China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun said on Monday that China will not allow the Group of 20 nations to discuss the Hong Kong issue at its summit this week.

Millions of people demonstrated on the streets of Hong Kong this month against a bill that would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The extradition bill and police reaction to the protests drew international criticism from rights groups.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will meet at the G20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka this week amid heightened trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.

"What I can tell you for sure is that G20 will not discuss the Hong Kong issue. We will not allow G20 to discuss the Hong Kong issue," Zhang said, when asked whether Trump and Xi would discuss Hong Kong at the G20.

"Hong Kong is China's special administrative region. Hong Kong matters are purely an internal affair due China. No foreign country has a right to interfere," Zhang said.

"No matter at what venue, using any method, we will not permit any country or person to interfere in China's internal affairs."

China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun said on Monday that China will not allow the Group of 20 nations to discuss the Hong Kong issue at its summit this week.

China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Jun said on Monday that China will not allow the Group of 20 nations to discuss the Hong Kong issue at its summit this week. Millions of people demonstrated on the streets of Hong Kong this month against a bill that would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The extradition bill and police reaction to the protests drew international criticism from rights groups. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump will meet at the G20 summit in the Japanese city of Osaka this week amid heightened trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. "What I can tell you for sure is that G20 will not discuss the Hong Kong issue. We will not allow G20 to discuss the Hong Kong issue," Zhang said, when asked whether Trump and Xi would discuss Hong Kong at the G20. "Hong Kong is China's special administrative region. Hong Kong matters are purely an internal affair due China. No foreign country has a right to interfere," Zhang said. "No matter at what venue, using any method, we will not permit any country or person to interfere in China's internal affairs."

China says will not allow Hong Kong issue to be discussed at G20 summit

China will not allow Hong Kong issue to be discussed at G20 summit

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 - June 22nd, 2019

Thousands of protesters who had blockaded police headquarters in Asia’s leading financial centre had mostly dispersed by Saturday morning with some roads reopened for traffic as normal, but it remained unclear whether further mass protests would take place.

Hong Kong: Protesters' Demands Still Unmet

Thousands Of People Have Again Mobilised Protests Against The Extradition Bill In Hong Kong

Gravitas: Fresh protests erupt in Hong Kong

Thousands of black-clad protesters blocked roads and surrounded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-hong-kong-does-not-need-meddling-by-black-hand-western-forces-228770">police headquarters in Hong Kong </a>on Friday in the latest demonstrations over an extradition bill that has triggered violent protests and plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis.

Groups of mostly students wearing hard hats,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-in-hong-kong-fearful-of-chinas-grasp-flee-to-taiwan-228393"> goggles and face masks</a> set up roadblocks and trapped vehicles in a generally peaceful protest to demand that leader Carrie Lam, who promoted and then postponed the bill, scrap it altogether.

"Having people here is giving pressure to the government that we don't agree with your extradition plans," said student Edison Ng, who was protesting in sweltering heat of about 32 degrees Celsius (90°F).

"It is not clear how long we will stay... To go or not to go, (the) people will decide," he added.

The protests, which pose the greatest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012, once again forced the temporary closure of Hong Kong government offices over security concerns.&nbsp;

Roads that would normally be jammed with traffic&nbsp;were empty, with demonstrators reinforcing roadblocks with metal barriers.

"Never surrender," echoed through the streets as the protesters chanted near police headquarters and called on police chief Stephen Lo to step down.

Police warned activists through loud hailers not to charge.

Hundreds remained outside government buildings on Friday night, with the majority sitting peacefully and spraying each other with water to keep cool. Nearby, a large group sang "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord", which has emerged as the unlikely anthem of the protests.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, since when it has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula that allows freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, including a much-cherished independent judiciary.

Millions of people, fearing a further erosion of those freedoms, have clogged the streets of the Asian financial centre this month to rally against the bill, which would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Beijing's squeeze sparked pro-democracy protests in 2014 that paralysed parts of the city for 79 days.

Many accuse China of obstructing democratic reforms, interfering with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders.

Friday's marchers demanded that the government drop all charges against those arrested in last week's clashes, charge police with what they describe as violent action and stop referring to the protests as a riot.

A small group of demonstrators hurled eggs at police outside the headquarters to protest against police violence. Amnesty International in a statement on Friday that evidence of unlawful use of force by police during the June 12 protest was "irrefutable".

Opponents of the extradition bill fear the law could put them at the mercy of the mainland Chinese justice system which is plagued by torture, forced confessions and arbitrary detentions.

The turmoil has also raised questions over Lam's ability to govern, two years after she was selected and pledged to "unite and move forward".

Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng became the latest government minister to apologise over the bill.

"Regarding the controversies and disputes in society arising from the strife in the past few months, being a team member of the government, I offer my sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong," Cheng wrote in her blog.

"We promise to adopt a most sincere and humble attitude to accept criticisms and make improvements in serving the public."

While Lam admitted shortcomings over the bill and said she had heard the people "loud and clear", she has rejected repeated calls to step down.

Concerns over the bill spread quickly, from democratic and human rights groups to the wider Hong Kong community, including pro-establishment business figures, some usually loath to contradict the government. Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore.

Hong Kong's Bar Association said in a statement that it was asking the government to withdraw the extradition bill and make a commitment that any legislation would not proceed without having a full and open consultation.

Protesters had gathered early on Friday outside government offices before marching towards police headquarters. One activist read a letter of support from a Taiwan student.

"Brave HKers, perhaps when faced with adversity, we are all fragile and small, but please do not give up defending everything that you love," the protester read through a loud hailer to applause.

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take over self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as a recalcitrant, breakaway province. Many have waved Taiwan flags at recent demonstrations in Hong Kong, images certain to rile authorities in Beijing.

Taiwan, overwhelmingly opposed to a "one country, two systems" formula for itself, has voiced support for Hong Kong.

Thousands of black-clad protesters blocked roads and surrounded police headquarters in Hong Kong on Friday in the latest demonstrations over an extradition bill that has triggered violent protests and plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis.

