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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

Know why the fashion brand Versace is courting controversy.

WION PLaylist: China hits out at Versace

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


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

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

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


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

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

Want Hong Kong government to engage with all parties: UK

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


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

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

Flights cancelled in Hong Kong airport as protests escalate

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


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

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

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

<p>Luxury fashion brand Versace and Coach have found themselves in the middle of political controversy in China.&nbsp;A day after Versace issued a public apology over its T-shirts that defied 'One China Policy', American fashion label Coach is now facing backlash from its Chinese customers for a similar issue.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Pictures have been circulated online of a T-shirt allegedly sold by Coach that suggests Hong Kong and Taiwan are countries, rather than cities. The photo has irked consumers in China with Coach's brand ambassador, Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, even threatening to terminate her relationship with the brand for “seriously hurting the Chinese people’s feelings”.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, Versace apologised in an official Weibo post for a “wrong design”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its T-shirts had listed Hong Kong and Macau as countries, while both are special administrative regions of China and not separate countries.<br />
<br />
After the brand received severe criticism, the T-shirts were taken off shelves on July 24 and were destroyed, Versace stated.&nbsp;<br />
The brands have faced ire at a time when clashes between China and Hong Kong have intensified with anti-Beijing protests entering its 10th week in Hong Kong. This weekend, demonstrations spilled over from city streets to a sit-in at the airport, the world’s third-busiest in terms of international passengers.<br />
<br />
Versace’s Chinese brand ambassador Yang Mi, said Sunday that she has ended her relationship with the Italian fashion house because it has harmed China’s sovereign and territorial integrity.<br />
<br />
Versace designer Donatella Versace apologized in a post on Instagram on Sunday for an “unfortunate error.“</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1BM54AiL7D/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“I am deeply sorry for the unfortunate recent error that was made by our Company and that is being currently discussed on various social media channels. Never have I wanted to disrespect China’s National Sovereignty and this is why I wanted to personally apologize for such inaccuracy and for any distress that it might have caused.” @donatella_versace The Company apologizes for the design of its product and a recall of the t-shirt has been implemented in July. The brand accepts accountability and is exploring actions to improve how we operate day-to-day to become more conscientious and aware.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/versace/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Versace</a> (@versace) on <time datetime="2019-08-11T09:32:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 2:32am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Coach, on Monday, shared a long post stating that the brand stands by China's sovereign and territorial integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DNXmVgzGF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Coach respects and supports China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In May 2018, we found a serious inaccuracy in the design of a few T-shirts. We immediately pulled those products from all channels globally. We also reviewed our entire assortment to ensure compliance, and have strengthened our internal product development process to avoid the occurrence of a similar issue in the future. We are fully aware of the severity of this error and deeply regret it. We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coach/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coach</a> (@coach) on <time datetime="2019-08-12T04:14:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 11, 2019 at 9:14pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>We have also taken immediate action to review and correct relevant website content. Coach is dedicated to long-term development in China, and we respect the feelings of the Chinese people. We will continue to strive to provide exceptional products and service to Chinese customers,” the statement read.&nbsp;</p>


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

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

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

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

11th week of anti-government protest in Hong Kong

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


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

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

China demands Britain stop 'meddling' in Hong Kong

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

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

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


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

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

Hong Kong police and protesters refine battle tactics

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


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

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

Tourism in trouble: Hong Kong protests hit economy

Hong Kong protests continue, thousands participated in a flash mob defying a police ban on demonstrations. The protest soon turned violent as police fire tear gas at marchers. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Protesters defy ban, organise flash mob

Police removed barricades put up by the protesters. 3 days protest still underway at Hong Kong Airport. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Relentless protest enters 3rd month, Leader refuses to buckle down

Hong Kong: Rally turns violent as police fire tear gas at marchers

Hundreds of people joined a family 'Guard the Children' march in Hong Kong on (August 10) as they call for a stable future for the future generations of the city.

