U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the tensions in Hong Kong releasing a tweet Wednesday (August 14) that said, "I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?"

President Xi can quickly solve Hong Kong "problem" adding "Personal meeting?" says Donald Trump

The United States is "deeply concerned" about the Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border, a US State Department spokeswoman said on Wednesday, while warning that continued erosion of the territory's autonomy put at risk the preferential status it enjoys under US law.

The United States is "deeply concerned" about the Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border, a US State Department spokeswoman said on Wednesday, while warning that continued erosion of the territory's autonomy put at risk the preferential status it enjoys under US law. Another US official said Beijing had stationed large numbers of paramilitary People's Armed Police (PAP) "near and further out from Hong Kong," in response to weeks of street protests in the territory, but said there had been no sign they were moving towards the border. The number of personnel was "in the thousands," said the official, who did not want to be identified. "They have amped up training and made it all pretty visible," he said, but added: "There are no recent indicators that they are preparing to deploy." China's state-run Global Times media outlet reported on Monday that People's Armed Police had been assembling in Shenzhen, a city bordering Hong Kong, "in advance of apparent large-scale exercises." It cited video it had obtained showing numerous armoured personnel carriers (APCs), trucks and other vehicles on expressways heading in the direction of Shenzhen over the weekend. It noted that the role of the PAP was "dealing with rebellions, riots, serious violent and illegal incidents, terrorist attacks and other social security incidents." Satellite images made available to Reuters on Wednesday from Maxar Technologies showed dozens of vehicles, including what appeared to be APCs, at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre across the harbour from Hong Kong. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump cited American intelligence as saying that China was moving troops to its border with Hong Kong, and urged calm as clashes continued between protesters and authorities in the former British colony. The State Department's expression of concern came after senior US lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties called on Trump to take a tougher line with China as worries grew over a possible Chinese intervention. The State Department spokeswoman reiterated the US call for all sides to refrain from violence and said it was important for the Hong Kong government to respect "freedoms of speech and peaceful assembly" and for Beijing to adhere to its commitments to allow Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy. Warning on special status She said the protests reflected "broad and legitimate concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy" and added: " The continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy puts at risk its long-established special status in international affairs." A 1992 US law affords Hong Kong preferential treatment in matters of trade and economics compared with China. Areas of special treatment include visas, law enforcement, and investment. A prominent US senator warned China on Tuesday that Hong Kong could lose its special US trade status if Beijing intervened directly to crack down on increasingly violent pro-democracy protests in the city. Trump, who has been seeking a major deal to correct trade imbalances with China, has faced criticism from Congress and elsewhere for not taking a stronger public line on HongKong and for his characterization of the protests earlier this month as "riots" that were a matter for China to deal with. The Republican president said on Tuesday the situation in HongKong was "tricky," but hoped it would work out for everybody, including China, and "for liberty" without anyone getting hurt or killed. The US official said the PAP units seemed to have been stationed at Shenzhen to intimidate the protesters, but the protests had yet to reach a level that would compel Beijing to send them in. "I don’t think they’ve reached any tipping points," he said. While China wanted to maintain control, "nobody on the opposition side has crossed any red lines," the official said. "They haven’t called for independence. They’ve walked up to the line and caused a lot of disorder, but overnight they apologised to everybody. Both sides are carefully calculating how far and how close they come to those lines." On Tuesday, US Senator Cory Gardner, the Republican chair of the Senate's East Asia subcommittee, said the Trump administration "must make clear to Beijing that any crackdown inHong Kong will have profound consequences for China, including the imposition of US sanctions." On Wednesday, the Democratic chairman of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, and the panel's leading Republican, Michael McCaul, said they were concerned that 30 years after the Tiananmen Square massacre, China might again consider brutally putting down peaceful protests. "We urge China to avoid making such a mistake, which would be met with universal condemnation and swift consequences," they said in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, the State Department issued a travel advisory urging "increased caution in Hong Kong due to civil unrest." Hong Kong has been engulfed in protests since earlier this summer. Flights resumed on Wednesday at the Hong Kong airport, one of the world's busiest, which shut down for two days after demonstrators occupied it.

US 'deeply concerned' by reports of China paramilitary movement near Hong Kong

Chinese social media users directed their fury at online retailer Amazon.com on Thursday, after discovering T-shirts on its website sporting slogans that support anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.

The hashtag "Amazon T-Shirts" became the fourth-top trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo on Wednesday in the latest backlash for an overseas company that broached matters regarding Hong Kong's territorial status.

The widely-read Global Times tabloid, published by China's state-owned People's Daily, said many Chinese internet users found the T-shirts for sale carrying slogans such as "Free Hong Kong Democracy Now" and "Hong Kong is Not China", among others.