Thousands of black-clad protesters blocked roads and surrounded police headquarters in Hong Kong on Friday in the latest demonstrations over an extradition bill that has triggered violent protests and plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis. Groups of mostly students wearing hard hats, goggles and face masks set up roadblocks and trapped vehicles in a generally peaceful protest to demand that leader Carrie Lam, who promoted and then postponed the bill, scrap it altogether. "Having people here is giving pressure to the government that we don't agree with your extradition plans," said student Edison Ng, who was protesting in sweltering heat of about 32 degrees Celsius (90°F). "It is not clear how long we will stay... To go or not to go, (the) people will decide," he added. The protests, which pose the greatest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012, once again forced the temporary closure of Hong Kong government offices over security concerns. Roads that would normally be jammed with traffic were empty, with demonstrators reinforcing roadblocks with metal barriers. "Never surrender," echoed through the streets as the protesters chanted near police headquarters and called on police chief Stephen Lo to step down. Police warned activists through loud hailers not to charge. Hundreds remained outside government buildings on Friday night, with the majority sitting peacefully and spraying each other with water to keep cool. Nearby, a large group sang "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord", which has emerged as the unlikely anthem of the protests. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, since when it has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula that allows freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, including a much-cherished independent judiciary. Millions of people, fearing a further erosion of those freedoms, have clogged the streets of the Asian financial centre this month to rally against the bill, which would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Beijing's squeeze sparked pro-democracy protests in 2014 that paralysed parts of the city for 79 days. Many accuse China of obstructing democratic reforms, interfering with elections and of being behind the disappearance of five Hong Kong-based booksellers, starting in 2015, who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. Friday's marchers demanded that the government drop all charges against those arrested in last week's clashes, charge police with what they describe as violent action and stop referring to the protests as a riot. A small group of demonstrators hurled eggs at police outside the headquarters to protest against police violence. Amnesty International in a statement on Friday that evidence of unlawful use of force by police during the June 12 protest was "irrefutable". Opponents of the extradition bill fear the law could put them at the mercy of the mainland Chinese justice system which is plagued by torture, forced confessions and arbitrary detentions. The turmoil has also raised questions over Lam's ability to govern, two years after she was selected and pledged to "unite and move forward". Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng became the latest government minister to apologise over the bill. "Regarding the controversies and disputes in society arising from the strife in the past few months, being a team member of the government, I offer my sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong," Cheng wrote in her blog. "We promise to adopt a most sincere and humble attitude to accept criticisms and make improvements in serving the public." While Lam admitted shortcomings over the bill and said she had heard the people "loud and clear", she has rejected repeated calls to step down. Concerns over the bill spread quickly, from democratic and human rights groups to the wider Hong Kong community, including pro-establishment business figures, some usually loath to contradict the government. Some Hong Kong tycoons have started moving personal wealth offshore. Hong Kong's Bar Association said in a statement that it was asking the government to withdraw the extradition bill and make a commitment that any legislation would not proceed without having a full and open consultation. Protesters had gathered early on Friday outside government offices before marching towards police headquarters. One activist read a letter of support from a Taiwan student. "Brave HKers, perhaps when faced with adversity, we are all fragile and small, but please do not give up defending everything that you love," the protester read through a loud hailer to applause. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take over self-ruled Taiwan, which it regards as a recalcitrant, breakaway province. Many have waved Taiwan flags at recent demonstrations in Hong Kong, images certain to rile authorities in Beijing. Taiwan, overwhelmingly opposed to a "one country, two systems" formula for itself, has voiced support for Hong Kong.

Protesters block roads, surround police headquarters in Hong Kong

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 20th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-businesses-pledge-closures-as-extradition-anger-builds-226173">Hong Kong</a> student groups were preparing to mobilise support for another major demonstration, a union leader said, as a Thursday deadline approached for the pro-Beijing government to respond to demands of protesters who have shaken the city with massive rallies.

Millions have marched this month to oppose a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to the Chinese mainland, but the huge protest movement has morphed into a larger rebuke of Hong Kong's administration.

Under-fire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-firmly-support-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-china-227947">chief executive Carrie Lam</a> has apologised and suspended the controversial bill, but that has failed to quell the opposition, with protesters demanding she step down and completely withdraw the legislation.

A network of students at universities and higher education institutions is preparing to mobilise based on a 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) Thursday deadline circulating online for several demands to be met, said So Tsun Fung, president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Students Union.

In addition to Lam's ouster and the extradition law's withdrawal, protesters have also demanded the release of those detained during sporadic clashes with police last week, and an investigation into allegations of police brutality.

So told AFP the student network would call for people to surround Hong Kong's central government offices at 7:00 am Friday (2300 GMT Thursday) if the Lam administration does not respond to demands.

&nbsp;Human chain

"The hope is to apply pressure before civil servants go to work if we have a certain amount of people," he added.

In a chat group seen by AFP on the messaging app Telegram, some users posted anonymous polls asking its more than 34,000 members how they wanted to protest Friday, with options including a peaceful sit-in, forming a human chain, or surrounding Lam's residence.

A Hong Kong government press representative asked AFP to direct queries about the demands to Lam's office, which could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Civil Human Rights Front, a group that helped facilitate the massive June 9 and June 16 rallies, said it would support any lawful and peaceful protest by student groups.

The ongoing protests have been largely "leaderless", with no one group or individual articulating demands or negotiating with authorities on the demonstrators' behalf.

The minority pro-democracy bloc in Hong Kong's legislature would also back the students and urges them to remain peaceful, opposition lawmaker Claudio Mo told AFP.

Opponents of the extradition bill that sparked the crisis have said they fear the proposal will ensnare the people of Hong Kong in mainland China's opaque and politicised justice system and also give Beijing a tool to target its critics based in the semi-autonomous territory.

Hong Kong student groups were preparing to mobilise support for another major demonstration, a union leader said, as a Thursday deadline approached for the pro-Beijing government to respond to demands of protesters who have shaken the city with massive rallies.

Hong Kong student groups were preparing to mobilise support for another major demonstration, a union leader said, as a Thursday deadline approached for the pro-Beijing government to respond to demands of protesters who have shaken the city with massive rallies. Millions have marched this month to oppose a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to the Chinese mainland, but the huge protest movement has morphed into a larger rebuke of Hong Kong's administration. Under-fire chief executive Carrie Lam has apologised and suspended the controversial bill, but that has failed to quell the opposition, with protesters demanding she step down and completely withdraw the legislation. A network of students at universities and higher education institutions is preparing to mobilise based on a 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) Thursday deadline circulating online for several demands to be met, said So Tsun Fung, president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Students Union. In addition to Lam's ouster and the extradition law's withdrawal, protesters have also demanded the release of those detained during sporadic clashes with police last week, and an investigation into allegations of police brutality. So told AFP the student network would call for people to surround Hong Kong's central government offices at 7:00 am Friday (2300 GMT Thursday) if the Lam administration does not respond to demands. Human chain "The hope is to apply pressure before civil servants go to work if we have a certain amount of people," he added. In a chat group seen by AFP on the messaging app Telegram, some users posted anonymous polls asking its more than 34,000 members how they wanted to protest Friday, with options including a peaceful sit-in, forming a human chain, or surrounding Lam's residence. A Hong Kong government press representative asked AFP to direct queries about the demands to Lam's office, which could not be immediately reached for comment. The Civil Human Rights Front, a group that helped facilitate the massive June 9 and June 16 rallies, said it would support any lawful and peaceful protest by student groups. The ongoing protests have been largely "leaderless", with no one group or individual articulating demands or negotiating with authorities on the demonstrators' behalf. The minority pro-democracy bloc in Hong Kong's legislature would also back the students and urges them to remain peaceful, opposition lawmaker Claudio Mo told AFP. Opponents of the extradition bill that sparked the crisis have said they fear the proposal will ensnare the people of Hong Kong in mainland China's opaque and politicised justice system and also give Beijing a tool to target its critics based in the semi-autonomous territory.

Hong Kong protesters threaten more demonstrations if demands not met

By Kelly Chernin

Protesters in Hong Kong have achieved a major victory in their fight to protect their legal system from Chinese interference.

On June 15, in response to massive popular resistance, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced she would suspend a vote on a proposed new law that would allow China to extradite suspects accused of certain crimes and prosecute them in Chinese courts.

