Veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam was discharged from hospital, Wednesday, after receiving surgery for a stab wound. Yam was discharged from Hong Kong Adventist Hospital at 1 pm local time, walking out in an arm cast.

Stabbed Hong Kong actor Simon Yam discharged from hospital

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044">Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet</a>

Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-urges-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-take-action-against-terrorist-organisations-238060">Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations</a>

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions to defeat terrorist organisations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-tech-faces-broad-us-justice-department-antitrust-probe-238042">Big Tech faces broad US Justice Department antitrust probe</a>

The review will look into "whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers," the Justice Department said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nike-shoes-race-to-437500-world-record-auction-price-for-sneakers-238057">Nike shoes race to $437,500 world record auction price for sneakers</a>

A pair of 1972 running shoes, one of the first pairs made by Nike Inc, sold for $437,500 on Tuesday, shattering the record for a pair of sneakers at public auction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/john-oliver-confirms-beyonce-was-photoshopped-in-the-lion-king-cast-picture-238047">John Oliver confirms Beyonce was photoshopped in 'The Lion King' cast picture</a>

Addressing rumours that singer Beyonce had been photoshopped into the cast photo of 'The Lion King', John Oliver, who dubbed Zazu in the film, revealed that indeed she was not there, during a recent appearance on `The Late Show with Stephen Colbert` show.

Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal. Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions to defeat terrorist organisations. Big Tech faces broad US Justice Department antitrust probe The review will look into "whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers," the Justice Department said in a statement. Nike shoes race to $437,500 world record auction price for sneakers A pair of 1972 running shoes, one of the first pairs made by Nike Inc, sold for $437,500 on Tuesday, shattering the record for a pair of sneakers at public auction. John Oliver confirms Beyonce was photoshopped in 'The Lion King' cast picture Addressing rumours that singer Beyonce had been photoshopped into the cast photo of 'The Lion King', John Oliver, who dubbed Zazu in the film, revealed that indeed she was not there, during a recent appearance on `The Late Show with Stephen Colbert` show.

News brief: Big stories of the day

How China's PLA maintains internal equilibrium to control external threat

Is China Using Iron-Fisted Tactics To Get An Upper Hand In Hong Kong? The rise in violence and state authoritarianism in Hong Kong has led to many conspiracy theories. Chief among them is the question of whether China is working behind the scenes. China has already called the protests an open challenge to authority. So is there credence to this conspiracy theory? This report explores the question.

Gravitas: Hong Kong: Is china working behind the scenes?

Hong Kong Protests Enter The Seventh Week As Situation Spirals Out Of Control For two months now, Hong Kong has been on the boil, simmering with tensions over the extradition bill. Last night, the situation spiralled out of control with protesters reaching China's representative office in Hong Kong. The police responded by firing rubber pellets and tear gas as chaos grips the streets of Hong Kong. Palki explains the development.

Gravitas: Hong Kong: Anti-government protests intensify

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM</a>

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-know-one-thing-that-hong-kong-is-chinas-hong-kong-do-not-interference-foreign-ministry-237930">US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry</a>

China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit</a>

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-recall-sunil-narine-and-kieron-pollard-for-t20s-against-india-chris-gayle-opts-out-237928">West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out</a>

West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month.

Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-oil-companies-illegal-china-237917">US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China</a>

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend. Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader. West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month. Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November. US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

A group of masked men, dressed in white clothes, attacked anti-government protesters and commuters inside a Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station on Sunday night. watch full video to know more. #HongKongProtests

Masked men assault anti-government protesters in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police on Monday defended their actions and the lack of arrests after opposition lawmakers said police had failed to protect a train full of anti-government protesters from a triad gangster attack on Sunday. The attack came in a night of violence that opened new fronts in Hong Kong's widening political crisis over an extradition bill to send people to China for trial. Some politicians and activists have long linked Hong Kong's shadowy network of triad criminal gangs to political intimidation and violence in recent years.

Violent clashes erupt between residents, suspected triads in Hong Kong

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, comments that will likely infuriate Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-protesters-in-fresh-wave-of-clashes-237512">Hong Kong</a> has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters on Sunday night, the seventh weekend in a row that the city has witnessed political violence.&nbsp;

Separately masked men wielding sticks beat up anti-government protesters at a subway station, putting dozens in hospital.

In a tweet, on Monday Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said it was time for the city's leaders to grant universal suffrage, a core demand of protesters.&nbsp;

"It's sad to see the rule of law eroding and the divide between the people and the government widening in HongKong," Wu said as he accompanied President Tsai Ing-wen in a stopover in Denver on their way back from a visit to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean.&nbsp;

"The way forward is genuine democratic elections, not violence in the streets &amp; MTR stations. The freedom and human rights of the people must be protected!" he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-urges-china-to-repent-for-tiananmen-china-paper-says-event-is-merely-history-224036">Taiwan</a> is gearing up for a presidential election where a dominant issue will be relations with the mainland which sees the self-ruled island as its territory and has vowed to seize it.&nbsp;

Ties with Beijing have deteriorated since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Tsai has described the 2020 presidential election as a "fight for freedom and democracy", setting herself up as someone who can defend Taiwan from an increasingly assertive Beijing.

She is facing off against Han Kuo-yu from the opposition KMT party which favours warmer ties with the Chinese mainland.&nbsp;

Last week Tsai's government said it would assist Hong Kongers seeking sanctuary after local media reported dozens of activists involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament had fled to the island.&nbsp;

China's communist party views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary.

Beijing has previously indicated that the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong is allowed to keep key liberties could be applied to Taiwan.

But years of sliding freedoms in Hong Kong has done little to endear Taiwan's inhabitants to the idea of Beijing's rule. 
&nbsp;

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, comments that will likely infuriate Beijing.

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, comments that will likely infuriate Beijing. Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters on Sunday night, the seventh weekend in a row that the city has witnessed political violence. Separately masked men wielding sticks beat up anti-government protesters at a subway station, putting dozens in hospital. In a tweet, on Monday Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said it was time for the city's leaders to grant universal suffrage, a core demand of protesters. "It's sad to see the rule of law eroding and the divide between the people and the government widening in HongKong," Wu said as he accompanied President Tsai Ing-wen in a stopover in Denver on their way back from a visit to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. "The way forward is genuine democratic elections, not violence in the streets & MTR stations. The freedom and human rights of the people must be protected!" he added. Taiwan is gearing up for a presidential election where a dominant issue will be relations with the mainland which sees the self-ruled island as its territory and has vowed to seize it. Ties with Beijing have deteriorated since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". Tsai has described the 2020 presidential election as a "fight for freedom and democracy", setting herself up as someone who can defend Taiwan from an increasingly assertive Beijing. She is facing off against Han Kuo-yu from the opposition KMT party which favours warmer ties with the Chinese mainland. Last week Tsai's government said it would assist Hong Kongers seeking sanctuary after local media reported dozens of activists involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament had fled to the island. China's communist party views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary. Beijing has previously indicated that the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong is allowed to keep key liberties could be applied to Taiwan. But years of sliding freedoms in Hong Kong has done little to endear Taiwan's inhabitants to the idea of Beijing's rule.

Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu calls for 'genuine' elections in Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-returns-to-chaos-armed-mob-storms-train-station-multiple-people-beaten-including-reporters-237523">Hong Kong returns to chaos; armed mob storms train station, multiple people beaten including journalists</a>

Hong Kong descended into chaos Sunday night as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters hours after China's office in the city was daubed with eggs and graffiti in a vivid rebuke to Beijing's rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-to-hold-emergency-meeting-on-seized-tanker-237525">British PM Theresa May to hold emergency meeting on seized tanker</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-237527">Live: Chandrayaan 2 will not face any more glitches, says ISRO chairman K Sivan</a>

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan said that the Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial manoeuvres in the days to come. Sivan said that all the preparatory works regarding the launch have been completed and technical snags that developed in the first attempt have been rectified.ISRO is keeping update on the launch.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-report-shows-evidence-trump-committed-crimes-house-judiciary-chairman-237500">Mueller report shows evidence Trump committed crimes: House Judiciary chairman</a>

The top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-course-for-election-win-ukraine-president-offers-alliance-with-rockstar-svyatoslav-vakarchuks-party-237540">On course for election win, Ukraine president offers alliance with rockstar Svyatoslav Vakarchuk's party</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's party took a commanding lead in Sunday's snap parliamentary election, handing the novice politician a broader mandate for driving change and tackling corruption in the war-scarred nation.

&nbsp;

Hong Kong returns to chaos; armed mob storms train station, multiple people beaten including journalists Hong Kong descended into chaos Sunday night as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters hours after China's office in the city was daubed with eggs and graffiti in a vivid rebuke to Beijing's rule.

Hong Kong returns to chaos; armed mob storms train station, multiple people beaten including journalists Hong Kong descended into chaos Sunday night as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters hours after China's office in the city was daubed with eggs and graffiti in a vivid rebuke to Beijing's rule. British PM Theresa May to hold emergency meeting on seized tanker Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. Live: Chandrayaan 2 will not face any more glitches, says ISRO chairman K Sivan Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan said that the Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial manoeuvres in the days to come. Sivan said that all the preparatory works regarding the launch have been completed and technical snags that developed in the first attempt have been rectified.ISRO is keeping update on the launch. Mueller report shows evidence Trump committed crimes: House Judiciary chairman The top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday. On course for election win, Ukraine president offers alliance with rockstar Svyatoslav Vakarchuk's party Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's party took a commanding lead in Sunday's snap parliamentary election, handing the novice politician a broader mandate for driving change and tackling corruption in the war-scarred nation.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse protesters late on Sunday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-on-security-alert-as-thousands-march-in-fresh-wave-of-protests-237449">latest wave of violence </a>to roil the financial centre, hours after a largely peaceful rally against a now-suspended extradition bill that has plunged the city into chaos.