Legions of internet users accused the site of being insensitive towards the Chinese people, with one Weibo commenter writing, "Amazon has already left China, right? We need to teach this company a lesson."

The e-commerce giant shut its domestic shopping service in July but continues to ship overseas goods to the country.

A representative for Amazon did not respond to Reuters' emailed request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-between-riot-police-protesters-outside-hong-kong-airport-242832">Protests in Hong Kong are attracting media attention across the region</a>, as activists have occupied public spaces across the global financial hub for more than 10 weeks, to draw attention to a perceived erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong.

At the start of the protests, domestic media from mainland China gave them only limited coverage but they now dominate headlines in both state-owned newspapers and online publications.

Several celebrities from mainland China severed ties with several fashion labels this week after online users pointed out they had released apparel that referred to Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate from the People's Republic of China.

Versace, Calvin Klein, and other brands each issued public apologies online, either on Chinese social media accounts or overseas ones.

Coach, which drew fire for a T-shirt that implied Taiwan was a distinct entity from China, said that in May 2018 it discovered a "serious inaccuracy" in one of its clothing items and pulled it from store shelves.

Chinese social media users directed their fury at online retailer Amazon.com on Thursday, after discovering T-shirts on its website sporting slogans that support anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.

Chinese social media users directed their fury at online retailer Amazon.com on Thursday, after discovering T-shirts on its website sporting slogans that support anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. The hashtag "Amazon T-Shirts" became the fourth-top trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo on Wednesday in the latest backlash for an overseas company that broached matters regarding Hong Kong's territorial status. The widely-read Global Times tabloid, published by China's state-owned People's Daily, said many Chinese internet users found the T-shirts for sale carrying slogans such as "Free Hong Kong Democracy Now" and "Hong Kong is Not China", among others. Legions of internet users accused the site of being insensitive towards the Chinese people, with one Weibo commenter writing, "Amazon has already left China, right? We need to teach this company a lesson." The e-commerce giant shut its domestic shopping service in July but continues to ship overseas goods to the country. A representative for Amazon did not respond to Reuters' emailed request for comment. Protests in Hong Kong are attracting media attention across the region, as activists have occupied public spaces across the global financial hub for more than 10 weeks, to draw attention to a perceived erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong. At the start of the protests, domestic media from mainland China gave them only limited coverage but they now dominate headlines in both state-owned newspapers and online publications. Several celebrities from mainland China severed ties with several fashion labels this week after online users pointed out they had released apparel that referred to Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate from the People's Republic of China. Versace, Calvin Klein, and other brands each issued public apologies online, either on Chinese social media accounts or overseas ones. Coach, which drew fire for a T-shirt that implied Taiwan was a distinct entity from China, said that in May 2018 it discovered a "serious inaccuracy" in one of its clothing items and pulled it from store shelves.

Amazon faces online backlash in China for T-shirts with Hong Kong democracy slogans

Jackie Chan, a Hong Kong native, and world-famous action movie star, expressed his worries and distress over the recent riots in Hong Kong and called for the restoration of peace as soon as possible during an interview with China Central Television (CCTV). Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Martial arts legend Jackie Chan calls for restoration of peace in Hong Kong

Hundreds of China's People's Armed Police conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deeply-concerned-by-reports-of-china-paramilitary-movement-near-hong-kong-243100">US State Department expressed concern</a> that they could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city.

But Western and Asian diplomats in Hong Kong said Beijing has little appetite for rolling the PAP or the People's Liberation Army onto Hong Kong's streets.

Men in fatigues could be seen in a stadium at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, and shouts and whistles could be heard by a Reuters journalist on Thursday morning.

Later in the day, police carried out exercises in which they divided into two groups, one wearing black t-shirts similar to those worn by some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-should-treat-hong-kong-humanely-before-trade-deal-can-be-agreed-243136">protesters in Hong Kong</a>.

The other group remained in uniform and picked up crowd-control shields and practised charging at the first group.

"This is the first time I've seen such a large-scale meeting," said Yang Ying, a receptionist at a wellness centre inside the retail complex at the stadium.

"There have been exercises in the past, but usually they involve traffic police," she added. "Our friends, social media, all say it's because of Hong Kong."

Ten weeks of increasingly violent confrontations between police and protesters have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

The protests represent one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

On Wednesday the US State Department said it was deeply concerned about reports that Chinese police forces were gathering near the border with Hong Kong and urged the city's government to respect freedom of speech.

In Shenzhen, paramilitary police marched in and out of the stadium near a retail complex where shoppers milled about.