For over a week, some 1.3 million people had gathered daily outside Hong Kong’s legislature to protest the legislation, which protesters say China will abuse to extradite political dissidents. They managed to postpone a June 12 vote by blocking entry to the legislative building. Days later, consideration of the law was indefinitely postponed.

That temporarily protects Hong Kong’s judicial system, one of the island territory’s few remaining areas of government autonomy from China.

Protesters are now demanding that the bill be withdrawn, not just suspended. If the law comes up for vote at a later date, it will likely pass in Hong Kong’s legislative council, where pro-China forces dominate.

‘One country, two systems’

Chinese rule over Hong Kong, an island territory off the coast of Shenzhen, has long been disputed.

The British colonised Hong Kong in the 1800s following the Opium Wars. But China never accepted this territorial claim, and insisted throughout the 20th century that Hong Kong belonged to China.

In 1997, after a decade of negotiations between the United Kingdom and China, Hong Kong returned to China – with some strings attached. Knowing that Hong Kong had developed under a Western system of government, then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping made Hong Kong a “Special Autonomous Region” and agreed to give the island a 50-year transition period to come fully under Chinese rule.

Under this system, Hong Kong would retain its judicial system and legislative council, affording the island relative independence in its day-to-day operations. But Hong Kong would belong to China. The arrangement became known as “one country, two systems.”

Controversially, full suffrage and free elections were not part of the 1997 deal.

For two decades, though, the “one country, two systems” arrangement seemed to give Hong Kong relative autonomy from Chinese interference.

Then, in 2014, China announced that people would be allowed to vote in Hong Kong’s 2017 chief executive election only from a short list of preapproved candidates.

Thousands took to the streets to demand universal suffrage. To protect themselves from police spraying tear gas at the front lines, they used umbrellas, giving rise to the name the “Umbrella Movement.”

In the years since the uprising, I have interviewed numerous democracy activists in Hong Kong as part of my academic research into the evolution of social movements.

Many participants told me that they believed the 2014 Umbrella Movement had ended peacefully because China didn’t want another Tiananmen Square on its hands. In 1989, Chinese soldiers opened fire on student protesters in Beijing, killing hundreds and raising global uproar.

Emboldened by international support for the Umbrella Movement, Hong Kong’s young activists have continued their efforts to protect their independence from China. Nine Umbrella Movement leaders ran for local office in Hong Kong in the territory’s 2015 elections.

In 2016 elections, two pro-independence politicians even won seats in the legislative council. However, they were quickly expelled for “failing” to properly recite their loyalty oaths at a swearing-in ceremony.

In 2017 Carrie Lam, a candidate loyal to Beijing and the driving force behind the extradition law, was elected Chief Executive – Hong Kong’s highest public official.

Creeping Chinese influence

Under Lam’s leadership, traditionally pro-democracy politicians were removed from office. Some were even arrested and jailed as dissidents.

 
Today, only 24 pro-democracy politicians remain in Hong Kong’s 70-seat legislative council.

Increasing Chinese influence on the island territory also threatens Hong Kong’s clout as a major economic hub.

For decades, Hong Kong’s relative autonomy has made the island territory an appealing place to do business in Asia. But under stronger Chinese rule, financial markets and regulatory systems in Hong Kong may become less reliable as they begin to reflect the national interests of China – not those of the free market.

The American Chamber of Commerce and several prominent Hong Kong business leaders have publicly spoken out against the extradition law.

“Spiriting people away over the border would undermine business confidence,” one hedge fund manager told the nonprofit human rights organisation Hong Kong Watch.

Human rights at stake 
 
Hong Kong’s legal system is now the only surviving pillar of “one country, two systems,” which was created to give Hong Kong autonomy over its legal, economic and financial affairs.

If the postponed extradition law passes, there will be no meaningful remaining barriers between democratic-leaning Hong Kong and authoritarian China.

For many in Hong Kong, that’s an intolerable future.

An assessment by the World Justice Project, a nonprofit organization that works to advance the rule of law worldwide, ranks Hong Kong 16th and China 82nd worldwide based on their constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice.

China is a known violator of human rights. It systematically surveils and represses ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs, a Muslim population in China’s northwest region, and restricts internet access. The government has jailed hundreds of human rights lawyers since 2015.

Political dissidence is not tolerated in China. The late Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, was sentenced in 2009 to 11 years in Chinese prison for “inciting subversion of state power.” He died in prison in 2017 after being denied travel abroad for cancer treatment.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, has a rich history of mass demonstrations.

In Hong Kong’s 1966 Star Ferry riots, people protested the British colonial government’s decision to increase transit fares. And every July 1 since 2003 – the anniversary of the 1997 transition from British to Chinese rule – people have taken to the streets pleading for universal suffrage.

“One country, two systems” has allowed Hong Kong residents to openly disagree with policymakers in a way mainland Chinese cannot. As required by Hong Kong’s legal system, democracy protesters arrested for their political activism are given legal representation, trials and serve time in Hong Kong’s well-regulated prisons.

The extradition law’s threat of trial and punishment in China would have a chilling effect on future democracy demonstrations there.

If “One country, two systems” falls, what remains of Hong Kong’s democracy will go down with it.

(Kelly Chernin is Research Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-118753">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Kelly Chernin Protesters in Hong Kong have achieved a major victory in their fight to protect their legal system from Chinese interference. On June 15, in response to massive popular resistance, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced she would suspend a vote on a proposed new law that would allow China to extradite suspects accused of certain crimes and prosecute them in Chinese courts.