Thousands of protesters descended on China's representative office in Hong Kong, throwing paint bombs and writing graffiti, as anger over the extradition bill morphed into a fresh front against what many see as a broader erosion of freedoms by the city's political masters in Beijing.

Riot police eventually moved in to disperse the protesters into the Sheung Wan district. Protesters were seen wearing gas masks and holding improvised shields while chanting slogans including "Revolution of our era", a slogan associated with radical pro-independence groups.

Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago.

Black-clad activists, many wearing masks, defied police orders and marched beyond the official end-point of a rally that took place earlier in the day as they made their way towards the Liaison Office, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing.

When asked whether the protesters would attempt to force entry into the building, one 30-year-old man dressed head to toe in black said "No", as he mimicked a throat-slitting action.

"That would be the death of Hong Kong," he added.

Some protesters pelted eggs at the walls of the Liaison Office, while others spray-painted graffiti in the latest wave of demonstrations to rock the Asian financial centre.

Hundreds of riot police faced off with protesters, firing tear gas to disperse them as police and ambulance sirens echoed through the crowds.

Activists had daubed graffiti on massive concrete pillars leading up to Beijing's Liaison Office in the city, with the words "Restore Hong Kong, Revolution of Time".

Sunday's protest, which had proceeded peacefully along the police-mandated route, is the latest in a series of rallies that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into political crisis.

Some held up banners that said, "LIAR" and "No excuse Carrie Lame". A poster plastered on a lamppost called for an "Investigation on police brutality".

More demonstrations are planned over the coming weekends, posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012. For Xi's Communist Party in Beijing, stability is an overwhelming priority.

Recent images of police firing rubber bullets and tear gas near the city's financial district as well as chaotic scenes of demonstrators storming the legislature were beamed live to the world - except in mainland China, where they were blocked from many social media sites.

Earlier on Sunday, authorities used blue and white water-filled barriers to barricade government and police headquarters, while global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building.

While most of the rallies have passed off peacefully, some have erupted into violence late at night when more radical protesters have clashed with police.

The city's police force has come under scrutiny after officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas last month to disperse demonstrators in some of the worst violence to roil Hong Kong in decades.

The police are struggling to cope amid haphazard decision-making, worsening morale and anger among rank-and-file officers that they are taking the public heat for government unpopularity, serving and retired officers, politicians and security analysts told Reuters.

Protest organisers said 430,000 attended Sunday's rally. Police put the number at 138,000 at its peak.

"KILL BILL" CALL

The latest protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police, whom some have accused of using excessive force against activists, and demand an end to the violence.

Sunday's march focused on calls for the full withdrawal of the extradition bill, which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, and an independent investigation into complaints of police brutality.

Other demands include charges against protesters to be dropped and universal suffrage.

"I came back to Hong Kong this summer because of the protests," said Mandy Ko, 27, who is originally from Hong Kong and now lives in Australia.

"My spirit is still with Hong Kong people."

Activists formed human chains as they handed out supplies, including umbrellas, hard hats and even gas masks to protesters.

A Reuters reporter received an AirDrop message that said "Be Water", a strategy inspired by a maxim of home-grown martial arts legend Bruce Lee, that encourages protesters to be flexible.

Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.

Those fights followed larger outbreaks of violence in central Hong Kong last month, when police forced back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds.

Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its withdrawal will do.

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control.

The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy.

A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula.

Police late on Friday seized explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested. Police described the seizure as the largest of its kind in Hong Kong.

They said it was unclear whether the explosives were related to the protest.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse protesters late on Sunday in the latest wave of violence to roil the financial centre, hours after a largely peaceful rally against a now-suspended extradition bill that has plunged the city into chaos.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse protesters late on Sunday in the latest wave of violence to roil the financial centre, hours after a largely peaceful rally against a now-suspended extradition bill that has plunged the city into chaos. Thousands of protesters descended on China's representative office in Hong Kong, throwing paint bombs and writing graffiti, as anger over the extradition bill morphed into a fresh front against what many see as a broader erosion of freedoms by the city's political masters in Beijing. Riot police eventually moved in to disperse the protesters into the Sheung Wan district. Protesters were seen wearing gas masks and holding improvised shields while chanting slogans including "Revolution of our era", a slogan associated with radical pro-independence groups. Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago. Black-clad activists, many wearing masks, defied police orders and marched beyond the official end-point of a rally that took place earlier in the day as they made their way towards the Liaison Office, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing. When asked whether the protesters would attempt to force entry into the building, one 30-year-old man dressed head to toe in black said "No", as he mimicked a throat-slitting action. "That would be the death of Hong Kong," he added. Some protesters pelted eggs at the walls of the Liaison Office, while others spray-painted graffiti in the latest wave of demonstrations to rock the Asian financial centre. Hundreds of riot police faced off with protesters, firing tear gas to disperse them as police and ambulance sirens echoed through the crowds. Activists had daubed graffiti on massive concrete pillars leading up to Beijing's Liaison Office in the city, with the words "Restore Hong Kong, Revolution of Time". Sunday's protest, which had proceeded peacefully along the police-mandated route, is the latest in a series of rallies that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into political crisis. Some held up banners that said, "LIAR" and "No excuse Carrie Lame". A poster plastered on a lamppost called for an "Investigation on police brutality". More demonstrations are planned over the coming weekends, posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012. For Xi's Communist Party in Beijing, stability is an overwhelming priority. Recent images of police firing rubber bullets and tear gas near the city's financial district as well as chaotic scenes of demonstrators storming the legislature were beamed live to the world - except in mainland China, where they were blocked from many social media sites. Earlier on Sunday, authorities used blue and white water-filled barriers to barricade government and police headquarters, while global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building. While most of the rallies have passed off peacefully, some have erupted into violence late at night when more radical protesters have clashed with police. The city's police force has come under scrutiny after officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas last month to disperse demonstrators in some of the worst violence to roil Hong Kong in decades. The police are struggling to cope amid haphazard decision-making, worsening morale and anger among rank-and-file officers that they are taking the public heat for government unpopularity, serving and retired officers, politicians and security analysts told Reuters. Protest organisers said 430,000 attended Sunday's rally. Police put the number at 138,000 at its peak. "KILL BILL" CALL The latest protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police, whom some have accused of using excessive force against activists, and demand an end to the violence. Sunday's march focused on calls for the full withdrawal of the extradition bill, which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, and an independent investigation into complaints of police brutality. Other demands include charges against protesters to be dropped and universal suffrage. "I came back to Hong Kong this summer because of the protests," said Mandy Ko, 27, who is originally from Hong Kong and now lives in Australia. "My spirit is still with Hong Kong people." Activists formed human chains as they handed out supplies, including umbrellas, hard hats and even gas masks to protesters. A Reuters reporter received an AirDrop message that said "Be Water", a strategy inspired by a maxim of home-grown martial arts legend Bruce Lee, that encourages protesters to be flexible. Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests. Those fights followed larger outbreaks of violence in central Hong Kong last month, when police forced back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds. Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its withdrawal will do. Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control. The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy. A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability." China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula. Police late on Friday seized explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested. Police described the seizure as the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. They said it was unclear whether the explosives were related to the protest.

Hong Kong police fire tear gas to disperse protesters in fresh wave of clashes

Hong Kong is bracing for another huge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-supporters-rally-in-hong-kong-to-seek-end-to-violence-237282">anti-government march</a> on Sunday afternoon with seemingly no end in sight to the turmoil engulfing the finance hub, sparked by years of rising anger over Beijing's rule.

The city has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub.

In a city unaccustomed to such upheaval, police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets while the parliament has been trashed by protesters -- as Beijing's authority faces its most serious challenge since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997.

Security tightened

Sunday's rally -- which will follow a now well-trodden route through the main island's streets -- will be the seventh weekend in a row that protesters have come out en masse.

Generally the marches have passed off peacefully but are followed by violence between riot police and small groups of more hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

Security was tightened in the city centre, with metal street fencing often used by protesters to build barricades removed ahead of the march, and large water-filled barriers thrown up around the police headquarters.

The huge crowds have had little luck persuading the city's unelected leaders -- or Beijing -- to change tack on the hub's future.&nbsp;

Under the 1997 handover deal with Britain, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those provisions are already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people.

Acrimony deepening

Protesters have vowed to keep their movement going until their core demands are met, such as the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, amnesty and permanent withdrawal of the bill.

Yet there is little sign that either Lam or Beijing are willing to budge.&nbsp;

Beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill there has been few other concessions and fears are rising that Beijing's patience is running out.

Earlier this week the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing was drawing up a plan to deal with Hong Kong, citing sources on the mainland.&nbsp;

But the details that were published suggested little appetite to defuse public anger over sliding freedoms and instead focused on shoring up support for Lam and the police. &nbsp;

On Saturday, the establishment mustered its own supporters in their tens of thousands for a rally, a gathering that was covered in detail by Chinese state media and pro-Beijing newspapers in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Few see a political solution to the crisis on the horizon.

Steve Vickers, a former head of the police's Criminal Investigation Bureau before the handover who now runs a risk consultancy, said the public order situation would likely "worsen" in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

"Polarisation within Hong Kong society and intense acrimony between protesters and police are deepening," he wrote in a note to clients.