Families and elderly protest against government inaction in Hong Kong

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expect-craziness-as-china-readies-debut-of-nasdaq-style-board-236617">&nbsp;Hong Kong was bracing for another volatile weekend</a>, with anti-government protests planned across the city on Saturday, including one at the international airport for a second day.</p>

<p>Increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing.</p>

<p>Protests planned for Saturday include one in Tai Po, a town in the north of the territory, and gatherings of elderly Hong Kongers and families.</p>

<p>Hong Kong's airport was also expecting a protest that is set to continue on Sunday. A group of 1,000 activists occupied the airport's arrivals hall on Friday but did not disrupt flights.</p>

<p>Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam on Friday said the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June and have become increasingly violent.</p>

<p>China, meanwhile, demanded that the city's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-orders-cathay-pacific-to-suspend-staff-backing-hong-kong-protests-241882"> flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations</a>. One of its pilots was arrested last week.</p>

<p>Huarong International, the investment arm in Hong Kong of China Huarong Asset Management Company, has instructed staff not to fly Cathay Pacific if there are other options, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by a source at the company.</p>

<p>Lam's warning about the economy and China's targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with Hong Kong's deepest crisis in decades.</p>

<p>Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as the wealth disparities in the financial center.</p>

<p>However, older people have also been appearing at the protests.</p>

<p>"There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organizing committee for what was billed as a family protest on Saturday.</p>

<p>"The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns."</p>

<p>The protests began after Hong Kong's government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial.</p>

<p>The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam's resignation.</p>

<p>The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest.</p>

<p>On Friday, the US State Department said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop.</p>

<p>"Chinese authorities know full well, our accredited consular personnel are just doing their jobs, just like diplomats from every other country," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a tweet.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Ortagus called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat.</p>


Hong Kong was bracing for another volatile weekend, with anti-government protests planned across the city on Saturday, including one at the international airport for a second day.

Hong Kong was bracing for another volatile weekend, with anti-government protests planned across the city on Saturday, including one at the international airport for a second day. Increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing. Protests planned for Saturday include one in Tai Po, a town in the north of the territory, and gatherings of elderly Hong Kongers and families. Hong Kong's airport was also expecting a protest that is set to continue on Sunday. A group of 1,000 activists occupied the airport's arrivals hall on Friday but did not disrupt flights. Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam on Friday said the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June and have become increasingly violent. China, meanwhile, demanded that the city's flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. One of its pilots was arrested last week. Huarong International, the investment arm in Hong Kong of China Huarong Asset Management Company, has instructed staff not to fly Cathay Pacific if there are other options, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by a source at the company. Lam's warning about the economy and China's targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with Hong Kong's deepest crisis in decades. Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as the wealth disparities in the financial center. However, older people have also been appearing at the protests. "There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organizing committee for what was billed as a family protest on Saturday. "The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns." The protests began after Hong Kong's government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial. The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam's resignation. The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest. On Friday, the US State Department said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop. "Chinese authorities know full well, our accredited consular personnel are just doing their jobs, just like diplomats from every other country," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a tweet. On Thursday, Ortagus called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat.

With young people at forefront Hong Kong braces for another weekend of protests

A U.S. State Department spokeswoman on Thursday (August 8) called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing personal details and a photograph of a U.S. diplomat who met with leaders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

U.S. calls China 'thuggish regime' for singling out U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong

Police in Hong Kong fired tear gas on Saturday at pro-democracy protesters as they defied warnings to cancel the march. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Police fire tear gas at protesters

<p>Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-another-weekend-of-protests-241947">anti-government protesters on Saturday</a>, and demonstrators swiftly gathered elsewhere during another tense and restive weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weeks of increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-step-up-war-of-words-over-hong-kong-241944">US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong</a></p>

<p>On Saturday activists rallied across the city - with thousands thronging the airport arrivals hall for a second day - while elsewhere police displayed a new willingness to quickly and forcibly clear them from the streets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tear gas was used with little warning not long after several hundred activists who had marched through Tai Po in the north of the territory had barricaded an intersection in the Tai Wai neighbourhood.</p>

<p>They dispersed, as noxious smoke also filled the underground station there, bringing train passengers to tears.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If the government thinks we`ll give up and not come out anymore they`re wrong," said student Chris Wong, 20, at Tai Po.</p>

<p>"Carrie Lam is now spreading lies and blaming us for destroying Hong Kong`s economy. But she`s the one who is destroying Hong Kong," he said. "We`ll continue to fight...but we`re also going to be smart and wear them down."</p>

<p>Lam, Hong Kong`s leader, said on Friday the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June.</p>

<p>China, meanwhile, demanded that the city`s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. One of its pilots was arrested last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lam`s warning about the economy and China`s targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with the crisis.</p>