By Kelly Chernin Protesters in Hong Kong have achieved a major victory in their fight to protect their legal system from Chinese interference. On June 15, in response to massive popular resistance, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced she would suspend a vote on a proposed new law that would allow China to extradite suspects accused of certain crimes and prosecute them in Chinese courts. For over a week, some 1.3 million people had gathered daily outside Hong Kong’s legislature to protest the legislation, which protesters say China will abuse to extradite political dissidents. They managed to postpone a June 12 vote by blocking entry to the legislative building. Days later, consideration of the law was indefinitely postponed. That temporarily protects Hong Kong’s judicial system, one of the island territory’s few remaining areas of government autonomy from China. Protesters are now demanding that the bill be withdrawn, not just suspended. If the law comes up for vote at a later date, it will likely pass in Hong Kong’s legislative council, where pro-China forces dominate. ‘One country, two systems’ Chinese rule over Hong Kong, an island territory off the coast of Shenzhen, has long been disputed. The British colonised Hong Kong in the 1800s following the Opium Wars. But China never accepted this territorial claim, and insisted throughout the 20th century that Hong Kong belonged to China. In 1997, after a decade of negotiations between the United Kingdom and China, Hong Kong returned to China – with some strings attached. Knowing that Hong Kong had developed under a Western system of government, then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping made Hong Kong a “Special Autonomous Region” and agreed to give the island a 50-year transition period to come fully under Chinese rule. Under this system, Hong Kong would retain its judicial system and legislative council, affording the island relative independence in its day-to-day operations. But Hong Kong would belong to China. The arrangement became known as “one country, two systems.” Controversially, full suffrage and free elections were not part of the 1997 deal. For two decades, though, the “one country, two systems” arrangement seemed to give Hong Kong relative autonomy from Chinese interference. Then, in 2014, China announced that people would be allowed to vote in Hong Kong’s 2017 chief executive election only from a short list of preapproved candidates. Thousands took to the streets to demand universal suffrage. To protect themselves from police spraying tear gas at the front lines, they used umbrellas, giving rise to the name the “Umbrella Movement.” In the years since the uprising, I have interviewed numerous democracy activists in Hong Kong as part of my academic research into the evolution of social movements. Many participants told me that they believed the 2014 Umbrella Movement had ended peacefully because China didn’t want another Tiananmen Square on its hands. In 1989, Chinese soldiers opened fire on student protesters in Beijing, killing hundreds and raising global uproar. Emboldened by international support for the Umbrella Movement, Hong Kong’s young activists have continued their efforts to protect their independence from China. Nine Umbrella Movement leaders ran for local office in Hong Kong in the territory’s 2015 elections. In 2016 elections, two pro-independence politicians even won seats in the legislative council. However, they were quickly expelled for “failing” to properly recite their loyalty oaths at a swearing-in ceremony. In 2017 Carrie Lam, a candidate loyal to Beijing and the driving force behind the extradition law, was elected Chief Executive – Hong Kong’s highest public official. Creeping Chinese influence Under Lam’s leadership, traditionally pro-democracy politicians were removed from office. Some were even arrested and jailed as dissidents. Today, only 24 pro-democracy politicians remain in Hong Kong’s 70-seat legislative council. Increasing Chinese influence on the island territory also threatens Hong Kong’s clout as a major economic hub. For decades, Hong Kong’s relative autonomy has made the island territory an appealing place to do business in Asia. But under stronger Chinese rule, financial markets and regulatory systems in Hong Kong may become less reliable as they begin to reflect the national interests of China – not those of the free market. The American Chamber of Commerce and several prominent Hong Kong business leaders have publicly spoken out against the extradition law. “Spiriting people away over the border would undermine business confidence,” one hedge fund manager told the nonprofit human rights organisation Hong Kong Watch. Human rights at stake Hong Kong’s legal system is now the only surviving pillar of “one country, two systems,” which was created to give Hong Kong autonomy over its legal, economic and financial affairs. If the postponed extradition law passes, there will be no meaningful remaining barriers between democratic-leaning Hong Kong and authoritarian China. For many in Hong Kong, that’s an intolerable future. An assessment by the World Justice Project, a nonprofit organization that works to advance the rule of law worldwide, ranks Hong Kong 16th and China 82nd worldwide based on their constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice. China is a known violator of human rights. It systematically surveils and represses ethnic minorities like the Uyghurs, a Muslim population in China’s northwest region, and restricts internet access. The government has jailed hundreds of human rights lawyers since 2015. Political dissidence is not tolerated in China. The late Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, was sentenced in 2009 to 11 years in Chinese prison for “inciting subversion of state power.” He died in prison in 2017 after being denied travel abroad for cancer treatment. Hong Kong, on the other hand, has a rich history of mass demonstrations. In Hong Kong’s 1966 Star Ferry riots, people protested the British colonial government’s decision to increase transit fares. And every July 1 since 2003 – the anniversary of the 1997 transition from British to Chinese rule – people have taken to the streets pleading for universal suffrage. “One country, two systems” has allowed Hong Kong residents to openly disagree with policymakers in a way mainland Chinese cannot. As required by Hong Kong’s legal system, democracy protesters arrested for their political activism are given legal representation, trials and serve time in Hong Kong’s well-regulated prisons. The extradition law’s threat of trial and punishment in China would have a chilling effect on future democracy demonstrations there. If “One country, two systems” falls, what remains of Hong Kong’s democracy will go down with it. (Kelly Chernin is Research Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Mass protests protect Hong Kong’s legal autonomy from China – for now

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-halts-extradition-bill-but-opponents-vow-fresh-rally-227359">Hong Kong</a> does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-suspends-extradition-bill-discusses-with-mr-atul-aneja-from-beijing-227385">controversial extradition bill</a>.

The protests against the bill, that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, saw some of the worst violence since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The Hong Kong government has since postponed the legislation, though the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday refused to say the bill would be withdrawn, only that it would not be re-introduced during her time in office if public fears persist.

Beijing has said it respects and supports Lam's decision, but has been angered by criticism from Western capitals, including Washington and London, about the legislation.

State Councillor Wang Yi, in the first public comments by a senior Chinese leader since the protests took place, said the proposed Hong Kong government's legislation "completely suited the interests of the Hong Kong people".

"But due to the fact that all sides need to further understand and discuss this, the Hong Kong government decided to postpone this process. The central government has already formally expressed our support, understanding, and respect for this," Wang said at a joint news conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok.

"What we must be on guard against is that some Western forces are taking advantage of this issue to stir up trouble and incite opposition in an attempt to destroy Hong Kong's social stability and the implementation of one country, two systems," Wang added.

"We must say it here loudly: you must withdraw your black hand. Hong Kong is China's domestic affair. We don't need your meddling here. Hong Kong is not a place for you to run amuck."

Since the proposed amendments to the Fugitives Offenders' Ordinance were first put to the city's legislature in February, Lam has repeatedly rebuffed concerns voiced about it from many quarters, including business groups, lawyers, judges, and foreign governments.

Critics say the bill would undermine Hong Kong's independent judiciary and rule of law, guaranteed by the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to China in 1997, by extending China's reach into the city and allowing individuals to be arbitrarily sent back to China where they couldn't be guaranteed a fair trial.

Chinese courts are controlled by and loyal to the Communist Party.

Hong Kong does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a controversial extradition bill.

Hong Kong does not need meddling by "black hand" Western forces who are trying to destroy its stability, the Chinese government's top diplomat said on Wednesday, after mass protests there against a controversial extradition bill. The protests against the bill, that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial, saw some of the worst violence since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The Hong Kong government has since postponed the legislation, though the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday refused to say the bill would be withdrawn, only that it would not be re-introduced during her time in office if public fears persist. Beijing has said it respects and supports Lam's decision, but has been angered by criticism from Western capitals, including Washington and London, about the legislation. State Councillor Wang Yi, in the first public comments by a senior Chinese leader since the protests took place, said the proposed Hong Kong government's legislation "completely suited the interests of the Hong Kong people". "But due to the fact that all sides need to further understand and discuss this, the Hong Kong government decided to postpone this process. The central government has already formally expressed our support, understanding, and respect for this," Wang said at a joint news conference with Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok. "What we must be on guard against is that some Western forces are taking advantage of this issue to stir up trouble and incite opposition in an attempt to destroy Hong Kong's social stability and the implementation of one country, two systems," Wang added. "We must say it here loudly: you must withdraw your black hand. Hong Kong is China's domestic affair. We don't need your meddling here. Hong Kong is not a place for you to run amuck." Since the proposed amendments to the Fugitives Offenders' Ordinance were first put to the city's legislature in February, Lam has repeatedly rebuffed concerns voiced about it from many quarters, including business groups, lawyers, judges, and foreign governments. Critics say the bill would undermine Hong Kong's independent judiciary and rule of law, guaranteed by the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to China in 1997, by extending China's reach into the city and allowing individuals to be arbitrarily sent back to China where they couldn't be guaranteed a fair trial. Chinese courts are controlled by and loyal to the Communist Party.