"The protests are settling into a pattern of peaceful demonstration culminating in deliberately orchestrated violence, before a lull in preparation for the next 'battle'," he added.

Hong Kong is bracing for another huge anti-government march on Sunday afternoon with seemingly no end in sight to the turmoil engulfing the finance hub, sparked by years of rising anger over Beijing's rule.

Hong Kong is bracing for another huge anti-government march on Sunday afternoon with seemingly no end in sight to the turmoil engulfing the finance hub, sparked by years of rising anger over Beijing's rule. The city has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. In a city unaccustomed to such upheaval, police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets while the parliament has been trashed by protesters -- as Beijing's authority faces its most serious challenge since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997. Security tightened Sunday's rally -- which will follow a now well-trodden route through the main island's streets -- will be the seventh weekend in a row that protesters have come out en masse. Generally the marches have passed off peacefully but are followed by violence between riot police and small groups of more hardcore protesters. Security was tightened in the city centre, with metal street fencing often used by protesters to build barricades removed ahead of the march, and large water-filled barriers thrown up around the police headquarters. The huge crowds have had little luck persuading the city's unelected leaders -- or Beijing -- to change tack on the hub's future. Under the 1997 handover deal with Britain, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those provisions are already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people. Acrimony deepening Protesters have vowed to keep their movement going until their core demands are met, such as the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, amnesty and permanent withdrawal of the bill. Yet there is little sign that either Lam or Beijing are willing to budge. Beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill there has been few other concessions and fears are rising that Beijing's patience is running out. Earlier this week the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing was drawing up a plan to deal with Hong Kong, citing sources on the mainland. But the details that were published suggested little appetite to defuse public anger over sliding freedoms and instead focused on shoring up support for Lam and the police. On Saturday, the establishment mustered its own supporters in their tens of thousands for a rally, a gathering that was covered in detail by Chinese state media and pro-Beijing newspapers in Hong Kong. Few see a political solution to the crisis on the horizon. Steve Vickers, a former head of the police's Criminal Investigation Bureau before the handover who now runs a risk consultancy, said the public order situation would likely "worsen" in the coming weeks. "Polarisation within Hong Kong society and intense acrimony between protesters and police are deepening," he wrote in a note to clients. "The protests are settling into a pattern of peaceful demonstration culminating in deliberately orchestrated violence, before a lull in preparation for the next 'battle'," he added.

Hong Kong braces for fresh anti-government march

Police in Hong Kong raided a homemade-explosives manufacturing lab ahead of another weekend of protests in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Banners voicing opposition to an extradition bill that has sparked more than a month of demonstrations were found at the lab, according to Hong Kong media reports. Police said the investigation was continuing and that they had not found concrete evidence linking the explosives-making to a major protest march planned for Sunday. Police said they found about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of TATP, or tri-acetone tri-peroxide, in the late Friday night raid.

Hong Kong police seize explosives ahead of protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-time-delhi-chief-minister-sheila-dikshit-cremated-with-state-honours-at-nigam-bodh-ghat-237451">Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit cremated with State Honours at Nigam Bodh Ghat</a>

Dikshit's mortal remains were taken to the Congress headquarters from her residence in South Delhi this morning from where hundreds joined the procession to Nigam Bodh Ghat where she was cremated this afternoon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-to-perform-15-maneuvers-countdown-for-the-launch-begins-237462">Chandrayaan-2 to perform 15 maneuvers, countdown for the launch begins</a>

The&nbsp;Chandrayaan-2&nbsp;will perform 15 crucial maneuvers in the days to come, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan on Sunday. The&nbsp;countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1, begins Sunday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-on-security-alert-as-thousands-march-in-fresh-wave-of-protests-237449">Hong Kong on security alert as thousands march in fresh wave of protests</a>

Tens of thousands marched in sweltering heat in Hong Kong&nbsp;on Sunday as anti-government protests show no sign of let-up, with anger over an extradition bill morphing into a fresh front against what many see as an erosion of freedoms by Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-may-fund-priority-sectors-other-than-amaravati-project-237469">World Bank may fund priority sectors other than Amaravati project</a>

The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday said that The World Bank has given positive indications towards compensating the dropped $300 million&nbsp;loan for developing capital city of Amaravati&nbsp;and moving the aid to other important sectors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Imran Khan meets Pakistan businessmen during US visit</a>

The businessmen called on Khan at the Pakistan Embassy in the US capital, according to Geo News.

Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit cremated with State Honours at Nigam Bodh Ghat Dikshit's mortal remains were taken to the Congress headquarters from her residence in South Delhi this morning from where hundreds joined the procession to Nigam Bodh Ghat where she was cremated this afternoon.

Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit cremated with State Honours at Nigam Bodh Ghat Dikshit's mortal remains were taken to the Congress headquarters from her residence in South Delhi this morning from where hundreds joined the procession to Nigam Bodh Ghat where she was cremated this afternoon. Chandrayaan-2 to perform 15 maneuvers, countdown for the launch begins The Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial maneuvers in the days to come, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan on Sunday. The countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1, begins Sunday evening. Hong Kong on security alert as thousands march in fresh wave of protests Tens of thousands marched in sweltering heat in Hong Kong on Sunday as anti-government protests show no sign of let-up, with anger over an extradition bill morphing into a fresh front against what many see as an erosion of freedoms by Beijing. World Bank may fund priority sectors other than Amaravati project The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday said that The World Bank has given positive indications towards compensating the dropped $300 million loan for developing capital city of Amaravati and moving the aid to other important sectors. Imran Khan meets Pakistan businessmen during US visit The businessmen called on Khan at the Pakistan Embassy in the US capital, according to Geo News.

Thousands of protesters descended on China’s representative office in Hong Kong, as anger over an extradition bill morphs into a fresh front. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Thousands protest for complete withdrawal of extradition bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-locks-down-as-thousands-gather-for-latest-anti-extradition-bill-rally-237420">Tens of thousands marched in sweltering heat in Hong Kong </a>on Sunday as anti-government protests show no sign of let-up, with anger over an extradition bill morphing into a fresh front against what many see as an erosion of freedoms by Beijing.

Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-police-seize-explosives-ahead-of-protests-237353">Hong Kong</a> leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago.&nbsp;

Protesters marched in temperatures of around 31 degrees Celsius (87.8°F) from Victoria Park in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to Wan Chai, just one metro stop away, after police shortened the route, citing safety concerns.

Some held up banners that said, "LIAR" and "No excuse Carrie Lame". A poster plastered on a lamppost called for an "Investigation on police brutality". 
Many ignored the official end point and appeared to make their way to Admiralty district, where protesters stormed and ransacked the city`s legislature three weeks ago in chaotic scenes beamed live to the world.&nbsp;

"The police are terribly worried, I understand, about possible scuffles, clashes ... violence around the government and legislative complexes and the police headquarters," said pro-democracy legislator Claudia Mo.

Authorities used blue and white water-filled barriers to barricade government and police headquarters, while global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building.&nbsp;

While most of the rallies have passed off peacefully, some have erupted into violence late at night when more radical protesters have clashed with police.&nbsp; 
The city`s police force has come under scrutiny after officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas last month to disperse demonstrators in some of the worst violence to roil Hong Kong in decades.&nbsp;

The police are struggling to cope amid haphazard decision-making, worsening morale and anger among rank-and-file officers that they are taking the public heat for government unpopularity, serving and retired officers, politicians and security analysts told Reuters.

"Kill Bill" Call

The latest protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police, whom some have accused of using excessive force against activists and demand an end to the violence.

Sunday`s march focused on calls for the full withdrawal of the extradition bill, which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, and an independent investigation into complaints of police brutality.

Other demands include charges against protesters to be dropped and universal suffrage.&nbsp;

"I came back to Hong Kong this summer because of the protests," said Mandy Ko, 27, who is originally from Hong Kong and now lives in Australia.&nbsp; 
"My spirit is still with Hong Kong people."&nbsp;

Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.&nbsp;

Those fights followed larger outbreaks of violence in central Hong Kong last month, when police forced back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds.

Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its withdrawal will do.&nbsp;

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control.

The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy.

A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party`s People`s Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong`s prosperity and stability."&nbsp;

China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula.

Police late on Friday seized explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested.

Police described the seizure as the largest of its kind in Hong Kong.

They said it was unclear whether the explosives were related to the protest.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands marched in sweltering heat in Hong Kong on Sunday as anti-government protests show no sign of let-up, with anger over an extradition bill morphing into a fresh front against what many see as an erosion of freedoms by Beijing.

