particular, the tourism industry, has begun counting the cost of more than two months of demonstrations that erupted in opposition to a bill allowing extraditions to China but have morphed into a broader pro-democracy movement. The figures are stark, hotel occupancy rates are down "double-digit" percentages, as were visitor arrivals in July. Group tour bookings from the short-haul market have plunged up to 50 per cent. "In recent months, what has happened in Hong Kong has indeed put local people's livelihoods as well as the economy in a worrying, or even dangerous situation," warned Edward Yau, Hong Kong's secretary for commerce and economic development. The city's tourism industry says it feels under siege. "I think the situation is getting more and more serious," Jason Wong, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, told AFP. The impact is so bad that travel agents are considering putting staff on unpaid leave as they try to weather the storm, he warned. Even Disneyland hit Images of increasingly violent clashes between masked protesters and police firing tear gas in the city's streets have made global headlines, with protesters announcing new demonstrations throughout August as they press their demands. A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesperson told AFP that the number of forwarding bookings in August and September has "dropped significantly," suggesting the economic toll will linger throughout the summer season. A string of travel warnings issued by countries including the United States, Australia and Japan is likely to compound the industry's woes. The fall in arrivals has hurt Hong Kong's carrier Cathay Pacific, which was also forced to cancel flights this week during a general strike that caused chaos in the city. And even Disneyland Hong Kong has been hit, with CEO Bob Iger telling reporters: "We have seen an impact from the protests." "There's definitely been disruption. That has impacted our visitation there." The retail sector has also been hit by the drop in arriving visitors hunting for bargains, shops often forced to shutter during the sometimes daily protests. Experts say the crisis is compounding the economic downturn Hong Kong was already experiencing as a result of being caught up in the US-China trade war. It's a "double whammy," warned Stephen Innes, Managing Partner of Valour Markets." "We always take a view that oh, this too will pass. But so far that view is not holding any water... and now it seems like every weekend we're dealing with further escalations," he told AFP. 'Nastier than expected' The property market, which fell over 20 per cent during the 2008 financial crash, remains strong. But Innes warned that the deepening crisis could result in capital outflows. "All the money from the mainland that has propped up Hong Kong property markets could reverse as quickly as it flowed in," he said. "This is getting a little bit nastier than any of us had expected." The economic picture for the city was far from pretty even before the protests began, with growth shrinking from 4.6 per cent to 0.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter -- the worst quarterly performance in a decade. Preliminary data suggests the second quarter fared no better, and while the government still hopes for 2-3 per cent growth this year, predictions from major banks are more pessimistic. Those falls reflect the effects of the US-China trade war on an economy that relies heavily on logistics processing and is vulnerable to a fall in trade. The impact of the protests on growth will not be clear until later in the year, but Martin Rasmussen, China Economist at Capital Economics, said the crisis was likely to weigh heavily. "In the beginning, they were quite peaceful, you could say comparable to the protests back in 2014," he said, referring to pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in the city. "Now they've become much more extreme, so we think the impact on the economy will begin to take its toll."

Tourism in trouble: Hong Kong protests hit economy

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

Chinese state media urge action, voice support for Hong Kong police after overnight clashes

'We do not tolerate violence from police' - Hong Kong's eye-patch protesters

Watch: Violence at Hong Kong airport as police and protesters clash

Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

We urge China to adhere to Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong: US State Department

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests

Stranded passengers voice support for Hong Kong protesters

Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled

US reacts to Hong Kong protest

News brief: Big stories of the day

Breaking News: Hong Kong airport cancels departing flights

Hong Kong Airport Re-Opens

Hong Kong Airport Re-Opens

Gold hits over the six-year peak on risk-off sentiment

Illegal airport protests to cost Hong Kong heavily: SAR official

Hong Kong airport reopens after protest disruption

Shares shunted after Argentina crash, safe-havens shine

UN rights chief calls for independent, impartial investigation into Hong Kong violence

'When will you die?' Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam grilled at press conference

News brief: Big stories of the day

WION PLaylist: China hits out at Versace

News brief: Big stories of the day

Want Hong Kong government to engage with all parties: UK