China says Hong Kong does not need meddling by 'black hand' Western forces

Hong Kong social media lit up on Friday when<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-china-controlled-hong-kong-freedom-is-the-biggest-casualty-224516"> protesters </a>noticed Google's translation software was briefly churning out a rather odd suggestion during a week that has seen the worst <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-has-become-dictatorship-hong-kong-protestors-call-on-supporters-to-rally-outside-parliament-225932">political violence</a> to hit the city in decades.

Eagle-eyed Google users discovered that when people entered the phrase "I am sad to see <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-businesses-pledge-closures-as-extradition-anger-builds-226173">Hong Kong</a> become part of China" the suggested translation in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese converted the word "sad" to "happy".

"Oh my god, I can't believe my eyes," one Facebook user commented under one of the many screen grabs of the false translation that went viral on Friday.&nbsp;

"The app intentionally mistranslates the English to 'so happy/content' instead of 'so sad'," added student Rachel Wong on Twitter. "I hope Google fixes this."

When AFP entered the sentence "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" on Friday morning it did show the wrong translation, replacing sad with happy.&nbsp;

Searches involving some other combinations of countries or territories also reproduced the error.

An hour later, a correct translation was showing.

The company's hugely popular software tool uses complex algorithms and deep learning, as well as allowing users to make suggested translations to improve accuracy.

"Google Translate is an automatic translator, using patterns from millions of existing translations to help decide on the best translation for you," a spokesman for Google told AFP.&nbsp;

"These automatic systems can sometimes make unintentional mistakes like translating a negative to a positive."

The international finance hub has been rocked this week by political violence as protesters opposed to a proposed China extradition law clashed with police.

On Thursday, the popular encrypted messaging app telegram, which is being used by protesters to coordinate, announced it had suffered a major cyber-attack that originated from China.

Hong Kong social media lit up on Friday when protesters noticed Google's translation software was briefly churning out a rather odd suggestion during a week that has seen the worst political violence to hit the city in decades.

Hong Kong social media lit up on Friday when protesters noticed Google's translation software was briefly churning out a rather odd suggestion during a week that has seen the worst political violence to hit the city in decades. Eagle-eyed Google users discovered that when people entered the phrase "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" the suggested translation in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese converted the word "sad" to "happy". "Oh my god, I can't believe my eyes," one Facebook user commented under one of the many screen grabs of the false translation that went viral on Friday. "The app intentionally mistranslates the English to 'so happy/content' instead of 'so sad'," added student Rachel Wong on Twitter. "I hope Google fixes this." When AFP entered the sentence "I am sad to see Hong Kong become part of China" on Friday morning it did show the wrong translation, replacing sad with happy. Searches involving some other combinations of countries or territories also reproduced the error. An hour later, a correct translation was showing. The company's hugely popular software tool uses complex algorithms and deep learning, as well as allowing users to make suggested translations to improve accuracy. "Google Translate is an automatic translator, using patterns from millions of existing translations to help decide on the best translation for you," a spokesman for Google told AFP. "These automatic systems can sometimes make unintentional mistakes like translating a negative to a positive." The international finance hub has been rocked this week by political violence as protesters opposed to a proposed China extradition law clashed with police. On Thursday, the popular encrypted messaging app telegram, which is being used by protesters to coordinate, announced it had suffered a major cyber-attack that originated from China.

Google translates ‘sad’ to ‘happy’ angering Hong Kong protesters against China extradition law

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 19th, 2019

Members of Hong Kong's legislature met on Wednesday for the first time since the largest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-translates-sad-to-happy-angering-hong-kong-protesters-against-china-extradition-law-228536">anti-government protest</a> in the city's history, with many opposition lawmakers slamming the pro-Beijing administration's handling of the crisis.

Hong Kong has been shaken by a series of massive demonstrations against a proposed law that would have allowed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-in-hong-kong-fearful-of-chinas-grasp-flee-to-taiwan-228393">extraditions to mainland China</a>, and the city's police force has been criticised for using excessive force to disperse protesters.

Videos of police beating unarmed protesters went viral and sparked public anger, and the tactics were widely condemned. Police said force was necessary to fend off protesters throwing bricks and metal bars.

In a tense session, opposition lawmakers grilled Hong Kong's head of security, John Lee, over the clashes.

Many pro-democracy members of the Legislative Council wore black and carried white chrysanthemums in tribute to a man who fell to his death while protesting the law.

Some placed placards on their desks reading "No China Extradition" and "Withdraw, Withdraw" -- referring to the controversial bill.

"We are sad that some people were hurt while expressing their views," Lee said, as he repeated the government's apology for the turmoil caused by the bill.

He said police were responding to threats from protesters, but opposition lawmakers ridiculed his comments.

"The police were well-trained, and you have all the gear and you say the police were under threat," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said.

"This is utterly unconvincing."

An opposition lawmaker was due to introduce a non-binding motion of no-confidence in pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam, but it was not tabled before the session was adjourned until Thursday.

The motion was not expected to pass in the body, which is dominated by Lam's camp.

Lam suspended the extradition bill after the first mass rally on June 9, and June 12 clashes between police and protesters.

But that failed to quell public anger and protesters staged an even larger rally on Sunday drew over two million people, according to organisers, who demanded the bill be withdrawn and Lam resign.

Lam apologised Tuesday and indicated the law is unlikely to be revived, but did not announce a formal withdrawal and vowed to continue as the city's leader.

Protesters say they will not relent until their demands are met, but have not yet announced plans for new demonstrations.

"This great chaos is something I don't want to see," Andrew Leung, president of the Legislative Council, said outside the chamber, urging the government not to table any divisive bills.

"Maybe we can put aside the political issues for now." Opponents of the extradition proposal fear it will entangle Hong Kong people in China's notoriously opaque and politicised justice system, and threaten those critical of Beijing's policies.

The city's formidable business community was also spooked by the law, which they feared would damage Hong Kong's reputation as a safe business hub.

Members of Hong Kong's legislature met on Wednesday for the first time since the largest anti-government protest in the city's history, with many opposition lawmakers slamming the pro-Beijing administration's handling of the crisis.

Members of Hong Kong's legislature met on Wednesday for the first time since the largest anti-government protest in the city's history, with many opposition lawmakers slamming the pro-Beijing administration's handling of the crisis. Hong Kong has been shaken by a series of massive demonstrations against a proposed law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, and the city's police force has been criticised for using excessive force to disperse protesters. Videos of police beating unarmed protesters went viral and sparked public anger, and the tactics were widely condemned. Police said force was necessary to fend off protesters throwing bricks and metal bars. In a tense session, opposition lawmakers grilled Hong Kong's head of security, John Lee, over the clashes. Many pro-democracy members of the Legislative Council wore black and carried white chrysanthemums in tribute to a man who fell to his death while protesting the law. Some placed placards on their desks reading "No China Extradition" and "Withdraw, Withdraw" -- referring to the controversial bill. "We are sad that some people were hurt while expressing their views," Lee said, as he repeated the government's apology for the turmoil caused by the bill. He said police were responding to threats from protesters, but opposition lawmakers ridiculed his comments. "The police were well-trained, and you have all the gear and you say the police were under threat," pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said. "This is utterly unconvincing." An opposition lawmaker was due to introduce a non-binding motion of no-confidence in pro-Beijing chief executive Carrie Lam, but it was not tabled before the session was adjourned until Thursday. The motion was not expected to pass in the body, which is dominated by Lam's camp. Lam suspended the extradition bill after the first mass rally on June 9, and June 12 clashes between police and protesters. But that failed to quell public anger and protesters staged an even larger rally on Sunday drew over two million people, according to organisers, who demanded the bill be withdrawn and Lam resign. Lam apologised Tuesday and indicated the law is unlikely to be revived, but did not announce a formal withdrawal and vowed to continue as the city's leader. Protesters say they will not relent until their demands are met, but have not yet announced plans for new demonstrations. "This great chaos is something I don't want to see," Andrew Leung, president of the Legislative Council, said outside the chamber, urging the government not to table any divisive bills. "Maybe we can put aside the political issues for now." Opponents of the extradition proposal fear it will entangle Hong Kong people in China's notoriously opaque and politicised justice system, and threaten those critical of Beijing's policies. The city's formidable business community was also spooked by the law, which they feared would damage Hong Kong's reputation as a safe business hub.