Tens of thousands marched in sweltering heat in Hong Kong on Sunday as anti-government protests show no sign of let-up, with anger over an extradition bill morphing into a fresh front against what many see as an erosion of freedoms by Beijing. Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago. Protesters marched in temperatures of around 31 degrees Celsius (87.8°F) from Victoria Park in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to Wan Chai, just one metro stop away, after police shortened the route, citing safety concerns. Some held up banners that said, "LIAR" and "No excuse Carrie Lame". A poster plastered on a lamppost called for an "Investigation on police brutality". Many ignored the official end point and appeared to make their way to Admiralty district, where protesters stormed and ransacked the city`s legislature three weeks ago in chaotic scenes beamed live to the world. "The police are terribly worried, I understand, about possible scuffles, clashes ... violence around the government and legislative complexes and the police headquarters," said pro-democracy legislator Claudia Mo. Authorities used blue and white water-filled barriers to barricade government and police headquarters, while global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building. While most of the rallies have passed off peacefully, some have erupted into violence late at night when more radical protesters have clashed with police. The city`s police force has come under scrutiny after officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas last month to disperse demonstrators in some of the worst violence to roil Hong Kong in decades. The police are struggling to cope amid haphazard decision-making, worsening morale and anger among rank-and-file officers that they are taking the public heat for government unpopularity, serving and retired officers, politicians and security analysts told Reuters. "Kill Bill" Call The latest protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police, whom some have accused of using excessive force against activists and demand an end to the violence. Sunday`s march focused on calls for the full withdrawal of the extradition bill, which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, and an independent investigation into complaints of police brutality. Other demands include charges against protesters to be dropped and universal suffrage. "I came back to Hong Kong this summer because of the protests," said Mandy Ko, 27, who is originally from Hong Kong and now lives in Australia. "My spirit is still with Hong Kong people." Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests. Those fights followed larger outbreaks of violence in central Hong Kong last month, when police forced back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds. Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its withdrawal will do. Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control. The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy. A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party`s People`s Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong`s prosperity and stability." China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula. Police late on Friday seized explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested. Police described the seizure as the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. They said it was unclear whether the explosives were related to the protest.

Hong Kong on security alert as thousands march in fresh wave of protests

Hong Kong police on Saturday said they had uncovered a makeshift factory producing high-powered explosives alongside pro-independence leaflets, a discovery which comes as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-supporters-rally-in-hong-kong-to-seek-end-to-violence-237282"> city is rocked by unprecedented political protests</a>.

Police said they swooped on an industrial building in the district of Tsuen Wan on Friday evening and arrested a 27-year-old man.

"We are dealing with a homemade laboratory for the manufacture of high explosive, specifically TATP," Superintendent Alick McWhirter, a bomb squad specialist, told reporters on Saturday.

"This is an extremely sensitive and extremely powerful high explosive. It will cause exceptional amounts of damage when used," he added.

TATP requires skill to manufacture but has been used in a number of major terror attacks, including the 2005 London suicide bombings and the recent deadly Easter attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

McWhirter said his team had carried out at least one controlled explosion and expected to do more because the TATP they had discovered was volatile.

Items also displayed by police after the raid included a T-shirt with the logo of the Hong Kong National Front, a pro-independence group, as well as leaflets related to huge anti-government protests currently engulfing the international finance hub.

The Hong Kong National Front, a small fringe group, released a statement on Facebook saying the man arrested was a member but added it had no knowledge of any explosives.&nbsp;

In November 2017, two members of a fringe independent group were found guilty of making explosives and were jailed.

Under the 1997 handover deal with the British, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say that 50-year deal is already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of democracy protest leaders.

Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people.

A small number of pro-independence groups have since emerged but they remain fringe elements with little popular support. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong police on Saturday said they had uncovered a makeshift factory producing high-powered explosives alongside pro-independence leaflets, a discovery which comes as the city is rocked by unprecedented political protests.

Hong Kong police on Saturday said they had uncovered a makeshift factory producing high-powered explosives alongside pro-independence leaflets, a discovery which comes as the city is rocked by unprecedented political protests. Police said they swooped on an industrial building in the district of Tsuen Wan on Friday evening and arrested a 27-year-old man. "We are dealing with a homemade laboratory for the manufacture of high explosive, specifically TATP," Superintendent Alick McWhirter, a bomb squad specialist, told reporters on Saturday. "This is an extremely sensitive and extremely powerful high explosive. It will cause exceptional amounts of damage when used," he added. TATP requires skill to manufacture but has been used in a number of major terror attacks, including the 2005 London suicide bombings and the recent deadly Easter attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka earlier this year. McWhirter said his team had carried out at least one controlled explosion and expected to do more because the TATP they had discovered was volatile. Items also displayed by police after the raid included a T-shirt with the logo of the Hong Kong National Front, a pro-independence group, as well as leaflets related to huge anti-government protests currently engulfing the international finance hub. The Hong Kong National Front, a small fringe group, released a statement on Facebook saying the man arrested was a member but added it had no knowledge of any explosives. In November 2017, two members of a fringe independent group were found guilty of making explosives and were jailed. Under the 1997 handover deal with the British, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say that 50-year deal is already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of democracy protest leaders. Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people. A small number of pro-independence groups have since emerged but they remain fringe elements with little popular support.

Hong Kong police uncover 'homemade explosive lab'

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday for a pro-government rally to call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis.&nbsp;

The rally comes a day ahead of yet another mass protest planned against the government and its handling of the now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial.&nbsp;

Hong Kong`s embattled leader, Carrie Lam, has apologised for the turmoil the bill has caused and declared it "dead", although opponents say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do.&nbsp;

Demonstrators, mostly middle-aged or older, braved heavy rain and thunderstorms to gather at the city's Tamar Park, next to the Legislative Council which protesters stormed and raided on July 1 - the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule.&nbsp;

"Violence is intolerant. We are distressed about our home and we should absolutely stand out to support Hong Kong police, to maintain stability and rule of law in the society," said Tsol Pui, 85, president of Hong Kong Veterans' Home.

Two initially peaceful protests last weekend degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding riot police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.&nbsp;

The fights followed larger outbreaks of violence between police and protesters in central Hong Kong last month, with police forcing back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds.

Activists and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into what they describe as excessive use of force by police.

The protesters are also demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government`s description of demonstrations and the unconditional release of those arrested.&nbsp;

What started as protests over the extradition bill has now morphed into demands for greater democracy, the resignation of leader Lam, and even curbing the number of mainland Chinese tourists to Hong Kong.

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control.

Other anti-government protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, and in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of the city`s poorest areas.

Opponents of the extradition bill fear it would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed, and have voiced concerns over the city`s much-cherished rule of law.

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday for a pro-government rally to call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis.

Thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday for a pro-government rally to call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and plunged the city into crisis. The rally comes a day ahead of yet another mass protest planned against the government and its handling of the now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial. Hong Kong`s embattled leader, Carrie Lam, has apologised for the turmoil the bill has caused and declared it "dead", although opponents say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do. Demonstrators, mostly middle-aged or older, braved heavy rain and thunderstorms to gather at the city's Tamar Park, next to the Legislative Council which protesters stormed and raided on July 1 - the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule. "Violence is intolerant. We are distressed about our home and we should absolutely stand out to support Hong Kong police, to maintain stability and rule of law in the society," said Tsol Pui, 85, president of Hong Kong Veterans' Home. Two initially peaceful protests last weekend degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding riot police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests. The fights followed larger outbreaks of violence between police and protesters in central Hong Kong last month, with police forcing back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds. Activists and human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into what they describe as excessive use of force by police. The protesters are also demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government`s description of demonstrations and the unconditional release of those arrested. What started as protests over the extradition bill has now morphed into demands for greater democracy, the resignation of leader Lam, and even curbing the number of mainland Chinese tourists to Hong Kong. Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control. Other anti-government protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, and in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of the city`s poorest areas. Opponents of the extradition bill fear it would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed, and have voiced concerns over the city`s much-cherished rule of law.

Government supporters rally in Hong Kong to seek end to violence

China has been rattled by three events. The first is the trade and technology dispute with the United States, which seems no nearer to resolution. The second is Washington’s decision to sell $2.20 billion (Rs 15,000 crore) worth of advanced military hardware to Taiwan that China regards as a part of the mainland. The third is the cascading series of violent protests in Hong Kong over China’s attempt to impose its authoritarian will on the thriving mercantile city that Britain handed back to China in 1997 under a 50-year agreement that guarantees its democratic freedoms.

Each of these events has the potential to erode China’s global credibility as it seeks to replace the United States as the world’s preeminent economic superpower.

The US overtook imperial Britain as the world’s largest economy in the 1890s. China’s 2019 GDP of $27.4 trillion by purchasing power parity (PPP) is already larger than America’s ($21.4 trillion). At current exchange rates too, the gap between the two countries is narrowing: China’s 2019 nominal GDP is $14.2 trillion against America’s $21.5 trillion. At their current respective rates of economic growth (roughly 6% and 3%), China’s nominal GDP could overtake US GDP in less than 20 years.

Apart from the three events that could slow China’s ascent – trade, Taiwan and Hong Kong – several other pressure points are building up. China rarely cares about international opinion, but the media exposé of the horrific treatment of over one million Chinese Muslims kept in prison-like detention camps in Xinjiang is creating global outrage.

The sale of military hardware, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles, by the US to Taiwan after a self-imposed, decades-long embargo has meanwhile enraged Beijing. Last week, the Chinese government demanded that the sale be cancelled. But instead of paying heed to Beijing, the US further infuriated the Chinese by granting Taiwan’s anti-China President Tsai Ing-wen a two-day stopover in New York and Denver during her current visit to the Caribbean.

China has vowed to integrate Taiwan into the mainland, using military force if necessary. The sale of US military weaponry to Taipei is seen by Beijing as a deliberate aggravation.

Equally galling to Beijing are the protests in Hong Kong. When the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997, Hong Kong’s economy was nearly 20% of China’s. Today it is a mere 3%. But Hong Kong’s value to Beijing goes beyond the size of its economy. It is home to over one hundred global banks and has a vibrant stock market. In future, it could attract Chinese companies to list there rather than on the New York Stock Exchange, giving China access to an alternative source of global finance at its doorstep.