The stadium parking lot was filled with more than 100 dark-painted paramilitary vehicles, including troop trucks, armoured personnel carriers, buses and jeeps. At least three were armoured front-end loaders, and two vehicles carried water cannons.

A policeman patrolling the area told Reuters journalists the paramilitary police were guarding a basketball tournament.

Chinese state media have made several mentions of exercises in Shenzhen.

The Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, published a slick video this week showing columns of trucks and armoured personnel carriers rolling through the city.

The paper said the vehicles belonged to the People's Armed Police and had gathered for "apparent-large scale exercises." Its editor, Hu Xijin, described it on Twitter as "a clear warning to rioters in Hong Kong."

The Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper said on the social media platform Weibo that the force handles incidents that include riots and terrorist attacks.

"There is usually PAP in Shenzhen, but this time it appears to be directed against Hong Kong," said a taxi driver, who gave his surname as Wang. "Usually they wouldn't hold such a big exercise."

Posturing, for now

Still, diplomats in Hong Kong said they believe China's leadership is well aware that moving mainland forces into Hong Kong would shatter international faith in the "one country, two systems" model at the heart of the city's role as a global financial hub, and would swiftly lead to sanctions.

"We are seeing an escalation in the posturing that appears designed to send messages to both Hong Kong and the mainland ... but we are confident we are still in the realms of propaganda here," one senior Western envoy told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "The trucks aren't about to roll at this point."

Alexander Neill, a Singapore-based security analyst at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said it would take a far more serious situation to trigger such a move.

"I think we'd really need to see a total breakdown and a sense that China's national interests were at great risk and could not be protected by the Hong Kong government and its police," he said.

Worst-case scenarios, he said, could involve the assassination or kidnapping of Chinese officials in Hong Kong, the sacking and occupation of key offices there or the government losing control of parts of the police force.

"We're a long way from anything like that yet, so I think what we are seeing is harder posturing that is part of a much broader propaganda effort underway on many fronts," he said.

The Shenzhen stadium sits across the water from Hong Kong's rural hinterland, near a bridge straddling the border.

People working around the stadium said the level of PAP activity was higher than they had ever seen, but not disruptive, as the troops usually kept to themselves.

The chief disruption was PAP vehicles occupying parking spaces, and people who worked in the area said they had been told not to share pictures of vehicles.

Hundreds of China's People's Armed Police conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday, as the US State Department expressed concern that they could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city.

Hundreds of China's People's Armed Police conducted exercises at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday, as the US State Department expressed concern that they could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city. But Western and Asian diplomats in Hong Kong said Beijing has little appetite for rolling the PAP or the People's Liberation Army onto Hong Kong's streets. Men in fatigues could be seen in a stadium at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, and shouts and whistles could be heard by a Reuters journalist on Thursday morning. Later in the day, police carried out exercises in which they divided into two groups, one wearing black t-shirts similar to those worn by some protesters in Hong Kong. The other group remained in uniform and picked up crowd-control shields and practised charging at the first group. "This is the first time I've seen such a large-scale meeting," said Yang Ying, a receptionist at a wellness centre inside the retail complex at the stadium. "There have been exercises in the past, but usually they involve traffic police," she added. "Our friends, social media, all say it's because of Hong Kong." Ten weeks of increasingly violent confrontations between police and protesters have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The protests represent one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. On Wednesday the US State Department said it was deeply concerned about reports that Chinese police forces were gathering near the border with Hong Kong and urged the city's government to respect freedom of speech. In Shenzhen, paramilitary police marched in and out of the stadium near a retail complex where shoppers milled about. The stadium parking lot was filled with more than 100 dark-painted paramilitary vehicles, including troop trucks, armoured personnel carriers, buses and jeeps. At least three were armoured front-end loaders, and two vehicles carried water cannons. A policeman patrolling the area told Reuters journalists the paramilitary police were guarding a basketball tournament. Chinese state media have made several mentions of exercises in Shenzhen. The Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, published a slick video this week showing columns of trucks and armoured personnel carriers rolling through the city. The paper said the vehicles belonged to the People's Armed Police and had gathered for "apparent-large scale exercises." Its editor, Hu Xijin, described it on Twitter as "a clear warning to rioters in Hong Kong." The Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper said on the social media platform Weibo that the force handles incidents that include riots and terrorist attacks. "There is usually PAP in Shenzhen, but this time it appears to be directed against Hong Kong," said a taxi driver, who gave his surname as Wang. "Usually they wouldn't hold such a big exercise." Posturing, for now Still, diplomats in Hong Kong said they believe China's leadership is well aware that moving mainland forces into Hong Kong would shatter international faith in the "one country, two systems" model at the heart of the city's role as a global financial hub, and would swiftly lead to sanctions. "We are seeing an escalation in the posturing that appears designed to send messages to both Hong Kong and the mainland ... but we are confident we are still in the realms of propaganda here," one senior Western envoy told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. "The trucks aren't about to roll at this point." Alexander Neill, a Singapore-based security analyst at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said it would take a far more serious situation to trigger such a move. "I think we'd really need to see a total breakdown and a sense that China's national interests were at great risk and could not be protected by the Hong Kong government and its police," he said. Worst-case scenarios, he said, could involve the assassination or kidnapping of Chinese officials in Hong Kong, the sacking and occupation of key offices there or the government losing control of parts of the police force. "We're a long way from anything like that yet, so I think what we are seeing is harder posturing that is part of a much broader propaganda effort underway on many fronts," he said. The Shenzhen stadium sits across the water from Hong Kong's rural hinterland, near a bridge straddling the border. People working around the stadium said the level of PAP activity was higher than they had ever seen, but not disruptive, as the troops usually kept to themselves. The chief disruption was PAP vehicles occupying parking spaces, and people who worked in the area said they had been told not to share pictures of vehicles.