Hong Kong legislature members grill security chief over use of force against protesters

A small number of protesters still lingered outside Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) complex on Wednesday (June 19) expressing dissatisfaction with leader Carrie Lam's public apology, despite business continuing as usual across the city.

Lingering Hong Kong protesters unsatisfied with leader apology

Protesters End Occupation Of Highway Outside Parliament But Demands For Carrie Lam's Resignation Intensify In Hong Kong Protests intensify in Hong Kong. Protesters display remarkable discipline. They even forced the withdrawal of the controversial extradition bill, but that has not stalled demands for the resignation of Carrie Lam. Here's Palki summing up the remarkable resilience of the protesters in Hong Kong

Gravitas: Hong Kong protests intensify: 2 million people take to the streets

Events Of Civil Unrest Have Led To Change Globally. Hong Kong protests demonstrate the power of the people. Here's a list of instances where citizens have forced a government to backtrack its steps by mobilising in pursuit of their demands

Gravitas: The true power of democracy

China Has Publicly Backed Down After 8 Days Of Mass Protests Against Extradition Bill In Hong Kong China hardly ever buckles under negative scrunity. In fact, the communist regime rolled military tanks over its own people in Tiananmen Square three decades ago. So what happened in Hong Kong? Why did Beijing relent after just 8 days of mass protests against extradition bill? Palki with a detailed explanation

Gravitas: Hong Kong protests - why China relented?

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 18th, 2019

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Tuesday for the political unrest that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-firmly-support-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-china-227947">has shaken Hong Kong</a>, but the pro-Beijing chief executive refused to cave in to demands for her resignation.

The semi-autonomous territory has been plunged into its biggest crisis in decades, with millions of people taking to the streets to demand the withdrawal of proposed legislation that would have allowed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/joshua-wong-meet-the-student-who-risked-the-wrath-of-china-and-lived-227996">extraditions to mainland China</a>.

Lam suspended the bill on Saturday after two massive rallies that saw isolated bouts of violence between the police and some protesters.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-why-china-relented-228123/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

But that failed to quell public anger, and an even bigger rally Sunday drew over two million people, organisers said -- more than a quarter of the population.

"I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This has led to controversies, disputes and anxieties in society," Lam told a press conference.

"For this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong."

Protesters have demanded that the bill be fully withdrawn, and for Lam to step down and apologise for police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters last week.&nbsp;

They have also asked for all charges to be dropped against anyone detained during the protests.

But Lam gave no indication she was prepared to step down, saying instead she wanted to "continue to work very hard... to meet the aspirations of the Hong Kong people".

Without explicitly stating so, Lam indicated, however, that the extradition bill was unlikely to be revived given the public sentiment.

"I will not proceed again with this legislative exercise if these fears and anxieties could not be adequately addressed," she said.

"If the bill... (does) not make the legislative council by July next year, it will expire... and the government will accept that reality."

- Public rage - 
Critics of the legislation fear it will entangle the people of Hong Kong in China's notoriously opaque and politicised justice system, and threaten Beijing's critics.

The mass protests also drew support from the city's formidable business community, amid fears the law would damage Hong Kong's reputation as a safe business hub.

While the extradition issue had been the spark for the mass rallies, the protest movement has since morphed into the latest expression of public rage in Hong Kong against both the city's leaders and beijing.

Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen in mainland China under the terms of its 1997 handover from Britain to China.

But many residents fear that they are being slowly eroded by what they feel is Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

As recent evidence, they offer the failure of the huge pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" in 2014, the imprisonment of protest leaders and disqualification of popular lawmakers, and the disappearance of booksellers critical of Beijing.

The Chinese government had supported the extradition proposal, and accused protest organisers of colluding with Western governments. It had denounced expressions of support for the Hong Kong protesters as interference in the city -- and China's -- internal affairs.

But Beijing said after the bill's suspension last week that it respected and understood the Hong Kong government's decision. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Tuesday for the political unrest that has shaken Hong Kong, but the pro-Beijing chief executive refused to cave in to demands for her resignation.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologised Tuesday for the political unrest that has shaken Hong Kong, but the pro-Beijing chief executive refused to cave in to demands for her resignation. The semi-autonomous territory has been plunged into its biggest crisis in decades, with millions of people taking to the streets to demand the withdrawal of proposed legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Lam suspended the bill on Saturday after two massive rallies that saw isolated bouts of violence between the police and some protesters. But that failed to quell public anger, and an even bigger rally Sunday drew over two million people, organisers said -- more than a quarter of the population. "I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This has led to controversies, disputes and anxieties in society," Lam told a press conference. "For this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong." Protesters have demanded that the bill be fully withdrawn, and for Lam to step down and apologise for police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters last week. They have also asked for all charges to be dropped against anyone detained during the protests. But Lam gave no indication she was prepared to step down, saying instead she wanted to "continue to work very hard... to meet the aspirations of the Hong Kong people". Without explicitly stating so, Lam indicated, however, that the extradition bill was unlikely to be revived given the public sentiment. "I will not proceed again with this legislative exercise if these fears and anxieties could not be adequately addressed," she said. "If the bill... (does) not make the legislative council by July next year, it will expire... and the government will accept that reality." - Public rage - Critics of the legislation fear it will entangle the people of Hong Kong in China's notoriously opaque and politicised justice system, and threaten Beijing's critics. The mass protests also drew support from the city's formidable business community, amid fears the law would damage Hong Kong's reputation as a safe business hub. While the extradition issue had been the spark for the mass rallies, the protest movement has since morphed into the latest expression of public rage in Hong Kong against both the city's leaders and beijing. Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen in mainland China under the terms of its 1997 handover from Britain to China. But many residents fear that they are being slowly eroded by what they feel is Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. As recent evidence, they offer the failure of the huge pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" in 2014, the imprisonment of protest leaders and disqualification of popular lawmakers, and the disappearance of booksellers critical of Beijing. The Chinese government had supported the extradition proposal, and accused protest organisers of colluding with Western governments. It had denounced expressions of support for the Hong Kong protesters as interference in the city -- and China's -- internal affairs. But Beijing said after the bill's suspension last week that it respected and understood the Hong Kong government's decision.