As The Economist observed: “Hong Kong is China’s conduit. It accounted for nearly 60% of direct investment both into and out of China in 2012-16. It has a mighty share of offshore yuan-denominated payments. Western firms put money and headquarters there because it is seen as part of the Western system. Its currency is tied to the American dollar. It ranks third in the world as a financial centre; its banking assets are worth a whopping 851% of GDP.”

So how might the anger on Hong Kong’s streets against China’s totalitarian regime play out? In its report, The Economist noted: “For many global firms, Hong Kong is both a gateway to the Chinese market and central to the Asian continent – more than 1,300 of them have their regional headquarters there. If Hong Kong came to be seen as just another Chinese city, Hong Kongers would not be the only ones to suffer. The threat is real. Since he took over as China’s leader in 2012, Mr Xi Jinping has been making it clearer than ever that the legal system should be under the party’s thumb. China must ‘absolutely not follow the Western road of judicial independence,’ he said in a speech published in February.&nbsp;

In 2015, Mr Xi launched a campaign to silence independent lawyers and civil-rights activists. Hundreds of them have been harassed or detained by the police. The authorities on the mainland have even sent thugs to other jurisdictions to abduct people, including a publisher of gossipy books about the party, snatched from a car park in Hong Kong and a tycoon taken from the Four Seasons hotel in 2017. The message is plain. Xi not only cares little for the rule of law on the Chinese mainland. He scorns it elsewhere, too.”

A paranoid China has warned the US against sending any “misleading signals” to “ultra-radicals” in Hong Kong. While Hong Kong’s China-friendly chief executive Carrie Lam has declared that the much-reviled extradition legislation is now “dead”, Hong Kongers believe it will at some stage be revived.

As a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China till 2047, Hong Kong has less than a generation to come to terms with a transition from a free-wheeling capitalist city to being part of Communist China.

It is not a prospect anyone in Hong Kong relishes. For Beijing though, Hong Kong is part of a larger global affliction that includes uncertainty over Taiwan’s future, the international outrage over Xinjiang’s Muslims, and America’s relentless trade assault.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-china-s-moment-of-truth-2773069">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China has been rattled by three events. The first is the trade and technology dispute with the United States, which seems no nearer to resolution. The second is Washington’s decision to sell $2.

China has been rattled by three events. The first is the trade and technology dispute with the United States, which seems no nearer to resolution. The second is Washington’s decision to sell $2.20 billion (Rs 15,000 crore) worth of advanced military hardware to Taiwan that China regards as a part of the mainland. The third is the cascading series of violent protests in Hong Kong over China’s attempt to impose its authoritarian will on the thriving mercantile city that Britain handed back to China in 1997 under a 50-year agreement that guarantees its democratic freedoms. Each of these events has the potential to erode China’s global credibility as it seeks to replace the United States as the world’s preeminent economic superpower. The US overtook imperial Britain as the world’s largest economy in the 1890s. China’s 2019 GDP of $27.4 trillion by purchasing power parity (PPP) is already larger than America’s ($21.4 trillion). At current exchange rates too, the gap between the two countries is narrowing: China’s 2019 nominal GDP is $14.2 trillion against America’s $21.5 trillion. At their current respective rates of economic growth (roughly 6% and 3%), China’s nominal GDP could overtake US GDP in less than 20 years. Apart from the three events that could slow China’s ascent – trade, Taiwan and Hong Kong – several other pressure points are building up. China rarely cares about international opinion, but the media exposé of the horrific treatment of over one million Chinese Muslims kept in prison-like detention camps in Xinjiang is creating global outrage. The sale of military hardware, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles, by the US to Taiwan after a self-imposed, decades-long embargo has meanwhile enraged Beijing. Last week, the Chinese government demanded that the sale be cancelled. But instead of paying heed to Beijing, the US further infuriated the Chinese by granting Taiwan’s anti-China President Tsai Ing-wen a two-day stopover in New York and Denver during her current visit to the Caribbean. China has vowed to integrate Taiwan into the mainland, using military force if necessary. The sale of US military weaponry to Taipei is seen by Beijing as a deliberate aggravation. Equally galling to Beijing are the protests in Hong Kong. When the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997, Hong Kong’s economy was nearly 20% of China’s. Today it is a mere 3%. But Hong Kong’s value to Beijing goes beyond the size of its economy. It is home to over one hundred global banks and has a vibrant stock market. In future, it could attract Chinese companies to list there rather than on the New York Stock Exchange, giving China access to an alternative source of global finance at its doorstep. As The Economist observed: “Hong Kong is China’s conduit. It accounted for nearly 60% of direct investment both into and out of China in 2012-16. It has a mighty share of offshore yuan-denominated payments. Western firms put money and headquarters there because it is seen as part of the Western system. Its currency is tied to the American dollar. It ranks third in the world as a financial centre; its banking assets are worth a whopping 851% of GDP.” So how might the anger on Hong Kong’s streets against China’s totalitarian regime play out? In its report, The Economist noted: “For many global firms, Hong Kong is both a gateway to the Chinese market and central to the Asian continent – more than 1,300 of them have their regional headquarters there. If Hong Kong came to be seen as just another Chinese city, Hong Kongers would not be the only ones to suffer. The threat is real. Since he took over as China’s leader in 2012, Mr Xi Jinping has been making it clearer than ever that the legal system should be under the party’s thumb. China must ‘absolutely not follow the Western road of judicial independence,’ he said in a speech published in February. In 2015, Mr Xi launched a campaign to silence independent lawyers and civil-rights activists. Hundreds of them have been harassed or detained by the police. The authorities on the mainland have even sent thugs to other jurisdictions to abduct people, including a publisher of gossipy books about the party, snatched from a car park in Hong Kong and a tycoon taken from the Four Seasons hotel in 2017. The message is plain. Xi not only cares little for the rule of law on the Chinese mainland. He scorns it elsewhere, too.” A paranoid China has warned the US against sending any “misleading signals” to “ultra-radicals” in Hong Kong. While Hong Kong’s China-friendly chief executive Carrie Lam has declared that the much-reviled extradition legislation is now “dead”, Hong Kongers believe it will at some stage be revived. As a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China till 2047, Hong Kong has less than a generation to come to terms with a transition from a free-wheeling capitalist city to being part of Communist China. It is not a prospect anyone in Hong Kong relishes. For Beijing though, Hong Kong is part of a larger global affliction that includes uncertainty over Taiwan’s future, the international outrage over Xinjiang’s Muslims, and America’s relentless trade assault. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

China’s moment of truth: Trade, Taiwan and Hong Kong are rattling the dragon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-hong-kong-reject-carrie-lams-assertion-extradition-bill-dead-threaten-mass-rallies-234227">Hong Kong's extradition bill</a> demonstrations have mutated into a much bigger and more complex animal, ripping open old wounds and expanding a political fight as the city battens down for a summer of protests.

The demonstrations pop up almost daily, often with little notice, as activists spread the word of their cause with handwritten notes on so-called Lennon Walls across the territory and through Telegram and other messaging apps.

What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-condemns-rioters-after-violent-mall-clash-236131">Carrie Lam</a>, and even keeping mainland tourists out of Hong Kong.

"I'm afraid there will be more confrontation further down the road," said Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung, who has tried to mediate between activists and police.

"The protests will continue," he added. "I would expect sizeable protests on and off continuously throughout the summer."

On Wednesday, organisers of a "silver-haired" march said 9,000 mostly elderly people, some in wheelchairs, took to the streets in support of younger protesters. Police put the number at 1,500 at its peak.

"The whole turmoil is caused by the missteps of government," said Margaret Yu, 59, a retired accountant. "As an elderly person, at least, I have to stand out and voice out how unjust our government is."

Wednesday's rally was the latest in a series that have rocked the Asian financial centre for more than two months, plunging the city into turmoil and posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Lam has said the extradition bill, which would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, is "dead." But opponents say nothing short of officially withdrawing it will do.

They fear the bill would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed and have voiced concerns over the city's much-cherished rule of law.

In addition to Lam's ouster, protesters are demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government's description of demonstrations, the unconditional release of those arrested and an independent investigation into complaints of excessive force by police.

Pipeline of protests

The next big protest is scheduled for Sunday, with demonstrators marching from Victoria Park near the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Court of Final Appeal in Central.

Other protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, as well as in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of Hong Kong's poorest areas.

"Protesting in locales such as Mong Kok ... only adds to the threat of violence, given the population density and the presence of triad societies," said Steve Vickers, a risk consultant and a former commander of the Royal Hong Kong Police Criminal Intelligence Bureau.

Triad gangs, he said, "may act as agitators for either side, or simply take actions to protect their own interests."

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control.

Deep-seated anger with the government has seen scores of smaller groups protest in the streets and sparked grassroots initiatives such as crowdfunding drives and newspaper ad campaigns.

Filling the streets

Millions have taken to the streets since June in Hong Kong's largest and most violent protests in decades, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse activists, and protesters storming and ransacking the Legislative Council.

The protesters have adopted a "be water" strategy, inspired by a maxim of the city's home-grown martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, that encourages them to be flexible or formless.

Some activists say it's a very different approach from that of the democracy demonstrations in 2014, when protesters occupied major roads in the city for 79 days.

"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in the streets, we shall fight in all districts of Hong Kong, we shall bring the fight from local arenas to international fronts, whatever the costs may be. We shall never surrender," the Students' Unions of Higher Institutions in Hong Kong said in a statement.

The movement's fluidity makes it difficult to police, taking a toll on officers who have fought pitched battles with protesters and leading to a crisis of confidence on the force.