In 'clear warning', Chinese paramilitary forces exercise near Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-not-sit-by-if-hong-kong-crisis-worsens-says-chinese-envoy-to-uk-243157">China 'will not sit by' if Hong Kong crisis worsens, says Chinese envoy to UK</a>

China will not "sit by and watch" and is ready to "quell the unrest swiftly" if the crisis in Hong Kong becomes "uncontrollable", China's ambassador to London said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-is-war-against-humanity-indias-policy-on-it-is-clear-pm-modi-243139">Terrorism is war against humanity, India's policy on it is clear: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of country's 73rd Independence Day. Without naming Pakistan directly, the prime minister slammed the countries who are supporting terror.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-us-pact-in-afghanistan-could-boost-islamic-state-afghan-officials-243152">Taliban, US pact in Afghanistan could boost Islamic State: Afghan officials</a>

A deal between the Taliban and the United States for US forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-china-calls-informal-unsc-consultation-on-friday-243159">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: China calls for informal UNSC consultation on Friday</a>

China has asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation has been called for this Friday at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-14-dead-in-unprecedented-rebel-attack-on-myanmar-military-town-243181">At least 14 dead in unprecedented rebel attack on Myanmar military town</a>

At least 14 people have been killed in ongoing fighting Thursday between Myanmar's military and rebels who mounted a series of attacks, including an unprecedented strike on an army academy, apparently in retaliation for massive drug seizures.

&nbsp;

China 'will not sit by' if Hong Kong crisis worsens, says Chinese envoy to UK China will not "sit by and watch" and is ready to "quell the unrest swiftly" if the crisis in Hong Kong becomes "uncontrollable", China's ambassador to London said on Thursday.

China 'will not sit by' if Hong Kong crisis worsens, says Chinese envoy to UK China will not "sit by and watch" and is ready to "quell the unrest swiftly" if the crisis in Hong Kong becomes "uncontrollable", China's ambassador to London said on Thursday. Terrorism is war against humanity, India's policy on it is clear: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of country's 73rd Independence Day. Without naming Pakistan directly, the prime minister slammed the countries who are supporting terror. Taliban, US pact in Afghanistan could boost Islamic State: Afghan officials A deal between the Taliban and the United States for US forces to withdraw from their longest-ever war in Afghanistan could drive some diehard Taliban fighters into the arms of the Islamic State militant group, Afghan officials and militants say. Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: China calls for informal UNSC consultation on Friday China has asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation has been called for this Friday at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States. At least 14 dead in unprecedented rebel attack on Myanmar military town At least 14 people have been killed in ongoing fighting Thursday between Myanmar's military and rebels who mounted a series of attacks, including an unprecedented strike on an army academy, apparently in retaliation for massive drug seizures.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China wants to make a trade deal but it should treat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-urge-china-to-adhere-to-sino-british-joint-declaration-on-hong-kong-us-state-department-243027">Hong Kong</a> "humanely" first, explicitly tying a trade agreement to a peaceful resolution of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

"Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!" Trump said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
..deferral to December. It actually helps China more than us, but will be reciprocated. Millions of jobs are being lost in China to other non-Tariffed countries. Thousands of companies are leaving. Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1161767691646115840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi (Jinping) wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?" Trump said.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman said earlier on Wednesday that the United States was "deeply concerned" about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deeply-concerned-by-reports-of-china-paramilitary-movement-near-hong-kong-243100">Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border</a>.