I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong: Carrie Lam on political unrest

By Caitlin Byrne

The latest protests in Hong Kong on Sunday, which organisers said brought some 2 million people to the streets, represented yet another striking show of “people power” in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s efforts to bring calm to Hong Kong included an uncharacteristic about-face on her position over the weekend, a rare apology and the indefinite suspension of the proposed changes to the city’s extradition laws, which sparked the initial protest against the government last weekend.

But laden with qualifications and a subtle rebuke of the protesters, Lam’s repositioning of the issue has had limited impact, suggesting that she may have seriously underestimated the anger and determination of her constituency. The protesters are now calling for nothing less than her resignation, making her the “lightening rod” for public anger in the face of growing resentment towards Chinese influence in Hong Kong.

As the people of Hong Kong continue to take to the streets, one wonders whether the real struggle has only just begun.

How the fight over the extradition bill mushroomed

For many, Lam’s controversial extradition bill represented the “thin edge of the wedge” of Chinese control. If passed, the proposed law could have seen local and foreign criminal suspects sent to mainland China to stand trial in a judicial system that is opaque and vastly uncompromising.

But there’s much more at stake for the people, identity and prospects of Hong Kong. For those concerned about China’s rising influence in the city, the legislation represented a dangerous break in the firewall that has preserved civil liberties for the people of Hong Kong within the “one country, two systems” framework.

While its proponents claim the bill has a narrow application, many fear it would enable China’s leadership to target political opponents, entrepreneurs and activists as part of its wider strategy for exercising control over the region. The implications for Hong Kong’s reputation as a vibrant global financial, business and transit hub would be significant.

Of course, the latest demonstrations cannot be viewed in isolation – they are the latest chapter in Hong Kong’s longstanding tradition of public dissent. And there have been some notable successes in the past, including the indefinite suspension of plans to implement a national security law in 2003 and the reversal of a proposed comprehensive national curriculum in 2012.

Yet, as the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests revealed, the mood in Hong Kong appears to be taking on a more sombre tone. Much of this reflects the changing mood within China.

Under President Xi Jinping, civil protests — even those organised in the special autonomous region of Hong Kong — are increasingly fraught. Xi himself set the tone with a particularly hard-line speech during his 2017 visit to the city for Lam’s swearing-in.

Flagging new levels of intolerance for activities that might be interpreted as encouraging Hong Kong independence from China, Xi noted:

Any attempt to endanger China’s sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government … or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line and is absolutely impermissible.

Despite the efforts of China’s state-run Global Times newspaper to lay blame for the “uncontrolled street politics” on “Western forces” and “malice from afar”, however, Chinese political authorities have remained relatively quiet on the Hong Kong protests this week.

This is unsurprising. Coming just a week after the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, China was never likely to take an openly provocative stance against the protesters.

But it is clear Beijing is keeping a close eye on the situation, pushing back on criticisms from abroad and now possibly wavering in its support for Lam. Ever sensitive to external critiques that relate to questions of sovereignty, the Chinese government may decide to take a harder line should the protests continue to gather momentum.

Lack of foreign pressure

Thus far, the response to the protests has been relatively muted. The European Union has called for the rights of the Hong Kong people to be respected, noting its concern for the “potentially far-reaching consequences” of the extradition bill. UK Prime Minister Theresa May, meanwhile, has called on authorities to ensure the extradition arrangements “are in line with the rights and freedoms” set forth in the joint declaration when the British handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

US President Donald Trump has remained ambivalent so far, saying only last week, “I’m sure they’ll be able to work it all out.” But according to his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, Trump is now expected to raise the issue when he meets Xi at the G20 Summit at the end of the month. This is only significant insofar as it reminds us of Trump’s transactional interest in the region.

As for Australia, Foreign Minister Marise Payne issued a fairly neutral statement in support of the Hong Kong people’s right to protest. It left many, including those in Sydney, Melbourne and elsewhere who protested in support of Hong Kong last week, somewhat underwhelmed.

Beyond the protests, how the current tensions unfold will have serious implications for Australia’s engagement in the region and our ongoing relationship with China. The 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper reinforces the core values underpinning our international engagement, including support for political, economic and religious freedoms, liberal democracy and the rule of law.

How and when we articulate our commitment to these values, and reinforce their place in our region, will be the key test of our diplomacy going forward.

Where do the protests go from here?

Lam’s decision to suspend consideration of the extradition bill offers a necessary moment for pause. But it hasn’t taken the heat out of the protests.

At this stage, Lam hasn’t backed away from her intent to revive the bill at a later stage. It’s also likely the Chinese government will continue to press towards that outcome, though perhaps in a different form and even under different leadership. Much hangs in the balance.

Hong Kong’s protesters appear galvanised by their cause. But whether they can sustain the necessary momentum for the long game — where crossing red lines may come at a cost — is another matter altogether.

 
(Caitlin Byrne is Director, Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/pressure-builds-with-more-protests-in-hong-kong-but-whats-the-end-game-118907">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Caitlin Byrne The latest protests in Hong Kong on Sunday, which organisers said brought some 2 million people to the streets, represented yet another striking show of “people power” in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