The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city.

Hong Kong retailers warned that July and August sales could drop by double digits from a year earlier because of the unrest, while tourism numbers and hotel occupancy rates are slumping.

Activists have seized on support for the protests to bolster the democratic opposition's prospects in the November elections, with the hope it can recapture its veto bloc from pro-establishment rivals.

"There are political forces that would like to maintain enthusiasm among protesters. This is the driving force for some people to mobilise and motivate protesters," said veteran pollster Robert Chung.

Lawmaker Regina Ip, in a letter to the South China Morning Post on Monday, said the protests were likely to continue in all 18 districts until the polls in late November.

Others are digging in for a longer stretch.

"What we're experiencing is an infinity war," said Joshua Wong, who was one of the leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy protests. "I am still optimistic."

Hong Kong's extradition bill demonstrations have mutated into a much bigger and more complex animal, ripping open old wounds and expanding a political fight as the city battens down for a summer of protests.

Hong Kong's extradition bill demonstrations have mutated into a much bigger and more complex animal, ripping open old wounds and expanding a political fight as the city battens down for a summer of protests. The demonstrations pop up almost daily, often with little notice, as activists spread the word of their cause with handwritten notes on so-called Lennon Walls across the territory and through Telegram and other messaging apps. What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland tourists out of Hong Kong. "I'm afraid there will be more confrontation further down the road," said Labour Party lawmaker Fernando Cheung, who has tried to mediate between activists and police. "The protests will continue," he added. "I would expect sizeable protests on and off continuously throughout the summer." On Wednesday, organisers of a "silver-haired" march said 9,000 mostly elderly people, some in wheelchairs, took to the streets in support of younger protesters. Police put the number at 1,500 at its peak. "The whole turmoil is caused by the missteps of government," said Margaret Yu, 59, a retired accountant. "As an elderly person, at least, I have to stand out and voice out how unjust our government is." Wednesday's rally was the latest in a series that have rocked the Asian financial centre for more than two months, plunging the city into turmoil and posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Lam has said the extradition bill, which would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, is "dead." But opponents say nothing short of officially withdrawing it will do. They fear the bill would leave Hong Kong people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not guaranteed and have voiced concerns over the city's much-cherished rule of law. In addition to Lam's ouster, protesters are demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from the government's description of demonstrations, the unconditional release of those arrested and an independent investigation into complaints of excessive force by police. Pipeline of protests The next big protest is scheduled for Sunday, with demonstrators marching from Victoria Park near the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Court of Final Appeal in Central. Other protests are planned over coming weekends in areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the harbour from the financial centre, as well as in Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po, one of Hong Kong's poorest areas. "Protesting in locales such as Mong Kok ... only adds to the threat of violence, given the population density and the presence of triad societies," said Steve Vickers, a risk consultant and a former commander of the Royal Hong Kong Police Criminal Intelligence Bureau. Triad gangs, he said, "may act as agitators for either side, or simply take actions to protect their own interests." Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march toward mainland control. Deep-seated anger with the government has seen scores of smaller groups protest in the streets and sparked grassroots initiatives such as crowdfunding drives and newspaper ad campaigns. Filling the streets Millions have taken to the streets since June in Hong Kong's largest and most violent protests in decades, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse activists, and protesters storming and ransacking the Legislative Council. The protesters have adopted a "be water" strategy, inspired by a maxim of the city's home-grown martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, that encourages them to be flexible or formless. Some activists say it's a very different approach from that of the democracy demonstrations in 2014, when protesters occupied major roads in the city for 79 days. "We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in the streets, we shall fight in all districts of Hong Kong, we shall bring the fight from local arenas to international fronts, whatever the costs may be. We shall never surrender," the Students' Unions of Higher Institutions in Hong Kong said in a statement. The movement's fluidity makes it difficult to police, taking a toll on officers who have fought pitched battles with protesters and leading to a crisis of confidence on the force. The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Hong Kong retailers warned that July and August sales could drop by double digits from a year earlier because of the unrest, while tourism numbers and hotel occupancy rates are slumping. Activists have seized on support for the protests to bolster the democratic opposition's prospects in the November elections, with the hope it can recapture its veto bloc from pro-establishment rivals. "There are political forces that would like to maintain enthusiasm among protesters. This is the driving force for some people to mobilise and motivate protesters," said veteran pollster Robert Chung. Lawmaker Regina Ip, in a letter to the South China Morning Post on Monday, said the protests were likely to continue in all 18 districts until the polls in late November. Others are digging in for a longer stretch. "What we're experiencing is an infinity war," said Joshua Wong, who was one of the leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy protests. "I am still optimistic."

Hong Kong's protesters dig in for long summer of discontent

In a packed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-227166">Shanghai</a> classroom on a hot afternoon, nearly a hundred "mom-and-pop" investors were honing their trading skills ahead of the first opening bell for China's Nasdaq-style tech board.

They were learning survival techniques from veteran trader Shen Shikang, who predicted "a burst of stir-frying" quick buying and selling of stocks when trading starts on Monday.

Markets are brutal, Shen warned, urging students to "be disciplined" and "cut their losses ruthlessly".

Eight months after President Xi Jinping unveiled plans for Shanghai's technology innovation board, the first batch of 25 companies ranging from chip-makers to biotech firms will debut on the STAR Market.

Modeled after Nasdaq, and complete with a US-style IPO system, STAR maybe China's boldest attempt at capital market reforms yet. It is also seen driven by Beijing's ambition to become technologically self-reliant as a prolonged trade war with Washington catches Chinese tech firms in the cross-fire.

China's notoriously volatile stock markets are not for the faint-hearted. But with looser trading rules designed to give market forces a bigger role in setting prices on the new board, even seasoned investors are bracing for a wild ride.

"You will see kamikaze squads in this market, definitely," said investment banker Terence Lin, using a local term for groups of die-hard punters who drive share prices to the sky.

Lin, CEO of boutique investment bank World Financial Holding Group, said that while Nasdaq is dominated by professional investors STAR risks becoming a playground for speculators.

"Many Chinese retail investors buy stocks on recommendations from chat groups in social media such as QQ and Wechat, without even knowing what those companies are doing."

Some analysts say the board's success will hinge largely on whether it can attract domestic listings from the likes of Alibaba or Tencent, or firms that could potentially be China's own Microsoft or Qualcomm. Foreign companies cannot list on the market.

Regulators urge calm, Investors buckle up

Regulators are calling for understanding. "Initially, there could be trading imbalances between supply and demand, and the market should look at fluctuations in a reasonable way," Liu Ti, deputy general manager of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, told a recent forum.

The first batch of companies to list raised about 37 billion yuan ($5.38 billion), amid frenzied demand and some eye-popping valuations that in one case was 171 times earnings.

The IPOs were 1,695 times oversubscribed among retail investors, setting the stage for a scramble in the secondary market when trading begins.

Zhou Liang, founder of Shanghai Minority Investment Management, said he has a massive number of IPO shares which he plans to sell to hungry buyers.

"Prices will be higher because investor enthusiasm runs high," Zhou said.

There will be no daily price limits during the first five days of a company's listing, after which stocks will be allowed to rise or fall up to 20 per cent in a day. Elsewhere in China, price gains are capped at 44 per cent on debut, and limited to 10 per cent swings in either direction thereafter.

And, for the first time, loss-making companies will be allowed to list in China, giving start-ups more access to funding. (For a FACTBOX with more details on the new market, see)

Reagan Li, fund manager at Shanghai V-Invest Co Ltd, expected "boisterous" trading initially. He said he would only buy shares of selected companies at reasonable prices, hoping "the market can give us such a chance."

China's NASDAQ

China's previous attempts to create its own Nasdaq have largely floundered.

Shenzhen's tech-heavy ChiNext, designed to be a driver of innovation, was launched a decade ago, but became a hotbed of speculation and corporate cheating. Investor confidence has still not fully recovered after that bubble burst during the broader 2015 market crash.

An over-the-counter equity market, the New Third Board, saw a similar fate. After the initial excitement, the board has been deserted by investors and issuers.

Having witnessed ChiNext's implosion, Luo Huasen said he has no plans to venture into STAR, at least initially.

"I suspect the craziness of this market will be beyond my understanding," said Luo, chairman of Shanghai Hengsui Asset Management. "I will stay on the sidelines."

($1 = 6.8802 Chinese yuan renminbi)

In a packed Shanghai classroom on a hot afternoon, nearly a hundred "mom-and-pop" investors were honing their trading skills ahead of the first opening bell for China's Nasdaq-style tech board.