The State Department's expression of concern came after senior US&nbsp;lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties called on Trump to take a tougher line with China as worries grew over a possible Chinese intervention.

Another US&nbsp;official said Beijing had stationed large numbers of paramilitary People's Armed Police (PAP) "near and further out from Hong Kong," in response to weeks of street protests in the territory, but said there had been no sign they were moving towards the border.

Watch: Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

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The number of personnel was "in the thousands," said the official, who did not want to be identified.

"They have amped up training and made it all pretty visible," he said, but added,&nbsp;"There are no recent indicators that they are preparing to deploy."

China's state-run Global Times media outlet reported on Monday that People's Armed Police had been assembling in Shenzhen, a city bordering Hong Kong, "in advance of apparent large-scale exercises."

It cited video it had obtained showing numerous armoured personnel carriers (APCs), trucks and other vehicles on expressways heading in the direction of Shenzhen over the weekend. It noted that the role of the PAP was "dealing with rebellions, riots, serious violent and illegal incidents, terrorist attacks and other social security incidents."

Satellite images made available to Reuters on Wednesday from Maxar Technologies showed dozens of vehicles, including what appeared to be APCs, at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre across the harbour from Hong Kong.

On Tuesday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump cited American intelligence as saying that China was moving troops to its border with Hong Kong, and urged calm as clashes continued between protesters and authorities in the former British colony.

Trump, who has been seeking a major deal to correct trade imbalances with China, has faced criticism from Congress and elsewhere for not taking a stronger public line on Hong Kong and for his characterization of the protests earlier this month as "riots" that were a matter for China to deal with.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China wants to make a trade deal but it should treat Hong Kong "humanely" first, explicitly tying a trade agreement to a peaceful resolution of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that China wants to make a trade deal but it should treat Hong Kong "humanely" first, explicitly tying a trade agreement to a peaceful resolution of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. "Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!" Trump said on Twitter. ..deferral to December. It actually helps China more than us, but will be reciprocated. Millions of jobs are being lost in China to other non-Tariffed countries. Thousands of companies are leaving. Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2019 × "I have ZERO doubt that if President Xi (Jinping) wants to quickly and humanely solve the Hong Kong problem, he can do it. Personal meeting?" Trump said. A US State Department spokeswoman said earlier on Wednesday that the United States was "deeply concerned" about Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border. The State Department's expression of concern came after senior US lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties called on Trump to take a tougher line with China as worries grew over a possible Chinese intervention. Another US official said Beijing had stationed large numbers of paramilitary People's Armed Police (PAP) "near and further out from Hong Kong," in response to weeks of street protests in the territory, but said there had been no sign they were moving towards the border. Watch: Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong × The number of personnel was "in the thousands," said the official, who did not want to be identified. "They have amped up training and made it all pretty visible," he said, but added, "There are no recent indicators that they are preparing to deploy." China's state-run Global Times media outlet reported on Monday that People's Armed Police had been assembling in Shenzhen, a city bordering Hong Kong, "in advance of apparent large-scale exercises." It cited video it had obtained showing numerous armoured personnel carriers (APCs), trucks and other vehicles on expressways heading in the direction of Shenzhen over the weekend. It noted that the role of the PAP was "dealing with rebellions, riots, serious violent and illegal incidents, terrorist attacks and other social security incidents." Satellite images made available to Reuters on Wednesday from Maxar Technologies showed dozens of vehicles, including what appeared to be APCs, at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre across the harbour from Hong Kong. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump cited American intelligence as saying that China was moving troops to its border with Hong Kong, and urged calm as clashes continued between protesters and authorities in the former British colony. Trump, who has been seeking a major deal to correct trade imbalances with China, has faced criticism from Congress and elsewhere for not taking a stronger public line on Hong Kong and for his characterization of the protests earlier this month as "riots" that were a matter for China to deal with.

Trump says China should treat Hong Kong 'humanely' before trade deal can be agreed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Violent clashes continue in Hong Kong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests

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

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

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

Stranded passengers voice support for Hong Kong protesters

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

Hong Kong airport reopens, still about 200 flights remain cancelled

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

US reacts to Hong Kong protest

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

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

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

Flights were cancelled after protesters took over terminals

Breaking News: Hong Kong airport cancels departing flights

Flight operations have been resumed after the halt

Hong Kong Airport Re-Opens

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal airport protests to cost Hong Kong heavily: SAR official

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

Hong Kong airport reopens after protest disruption

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

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

Shares shunted after Argentina crash, safe-havens shine

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Shares shunted after Argentina crash, safe-havens shine