By Caitlin Byrne The latest protests in Hong Kong on Sunday, which organisers said brought some 2 million people to the streets, represented yet another striking show of “people power” in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s efforts to bring calm to Hong Kong included an uncharacteristic about-face on her position over the weekend, a rare apology and the indefinite suspension of the proposed changes to the city’s extradition laws, which sparked the initial protest against the government last weekend. But laden with qualifications and a subtle rebuke of the protesters, Lam’s repositioning of the issue has had limited impact, suggesting that she may have seriously underestimated the anger and determination of her constituency. The protesters are now calling for nothing less than her resignation, making her the “lightening rod” for public anger in the face of growing resentment towards Chinese influence in Hong Kong. As the people of Hong Kong continue to take to the streets, one wonders whether the real struggle has only just begun. How the fight over the extradition bill mushroomed For many, Lam’s controversial extradition bill represented the “thin edge of the wedge” of Chinese control. If passed, the proposed law could have seen local and foreign criminal suspects sent to mainland China to stand trial in a judicial system that is opaque and vastly uncompromising. But there’s much more at stake for the people, identity and prospects of Hong Kong. For those concerned about China’s rising influence in the city, the legislation represented a dangerous break in the firewall that has preserved civil liberties for the people of Hong Kong within the “one country, two systems” framework. While its proponents claim the bill has a narrow application, many fear it would enable China’s leadership to target political opponents, entrepreneurs and activists as part of its wider strategy for exercising control over the region. The implications for Hong Kong’s reputation as a vibrant global financial, business and transit hub would be significant. Of course, the latest demonstrations cannot be viewed in isolation – they are the latest chapter in Hong Kong’s longstanding tradition of public dissent. And there have been some notable successes in the past, including the indefinite suspension of plans to implement a national security law in 2003 and the reversal of a proposed comprehensive national curriculum in 2012. Yet, as the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests revealed, the mood in Hong Kong appears to be taking on a more sombre tone. Much of this reflects the changing mood within China. Under President Xi Jinping, civil protests — even those organised in the special autonomous region of Hong Kong — are increasingly fraught. Xi himself set the tone with a particularly hard-line speech during his 2017 visit to the city for Lam’s swearing-in. Flagging new levels of intolerance for activities that might be interpreted as encouraging Hong Kong independence from China, Xi noted: Any attempt to endanger China’s sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government … or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line and is absolutely impermissible. Despite the efforts of China’s state-run Global Times newspaper to lay blame for the “uncontrolled street politics” on “Western forces” and “malice from afar”, however, Chinese political authorities have remained relatively quiet on the Hong Kong protests this week. This is unsurprising. Coming just a week after the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, China was never likely to take an openly provocative stance against the protesters. But it is clear Beijing is keeping a close eye on the situation, pushing back on criticisms from abroad and now possibly wavering in its support for Lam. Ever sensitive to external critiques that relate to questions of sovereignty, the Chinese government may decide to take a harder line should the protests continue to gather momentum. Lack of foreign pressure Thus far, the response to the protests has been relatively muted. The European Union has called for the rights of the Hong Kong people to be respected, noting its concern for the “potentially far-reaching consequences” of the extradition bill. UK Prime Minister Theresa May, meanwhile, has called on authorities to ensure the extradition arrangements “are in line with the rights and freedoms” set forth in the joint declaration when the British handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. US President Donald Trump has remained ambivalent so far, saying only last week, “I’m sure they’ll be able to work it all out.” But according to his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, Trump is now expected to raise the issue when he meets Xi at the G20 Summit at the end of the month. This is only significant insofar as it reminds us of Trump’s transactional interest in the region. As for Australia, Foreign Minister Marise Payne issued a fairly neutral statement in support of the Hong Kong people’s right to protest. It left many, including those in Sydney, Melbourne and elsewhere who protested in support of Hong Kong last week, somewhat underwhelmed. Beyond the protests, how the current tensions unfold will have serious implications for Australia’s engagement in the region and our ongoing relationship with China. The 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper reinforces the core values underpinning our international engagement, including support for political, economic and religious freedoms, liberal democracy and the rule of law. How and when we articulate our commitment to these values, and reinforce their place in our region, will be the key test of our diplomacy going forward. Where do the protests go from here? Lam’s decision to suspend consideration of the extradition bill offers a necessary moment for pause. But it hasn’t taken the heat out of the protests. At this stage, Lam hasn’t backed away from her intent to revive the bill at a later stage. It’s also likely the Chinese government will continue to press towards that outcome, though perhaps in a different form and even under different leadership. Much hangs in the balance. Hong Kong’s protesters appear galvanised by their cause. But whether they can sustain the necessary momentum for the long game — where crossing red lines may come at a cost — is another matter altogether. (Caitlin Byrne is Director, Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pressure mounts on Hong Kong leader with more protests against Chinese extradition bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-freed-from-jail-calls-on-pro-china-leader-carrie-lam-to-resign-227815">Joshua Wong</a> was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/umbrella-movement-student-leader-joshua-wong-in-hong-kong-to-be-released-227736"> "Umbrella Movement" protests</a>, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen.&nbsp;

Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders.

He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines.&nbsp;

He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017.

Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland.

At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days.

In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much.

But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'The city I love'&nbsp;

In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014.

He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests.&nbsp;

He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment.

Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing.

His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing.

Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on.

In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love."

He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term.

Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors.

He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests.

"She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down."

"After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Joshua Wong was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Joshua Wong was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections. Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass "Umbrella Movement" protests, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen. Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders. He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines. He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017. Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland. At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days. In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much. But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders. 'The city I love' In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014. He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests. He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment. Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing. His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing. Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on. In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love." He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term. Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors. He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests. "She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down." "After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Joshua Wong: Poster child of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-freed-from-jail-calls-on-pro-china-leader-carrie-lam-to-resign-227815">Joshua Wong</a> was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/umbrella-movement-student-leader-joshua-wong-in-hong-kong-to-be-released-227736">"Umbrella Movement" protests</a>, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen.&nbsp;

Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders.

He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines.&nbsp;

He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017.

Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland.

At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days.

In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much.

But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'The city I love'&nbsp;

In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014.

He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests.&nbsp;

He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment.

Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing.

His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing.

Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on.

In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love."

He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term.

Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors.

He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests.

"She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down."

"After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Poster Child of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement' vows to join mass protest

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 17th, 2019

Foreign “meddling” in the affairs of Hong Kong is hypocritical and “ill-intentioned”, and Beijing will continue to back embattled chief executive Carrie Lam despite calls for her to resign, the official China Daily said on Monday.

On Saturday, Lam said a controversial bill amending Hong Kong’s extradition law would be postponed indefinitely after a week of sometimes violent protests, and activists have called for her to step down immediately.

But China’s support for Lam will “not waver, not in the face of street violence nor the ill-intentioned interventions of foreign governments,” the paper said in an editorial.

A US consulate spokesman in Hong Kong welcomed Lam’s decision and urged that the views of the domestic and international community be taken into account should her government pursue changes to extradition laws, particularly regarding mainland China.

Hong Kong’s “fugitive rendition arrangements are purely an internal affair”, the China Daily said, however, adding that countries such as the United States or Britain should have no say in the matter.

“Indeed, their sanctimonious posturing is hypocritical, given their bluster is maliciously intended and fans anti-government sentiment in Hong Kong and incites lawlessness,” it said.

In another editorial, the state-owned Global Times tabloid warned the United States against using Hong Kong as a “bargaining chip” to force compromises in trade talks.

“The riots in Hong Kong will only consolidate Beijing’s tough stance against Washington,” it said.

Since last year, the United States and China have been embroiled in trade tension marked by tit-for-tat tariffs as Washington seeks changes to Beijing’s business policies.

Foreign “meddling” in the affairs of Hong Kong is hypocritical and “ill-intentioned”, and Beijing will continue to back embattled chief executive Carrie Lam despite calls for her to resign, the official China Daily said on Monday.

Foreign “meddling” in the affairs of Hong Kong is hypocritical and “ill-intentioned”, and Beijing will continue to back embattled chief executive Carrie Lam despite calls for her to resign, the official China Daily said on Monday. On Saturday, Lam said a controversial bill amending Hong Kong’s extradition law would be postponed indefinitely after a week of sometimes violent protests, and activists have called for her to step down immediately. But China’s support for Lam will “not waver, not in the face of street violence nor the ill-intentioned interventions of foreign governments,” the paper said in an editorial. A US consulate spokesman in Hong Kong welcomed Lam’s decision and urged that the views of the domestic and international community be taken into account should her government pursue changes to extradition laws, particularly regarding mainland China. Hong Kong’s “fugitive rendition arrangements are purely an internal affair”, the China Daily said, however, adding that countries such as the United States or Britain should have no say in the matter. “Indeed, their sanctimonious posturing is hypocritical, given their bluster is maliciously intended and fans anti-government sentiment in Hong Kong and incites lawlessness,” it said. In another editorial, the state-owned Global Times tabloid warned the United States against using Hong Kong as a “bargaining chip” to force compromises in trade talks. “The riots in Hong Kong will only consolidate Beijing’s tough stance against Washington,” it said. Since last year, the United States and China have been embroiled in trade tension marked by tit-for-tat tariffs as Washington seeks changes to Beijing’s business policies.

China state media criticise foreign ‘hypocrisy’ over Hong Kong after climbdown

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