In a packed Shanghai classroom on a hot afternoon, nearly a hundred "mom-and-pop" investors were honing their trading skills ahead of the first opening bell for China's Nasdaq-style tech board. They were learning survival techniques from veteran trader Shen Shikang, who predicted "a burst of stir-frying" quick buying and selling of stocks when trading starts on Monday. Markets are brutal, Shen warned, urging students to "be disciplined" and "cut their losses ruthlessly". Eight months after President Xi Jinping unveiled plans for Shanghai's technology innovation board, the first batch of 25 companies ranging from chip-makers to biotech firms will debut on the STAR Market. Modeled after Nasdaq, and complete with a US-style IPO system, STAR maybe China's boldest attempt at capital market reforms yet. It is also seen driven by Beijing's ambition to become technologically self-reliant as a prolonged trade war with Washington catches Chinese tech firms in the cross-fire. China's notoriously volatile stock markets are not for the faint-hearted. But with looser trading rules designed to give market forces a bigger role in setting prices on the new board, even seasoned investors are bracing for a wild ride. "You will see kamikaze squads in this market, definitely," said investment banker Terence Lin, using a local term for groups of die-hard punters who drive share prices to the sky. Lin, CEO of boutique investment bank World Financial Holding Group, said that while Nasdaq is dominated by professional investors STAR risks becoming a playground for speculators. "Many Chinese retail investors buy stocks on recommendations from chat groups in social media such as QQ and Wechat, without even knowing what those companies are doing." Some analysts say the board's success will hinge largely on whether it can attract domestic listings from the likes of Alibaba or Tencent, or firms that could potentially be China's own Microsoft or Qualcomm. Foreign companies cannot list on the market. Regulators urge calm, Investors buckle up Regulators are calling for understanding. "Initially, there could be trading imbalances between supply and demand, and the market should look at fluctuations in a reasonable way," Liu Ti, deputy general manager of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, told a recent forum. The first batch of companies to list raised about 37 billion yuan ($5.38 billion), amid frenzied demand and some eye-popping valuations that in one case was 171 times earnings. The IPOs were 1,695 times oversubscribed among retail investors, setting the stage for a scramble in the secondary market when trading begins. Zhou Liang, founder of Shanghai Minority Investment Management, said he has a massive number of IPO shares which he plans to sell to hungry buyers. "Prices will be higher because investor enthusiasm runs high," Zhou said. There will be no daily price limits during the first five days of a company's listing, after which stocks will be allowed to rise or fall up to 20 per cent in a day. Elsewhere in China, price gains are capped at 44 per cent on debut, and limited to 10 per cent swings in either direction thereafter. And, for the first time, loss-making companies will be allowed to list in China, giving start-ups more access to funding. (For a FACTBOX with more details on the new market, see) Reagan Li, fund manager at Shanghai V-Invest Co Ltd, expected "boisterous" trading initially. He said he would only buy shares of selected companies at reasonable prices, hoping "the market can give us such a chance." China's NASDAQ China's previous attempts to create its own Nasdaq have largely floundered. Shenzhen's tech-heavy ChiNext, designed to be a driver of innovation, was launched a decade ago, but became a hotbed of speculation and corporate cheating. Investor confidence has still not fully recovered after that bubble burst during the broader 2015 market crash. An over-the-counter equity market, the New Third Board, saw a similar fate. After the initial excitement, the board has been deserted by investors and issuers. Having witnessed ChiNext's implosion, Luo Huasen said he has no plans to venture into STAR, at least initially. "I suspect the craziness of this market will be beyond my understanding," said Luo, chairman of Shanghai Hengsui Asset Management. "I will stay on the sidelines." ($1 = 6.8802 Chinese yuan renminbi)

'Expect craziness' as China readies debut of Nasdaq-style board

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-228567">Hong Kong </a>retailers said on Tuesday they expect sales for July and August to drop by double-digits from a year earlier due to large and sometimes violent protests that have gripped the Chinese-ruled city for more than a month.

On top of that forecast, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-in-hong-kong-reject-carrie-lams-assertion-extradition-bill-dead-threaten-mass-rallies-234227">Hong Kong Retail Management Association</a> also sharply changed its full-year retail sales forecast to a double-digit fall instead of single-digit growth.

It urged the government to resolve the dispute over a proposed extradition bill peacefully.

Millions have taken to the streets over the past month to protest a bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/37-countries-including-pakistan-and-saudi-arabia-defend-china-in-un-letter-over-xinjiang-235466">China</a> for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

The retail group's statement came after a relatively peaceful rally descended into chaos late on Sunday when protesters in a shopping mall housing some of the world's largest luxury brands threw umbrellas and plastic bottles at police who retaliated by firing pepper spray and swinging batons.

The retail industry "is worried that the incident will hit Hong Kong's international image as a safe city with good food and a shopping paradise," the association said in a statement.

Last month, PwC revised its Hong Kong full-year retail sales forecast to a 5 per cent drop, from a 3per cent fall.

PwC also said recent political and social unrest, coupled with a lack of new tourist attractions, might lower mainland tourists' appetite to visit Hong Kong in the short run.

The Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association estimates that so far this month, the number of organised tours to the city has dropped 20 per cent to 30 per cent from the same period a year earlier.

"The impact has begun to surface and we start to see tours from mainland China and overseas postponing their leisure visits," association chairman Paul Leung told Reuters. "We hope both sides can peacefully resolve the issue."

The value of Hong Kong retail sales slid 1.3 per cent from a year earlier in May, the fourth straight month of decline.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday called protesters who clashed with police on Sunday "rioters" and said she supported the police in upholding the law and seeking perpetrators.

Hong Kong retailers said on Tuesday they expect sales for July and August to drop by double-digits from a year earlier due to large and sometimes violent protests that have gripped the Chinese-ruled city for more than a month.

Hong Kong retailers said on Tuesday they expect sales for July and August to drop by double-digits from a year earlier due to large and sometimes violent protests that have gripped the Chinese-ruled city for more than a month. On top of that forecast, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association also sharply changed its full-year retail sales forecast to a double-digit fall instead of single-digit growth. It urged the government to resolve the dispute over a proposed extradition bill peacefully. Millions have taken to the streets over the past month to protest a bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. The retail group's statement came after a relatively peaceful rally descended into chaos late on Sunday when protesters in a shopping mall housing some of the world's largest luxury brands threw umbrellas and plastic bottles at police who retaliated by firing pepper spray and swinging batons. The retail industry "is worried that the incident will hit Hong Kong's international image as a safe city with good food and a shopping paradise," the association said in a statement. Last month, PwC revised its Hong Kong full-year retail sales forecast to a 5 per cent drop, from a 3per cent fall. PwC also said recent political and social unrest, coupled with a lack of new tourist attractions, might lower mainland tourists' appetite to visit Hong Kong in the short run. The Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association estimates that so far this month, the number of organised tours to the city has dropped 20 per cent to 30 per cent from the same period a year earlier. "The impact has begun to surface and we start to see tours from mainland China and overseas postponing their leisure visits," association chairman Paul Leung told Reuters. "We hope both sides can peacefully resolve the issue." The value of Hong Kong retail sales slid 1.3 per cent from a year earlier in May, the fourth straight month of decline. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday called protesters who clashed with police on Sunday "rioters" and said she supported the police in upholding the law and seeking perpetrators.

Hong Kong retailers forecast sharp drop in sales as protests rock city

Hong Kong's secretary for justice, Teresa Cheng, will travel to Beijing on Wednesday, the city government said, as protests in the Asian financial centre against an extradition bill she had supported showed no sign of easing.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said the controversial bill "is dead", but protesters say nothing short of a full withdrawal will do and have called for officials, including Lam and Cheng, to step down.

The extradition bill would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party, sparking fears over Hong Kong's much-cherished rule of law.

Millions have taken to the streets over the past month in some of the largest and most violent protests in Hong Kong in decades over a bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

Tens of thousands of people attended Sunday's protest which ended in chaos in a shopping mall, with scores of protesters threw umbrellas, hard-hats and plastic bottles at police who fired pepper spray and hit out with batons.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said protesters who clashed with police on the weekend were rioters, a legally loaded term in the city, and she supported the police in upholding the law and seeking perpetrators.

 
Lam said more than 10 police were injured with six hospitalised.

The government information office said 28 people, including police, were injured.

Security chief John Lee said the government was concerned at an apparent escalation of violence by activists who threw bricks and iron bars.

"We found that people who attacked the police were very organised ... they are well-planned and there are plans to deliberately do damage and disrupt social stability," Lee said as he visited the hospital with Lam.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms for 50 years that are not enjoyed in mainland China, including the right to protest and an independent judiciary.

But many residents worry about what they see as an erosion of those freedoms and a relentless march toward mainland control. Beijing denies interfering in Hong Kong affairs.

The extradition bill that has sparked the protests would have allowed criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent to China to face trial in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party.

Critics say that would threaten Hong Kong's rule of law and its place as an Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong's secretary for justice, Teresa Cheng, will travel to Beijing on Wednesday, the city government said, as protests in the Asian financial centre against an extradition bill she had supported showed no sign of easing.

Hong Kong's secretary for justice, Teresa Cheng, will travel to Beijing on Wednesday, the city government said, as protests in the Asian financial centre against an extradition bill she had supported showed no sign of easing. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said the controversial bill "is dead", but protesters say nothing short of a full withdrawal will do and have called for officials, including Lam and Cheng, to step down. The extradition bill would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party, sparking fears over Hong Kong's much-cherished rule of law. Millions have taken to the streets over the past month in some of the largest and most violent protests in Hong Kong in decades over a bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. Tens of thousands of people attended Sunday's protest which ended in chaos in a shopping mall, with scores of protesters threw umbrellas, hard-hats and plastic bottles at police who fired pepper spray and hit out with batons. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said protesters who clashed with police on the weekend were rioters, a legally loaded term in the city, and she supported the police in upholding the law and seeking perpetrators. Lam said more than 10 police were injured with six hospitalised. The government information office said 28 people, including police, were injured. Security chief John Lee said the government was concerned at an apparent escalation of violence by activists who threw bricks and iron bars. "We found that people who attacked the police were very organised ... they are well-planned and there are plans to deliberately do damage and disrupt social stability," Lee said as he visited the hospital with Lam. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms for 50 years that are not enjoyed in mainland China, including the right to protest and an independent judiciary. But many residents worry about what they see as an erosion of those freedoms and a relentless march toward mainland control. Beijing denies interfering in Hong Kong affairs. The extradition bill that has sparked the protests would have allowed criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent to China to face trial in courts controlled by the ruling Communist Party. Critics say that would threaten Hong Kong's rule of law and its place as an Asian financial hub.