<p><strong>"We are very angry"</strong></p>

<p>It did not deter thousands of demonstrators.</p>

<p>Leung Wai Man, a housewife in her 60s, said she had been motivated to march in Tai Po because she was angry about what she saw as the violent response by police at some protests.</p>

<p>"We are very angry about the police over arresting our teenagers," she said. She said she was worried about escalating violence, but added that "the protesters were just trying to protect themselves against police violence."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city. However, older people have also been appearing.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre`s business district. Both marches were peaceful.</p>

<p>"There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organising committee for what was billed as the family protest.</p>

<p>"The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns."</p>

<p>Thousands of activists also filled the airport`s arrivals hall for a second day, some sitting and shouting slogans, while others drew protest posters and greeted arriving passengers.</p>

<p>There were no reports of flight disruptions.</p>

<p>The protests began after Hong Kong`s government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to mainland China for trial.</p>

<p>The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam`s resignation.</p>

<p>The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest.<br />
Hong Kong was guaranteed freedoms not granted in mainland China, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula, when Britain handed it back to China in 1997.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the US State department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop.</p>

<p>Ortagus earlier called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat.</p>

<p>More protests are planned for Sunday, including one in Sham Shui Po, a working class neighbourhood that has been the scene of violent confrontations between activists and police. The government announced that public buildings there such as pools and libraries would be shut on Sunday afternoon.</p>


Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters on Saturday, and demonstrators swiftly gathered elsewhere during another tense and restive weekend.

Hong Kong police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters on Saturday, and demonstrators swiftly gathered elsewhere during another tense and restive weekend. Weeks of increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing. Also read: US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong On Saturday activists rallied across the city - with thousands thronging the airport arrivals hall for a second day - while elsewhere police displayed a new willingness to quickly and forcibly clear them from the streets. Tear gas was used with little warning not long after several hundred activists who had marched through Tai Po in the north of the territory had barricaded an intersection in the Tai Wai neighbourhood. They dispersed, as noxious smoke also filled the underground station there, bringing train passengers to tears. "If the government thinks we`ll give up and not come out anymore they`re wrong," said student Chris Wong, 20, at Tai Po. "Carrie Lam is now spreading lies and blaming us for destroying Hong Kong`s economy. But she`s the one who is destroying Hong Kong," he said. "We`ll continue to fight...but we`re also going to be smart and wear them down." Lam, Hong Kong`s leader, said on Friday the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June. China, meanwhile, demanded that the city`s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. One of its pilots was arrested last week. Lam`s warning about the economy and China`s targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with the crisis. "We are very angry" It did not deter thousands of demonstrators. Leung Wai Man, a housewife in her 60s, said she had been motivated to march in Tai Po because she was angry about what she saw as the violent response by police at some protests. "We are very angry about the police over arresting our teenagers," she said. She said she was worried about escalating violence, but added that "the protesters were just trying to protect themselves against police violence." Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as wealth disparities in the city. However, older people have also been appearing. Earlier on Saturday, in two separate protests, small groups of elderly Hong Kongers and families marched near the financial centre`s business district. Both marches were peaceful. "There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organising committee for what was billed as the family protest. "The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns." Thousands of activists also filled the airport`s arrivals hall for a second day, some sitting and shouting slogans, while others drew protest posters and greeted arriving passengers. There were no reports of flight disruptions. The protests began after Hong Kong`s government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to mainland China for trial. The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam`s resignation. The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest. Hong Kong was guaranteed freedoms not granted in mainland China, including an independent judiciary, under a "one country, two systems" formula, when Britain handed it back to China in 1997. On Friday, the US State department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop. Ortagus earlier called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat. More protests are planned for Sunday, including one in Sham Shui Po, a working class neighbourhood that has been the scene of violent confrontations between activists and police. The government announced that public buildings there such as pools and libraries would be shut on Sunday afternoon.

