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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong braces for 13th weekend of protests

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

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong arrested

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

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

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

China sends fresh troops to Hong Kong

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

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

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

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

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

Wion Dispatch: Bruce Harrison on Joshua Wong released on Bail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch WION Playlist, 29th August 2019

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

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

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

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

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

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong Protests; What lies ahead?

Hong Kong Protests: China rotates new batch of troops

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

China rotates new batch of troops in Hong Kong

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

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

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

Hong Kong facing worst crisis since 1997 handover: Chinese diplomat

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

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

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

How China benefits from the Hong Kong protests

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

WION Dispatch: Carrie Lam says government is open to dialogue

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

China denounces G7 Statement on Hong Kong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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