Amid protests, Hong Kong's pro-extradition secretary for justice Teresa Cheng to travel to China

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As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case</a>

The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/allah-was-with-us-captain-morgan-hails-diverse-cultures-as-england-win-world-cup-with-rest-of-world-236174">'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world'</a>

England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-condemns-rioters-after-violent-mall-clash-236131">I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters</a>

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-sanctions-hit-iran-women-debate-wearing-hijab-in-public-236170">In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public</a>

At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not.

More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country.

Thousands of companies leaving China, that is why they want to make a deal: Trump As US and China continue talks on ways to end the trade war, President Trump in a tweet said today that US tariffs have had a major effect on companies wanting to leave China for "non-tariffed countries" with "thousands leaving" the country. Pakistan anti-terror court grants interim pre-arrest bail to Hafiz Saeed in seminary land case The anti-terror court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Jamat-ud-Dawa(JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed until August 31 in a case pertaining to the outfit's alleged illegal use of land for its seminary. 'Allah was with us': Captain Morgan hails diverse cultures as England win World Cup 'with rest of world' England captain Eoin Morgan hailed the diverse backgrounds and cultures in the England cricket team after their dramatic World Cup win on July 14 at Lord's. I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes. In sanctions-hit Iran, women debate wearing hijab in public At a time when Iran is reeling under the consequences of US sanctions, the country is facing a debate over whether women should wear hijab or not. More and more women are coming out expressing their desires against the dress code.

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-unrest-7-media-associates-organize-silent-march-in-hong-kong-235961">Hong Kong</a> shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-reporters-march-against-alleged-police-violence-235812">Hong Kong</a>'s ongoing political crisis deepened further on Sunday as riot police and protesters fought running battles inside a shopping complex packed with luxury stores.

Police used pepper spray and batons against small groups of protesters, who responded by hurling umbrellas, bottles and other projectiles, in a night of fresh violence in the international hub.

Both officers and protesters were injured in the chaotic melee which left bloodstains on the floor and at least 28 people needing hospital treatment.

City leader Carrie&nbsp;Lam rounded on protesters after visiting injured officers Monday.

"They were committed to the duties, and also very professional and restrained. But they were wantonly attacked by rioters -- I think we can really describe them as rioters," Lam told reporters.

Lam said police and prosecutors will press charges following investigations.

Hong Kong has been rocked by more than a month of huge largely peaceful protests -- as well as a series of separate violent confrontations with police -- sparked by a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China and other countries.

Watch- Hong Kong: Extradition law 'dead', but protests alive

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Last month, parliament was trashed by hundreds of masked, youth-led protesters in unprecedented scenes.

The bill has since been suspended, but that has done little to quell public anger which has evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous hub.

Lam's use of the word "rioters" will likely infuriate protesters, who have balked at that description.

They have accused police of using disproportionate force and demanded the designation be retracted.&nbsp;

"Instead of seeking reconciliation, she (Lam) turned to the police for support, by initiating hatred and bloodshed," democracy activist Joshua Wong wrote in a tweet.

Police commissioner Stephen Lo said early Monday more than 40 people were arrested during Sunday's clashes -- which took place in Sha Tin district -- and that an officer had part of his finger bitten off.

A hospital authority spokesperson said 28 people had sought emergency treatment and seven men remained in hospital Monday morning, including two who were in serious condition.

The spokesperson did not provide a breakdown of injuries among police and protesters.&nbsp;

But Lam said more than 10 officers were injured during the clashes and six were still in hospital on Monday.

Her administration has made little headway in defusing the city's worst crisis in decades.

Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, an amnesty for those arrested, and for Lam to step down.

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes.

Anti-government protesters who fought police inside a Hong Kong shopping mall were "rioters", the finance hub's pro-Beijing leader said Monday, as she threw her support behind the city's beleaguered police force following another weekend of clashes. Hong Kong's ongoing political crisis deepened further on Sunday as riot police and protesters fought running battles inside a shopping complex packed with luxury stores. Police used pepper spray and batons against small groups of protesters, who responded by hurling umbrellas, bottles and other projectiles, in a night of fresh violence in the international hub. Both officers and protesters were injured in the chaotic melee which left bloodstains on the floor and at least 28 people needing hospital treatment. City leader Carrie Lam rounded on protesters after visiting injured officers Monday. "They were committed to the duties, and also very professional and restrained. But they were wantonly attacked by rioters -- I think we can really describe them as rioters," Lam told reporters. Lam said police and prosecutors will press charges following investigations. Hong Kong has been rocked by more than a month of huge largely peaceful protests -- as well as a series of separate violent confrontations with police -- sparked by a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China and other countries. Watch- Hong Kong: Extradition law 'dead', but protests alive × Last month, parliament was trashed by hundreds of masked, youth-led protesters in unprecedented scenes. The bill has since been suspended, but that has done little to quell public anger which has evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous hub. Lam's use of the word "rioters" will likely infuriate protesters, who have balked at that description. They have accused police of using disproportionate force and demanded the designation be retracted. "Instead of seeking reconciliation, she (Lam) turned to the police for support, by initiating hatred and bloodshed," democracy activist Joshua Wong wrote in a tweet. Police commissioner Stephen Lo said early Monday more than 40 people were arrested during Sunday's clashes -- which took place in Sha Tin district -- and that an officer had part of his finger bitten off. A hospital authority spokesperson said 28 people had sought emergency treatment and seven men remained in hospital Monday morning, including two who were in serious condition. The spokesperson did not provide a breakdown of injuries among police and protesters. But Lam said more than 10 officers were injured during the clashes and six were still in hospital on Monday. Her administration has made little headway in defusing the city's worst crisis in decades. Protesters are demanding the bill be scrapped entirely, an independent inquiry into police use of tear gas and rubber bullets, an amnesty for those arrested, and for Lam to step down.

I think we can really describe them as 'rioters': Carrie Lam on Hong Kong mall protesters

Seven Hong Kong media associations held a silent march in Hong Kong on July 14 against alleged police violence. Several hundred reporters marched from a park in Admiralty near the Central Government Offices to the police headquarters. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong unrest: 7 media associates organize silent march in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police appealed to protesters on Saturday to refrain from violence and leave the area after scuffles in the town of Sheung Shui, where thousands of demonstrators had converged earlier in the day to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-take-aim-at-chinese-traders-235490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_7c-k6LHjAhWJKY8KHVxwAGAQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KoX7H1bZ9ic5r3AI4kdbe">protest against mainland Chinese traders</a>.

The police made the announcement in a post on their website and in a message read out on television.

The protest in Sheung Shui, not far from the Chinese city of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-2019-growth-seen-slowing-to-62-per-cent-as-trade-war-weighs-reuters-poll-234697&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1g7TU6LHjAhXKKY8KHd1kCh8QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XvWhLkwEenEbvR34tn6B_">Shenzhen</a>, started peacefully but devolved into skirmishes, with demonstrators throwing umbrellas and hard hats at police who retaliated by swinging batons and firing pepper spray.

Hong Kong police appealed to protesters on Saturday to refrain from violence and leave the area after scuffles in the town of Sheung Shui, where thousands of demonstrators had converged earlier in the day to protest against mainland Chinese traders.

Hong Kong police appealed to protesters on Saturday to refrain from violence and leave the area after scuffles in the town of Sheung Shui, where thousands of demonstrators had converged earlier in the day to protest against mainland Chinese traders. The police made the announcement in a post on their website and in a message read out on television. The protest in Sheung Shui, not far from the Chinese city of Shenzhen, started peacefully but devolved into skirmishes, with demonstrators throwing umbrellas and hard hats at police who retaliated by swinging batons and firing pepper spray.

After scuffles, Hong Kong police warn protesters to refrain from violence, leave scene

Hong Kong Chief Executive's Announcement On Extradition Law Creates More Questions Than Answers After weeks of intense protests against the proposed extradition law, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam declares that the law is 'dead'. But protesters seek the complete withdrawal of the bill and believe that Lam's statement is just a verbal gimmick. Palki sums up the story and the reactions coming in from protesters in Hong Kong

Gravitas: Hong Kong: Extradition law 'dead', but protests alive

With the temperature hitting an average of mid 30-degree Celsius in Hong Kong at the moment, some residents are escaping the city's heat and heading to beaches. Some are taking their escape even further by climbing on bamboo poles, for yoga.

Hong Kong residents enjoy their summer on bamboo poles

Prominent activist Denise Ho brought the issue of protests in Hong Kong to the United Nations in Geneva on Monday, saying China was tightening its grip on the territory and that its autonomy and democratic freedoms were slipping away. Beijing's delegation twice interrupted singer and producer Ho, who is banned in mainland China, as she was delivering her speech, invoking "point of order".

Hong Kong singer-activist brings protest to UN rights body, urges action

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the extradition bill that sparked the territory's biggest political crisis in decades was dead, admitting that the government's work on the bill had been a "total failure". The bill, which would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China to face trial, sparked huge and at times violent street protests and plunged the former British colony into turmoil. In mid-June Lam responded to huge protests by suspending the bill, but that move failed to mollify critics, who continued to demonstrate against the bill and call for Lam's resignation. Hong Kong was returned to China from Britain in 1997.

Hong Kong bows to public pressure, drops extradition bill

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