Hong Kong police fire tear gas during another weekend of protests

Several families took to the streets in Hong Kong on Saturday to show support for pro-democracy protests that are now in their third month. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Several families join pro-democracy protest

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-decries-destabilising-behaviour-by-china-in-indo-pacific-pentagon-chief-240544">The United States and China </a>have stepped up an increasingly harsh war of words over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, as Beijing seeks to push its accusations that the mass demonstrations are being fueled by foreign powers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest exchange, Washington on Friday called out Beijing-backed news outlets for sharing 'dangerous' reports after a newspaper revealed personal information about an American diplomat in Hong Kong who met with pro-democracy activists.</p>

<p>'Official Chinese media reports on our diplomat in Hong Kong have gone from irresponsible to dangerous. This must stop,' State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus posted on Twitter.</p>

<p>Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous city as funded by the West, at one point describing violent unrest in the city as 'the work of the US.'</p>

<p>But China has provided little evidence for the claim beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians.</p>

<p>The Hong Kong-based, pro-Beijing Ta Kung Pao reported that the political unit chief of the US Consulate General in Hong Kong, Julie Eadeh, had met with members of the political party Demosisto including prominent democracy activist Joshua Wong.</p>

<p>It shared details on Eadeh's career as well as her family member's names.</p>

<p>The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong denounced Ortagus remarks as 'blatant slander against China' that had 'again exposed US gangster logic.'</p>

<p>Ortagus, however, said that 'Chinese authorities know full well, our accredited consular personnel are just doing their jobs, just like diplomats from every other country.'</p>

<p>"Foreign diplomats in the United States, including Chinese ones, enjoy open access to all elements of American politics, civil society, academia, and business," she added.</p>

<p>On Thursday, China demanded that US diplomats based in Hong Kong 'stop interfering' in the city's affairs.</p>

<p>In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry urged the US diplomatic office in Hong Kong to 'immediately make a clean break with various anti-China rioters" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs immediately.'</p>

<p>Ortagus responded at the time: 'I don't think that that's a formal protest, that is what a thuggish regime would do. That is not how a responsible nation would behave.'</p>

<p>A State Department official told AFP that representatives of the US government 'meet regularly with a wide cross-section of people across Hong Kong and Macau.'</p>

<p>Tensions are high in the Asian financial hub after two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.</p>

<p>Demosisto says it campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence.</p>

<p>Last year, the Hong Kong National Party was outlawed on the grounds it posed a security threat, the first such ban since the city was handed over from Britain to China in 1997.</p>


The United States and China have stepped up an increasingly harsh war of words over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, as Beijing seeks to push its accusations that the mass demonstrations are being fueled by foreign powers.

The United States and China have stepped up an increasingly harsh war of words over pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, as Beijing seeks to push its accusations that the mass demonstrations are being fueled by foreign powers. In the latest exchange, Washington on Friday called out Beijing-backed news outlets for sharing 'dangerous' reports after a newspaper revealed personal information about an American diplomat in Hong Kong who met with pro-democracy activists. 'Official Chinese media reports on our diplomat in Hong Kong have gone from irresponsible to dangerous. This must stop,' State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus posted on Twitter. Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous city as funded by the West, at one point describing violent unrest in the city as 'the work of the US.' But China has provided little evidence for the claim beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians. The Hong Kong-based, pro-Beijing Ta Kung Pao reported that the political unit chief of the US Consulate General in Hong Kong, Julie Eadeh, had met with members of the political party Demosisto including prominent democracy activist Joshua Wong. It shared details on Eadeh's career as well as her family member's names. The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong denounced Ortagus remarks as 'blatant slander against China' that had 'again exposed US gangster logic.' Ortagus, however, said that 'Chinese authorities know full well, our accredited consular personnel are just doing their jobs, just like diplomats from every other country.' "Foreign diplomats in the United States, including Chinese ones, enjoy open access to all elements of American politics, civil society, academia, and business," she added. On Thursday, China demanded that US diplomats based in Hong Kong 'stop interfering' in the city's affairs. In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry urged the US diplomatic office in Hong Kong to 'immediately make a clean break with various anti-China rioters" and "stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs immediately.' Ortagus responded at the time: 'I don't think that that's a formal protest, that is what a thuggish regime would do. That is not how a responsible nation would behave.' A State Department official told AFP that representatives of the US government 'meet regularly with a wide cross-section of people across Hong Kong and Macau.' Tensions are high in the Asian financial hub after two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Demosisto says it campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence. Last year, the Hong Kong National Party was outlawed on the grounds it posed a security threat, the first such ban since the city was handed over from Britain to China in 1997.

US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong

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Hong Kong police fire tear gas during another weekend of protests

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US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong