The Hong Kong police had arrested five people, as of Thursday (July 6), for allegedly supporting overseas activists who supposedly endangered national security, amid the government’s expanding crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents. The most recent arrest took place on Thursday, a day after four others were also detained on suspected links to pro-democracy activists based abroad.&nbsp;

<h2>Four men arrested by Hong Kong police</h2>

The Hong Kong police on Wednesday arrested four men for supposedly supporting overseas pro-democracy dissidents. The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police, in a statement, said that the four men are suspected of “receiving funds from operating companies, social platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security.”&nbsp;

The police also said that they searched the detainees’ homes and offices and seized some related documents and electronic communication devices. They added, the four men were being detained for further enquiries and did not rule out additional arrests related to the case. However, the police did not give the names of the detainees.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-four-men-for-allegedly-aiding-overseas-activists-612850">Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists</a>

It was not immediately clear if the arrests were linked to the eight arrest warrants issued earlier this week&nbsp;for prominent foreign-based dissidents. However, local media reports, citing unnamed sources, connected the arrested men to an online platform known as “Punish Mee,” reported Reuters.

The online platform is reportedly used to provide financial aid to the eight wanted overseas activists. The arrests on Wednesday also took place for “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and act&nbsp;with seditious intent,” said the police, adding that they were under suspicion of violating the National Security Law.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/editors-journalists-from-around-the-world-demand-jimmy-lais-release-593042">Editors, journalists from around the world urge Hong Kong to release Jimmy Lai</a>

The police also said that the four men were also suspected of “repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities (China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated ‘Hong Kong independence'.”

<h2>What do we know about the fifth person arrested?</h2>

The fifth arrest took place&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;when the police arrested a 24-year-old man at the city’s airport. “Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of having a connection with the group of persons arrested yesterday,” said the police, in a statement, about the arrest on Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-strongly-disapproves-of-us-report-on-crackdown-on-freedom-578026">Hong Kong ‘strongly disapproves’ of US report critical of crackdown on rights, freedoms</a>

The Hong Kong police only revealed the age of recent detainees while it did not identify the five suspects. According to local media reports, South China Morning Post and pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po, the 24-year-old recently arrested man was identified as Chu Yan-ho, a former member of the now-defunct pro-democracy party Demosisto.&nbsp;

Reports also suggest that the four others were also former Demosisto members. Notably, a Reuters witness saw former chairperson of Demosisto, Ivan Lam, among the four people arrested, on Wednesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Arrest warrants against eight overseas-based activists</h2>

The arrests came days after the Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for eight overseas-based activists, including British-based activist Nathan Law who co-founded Demosisto, in line with the national security law and offered rewards of HK$1 million ($127,600) for information.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-activists-now-based-overseas-to-be-pursued-for-life-hong-kong-leader-612314">Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader</a> 
 
The issuance of the arrest warrants have since garnered criticism from the governments in the West. However, Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, on Tuesday, said that eight Hong Kong activists who are said to be in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada would be “pursued for life”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The Hong Kong police had arrested five people, as of Thursday (July 6), for allegedly supporting overseas activists who supposedly endangered national security, amid the government’s expanding crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents.

The Hong Kong police had arrested five people, as of Thursday (July 6), for allegedly supporting overseas activists who supposedly endangered national security, amid the government’s expanding crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents. The most recent arrest took place on Thursday, a day after four others were also detained on suspected links to pro-democracy activists based abroad. Four men arrested by Hong Kong police The Hong Kong police on Wednesday arrested four men for supposedly supporting overseas pro-democracy dissidents. The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police, in a statement, said that the four men are suspected of “receiving funds from operating companies, social platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security.” The police also said that they searched the detainees’ homes and offices and seized some related documents and electronic communication devices. They added, the four men were being detained for further enquiries and did not rule out additional arrests related to the case. However, the police did not give the names of the detainees. ALSO READ | Hong Kong police arrest four men for allegedly aiding overseas activists It was not immediately clear if the arrests were linked to the eight arrest warrants issued earlier this week for prominent foreign-based dissidents. However, local media reports, citing unnamed sources, connected the arrested men to an online platform known as “Punish Mee,” reported Reuters. The online platform is reportedly used to provide financial aid to the eight wanted overseas activists. The arrests on Wednesday also took place for “suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and act with seditious intent,” said the police, adding that they were under suspicion of violating the National Security Law. ALSO READ | Editors, journalists from around the world urge Hong Kong to release Jimmy Lai The police also said that the four men were also suspected of “repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media, including content which provoked hatred towards the Central Authorities (China) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and advocated ‘Hong Kong independence'.” What do we know about the fifth person arrested? The fifth arrest took place on Thursday when the police arrested a 24-year-old man at the city’s airport. “Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of having a connection with the group of persons arrested yesterday,” said the police, in a statement, about the arrest on Thursday. ALSO READ | Hong Kong ‘strongly disapproves’ of US report critical of crackdown on rights, freedoms The Hong Kong police only revealed the age of recent detainees while it did not identify the five suspects. According to local media reports, South China Morning Post and pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po, the 24-year-old recently arrested man was identified as Chu Yan-ho, a former member of the now-defunct pro-democracy party Demosisto. Reports also suggest that the four others were also former Demosisto members. Notably, a Reuters witness saw former chairperson of Demosisto, Ivan Lam, among the four people arrested, on Wednesday. Arrest warrants against eight overseas-based activists The arrests came days after the Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants for eight overseas-based activists, including British-based activist Nathan Law who co-founded Demosisto, in line with the national security law and offered rewards of HK$1 million ($127,600) for information. ALSO READ | Eight activists now based overseas to be 'pursued for life': Hong Kong leader The issuance of the arrest warrants have since garnered criticism from the governments in the West. However, Hong Kong chief executive John Lee, on Tuesday, said that eight Hong Kong activists who are said to be in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada would be “pursued for life”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong police arrest five people for allegedly supporting pro-democracy activists overseas

China has widened the scope of its&nbsp;counter-espionage law, which critics worry may create additional legal risks or confusion among global corporations.

According to CNN, the change broadens the definition of espionage to encompass any "document or data related to national security" without defining these categories explicitly.

The amendment passed by China's top legislative body on Wednesday comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping places a greater focus on national security. Since coming to&nbsp;power in power, Xi has supervised several new steps to combat perceived dangers within and outside China and efforts to regulate the flow of information outside the nation, particularly after the Covid outbreak.

Yasuhiro Matsuda, an international relations professor at the University of Tokyo, told CNN that the revised&nbsp;counter-espionage law could heighten risks for foreigners and businesses trying to understand China better.&nbsp;

Foreign Concerns and China's Counter

Many analysts believe that&nbsp;legitimate data on the Chinese economy might all fall under the purview of the amended law. They also&nbsp;argue that&nbsp;the tighter&nbsp;anti-espionage law will further&nbsp;frighten international corporations working in China.

The new counter-espionage law comes only months after China eased pandemic-era border restrictions after three years of self-imposed Covid isolation — measures that had kept most international entrepreneurs and researchers at bay.

However, Global Times, the English-language mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, commented that the updated anti-spying law will&nbsp;have no effect on Western businesses and the&nbsp;continuously improving business environment in China.

It urged the companies not to buy into the 'distorted facts' that China's anti-espionage law will undermine the business environment, as they will "only miss opportunities and hand over development opportunities to competitors".&nbsp;

Despite the Chinese mouthpiece's argument, Western businesses are on the edge — and for good reason.&nbsp;

US consultancy Bain &amp; Company said on Thursday that some members of the staff at its Shanghai office have been questioned by the local police. This incident comes just a&nbsp;month after&nbsp;the Beijing office of Mintz Group, an American corporate due diligence firm, was closed and five members of its staff were detained.&nbsp;

China has widened the scope of its counter-espionage law, which critics worry may create additional legal risks or confusion among global corporations. According to CNN, the change broadens the definition of espionage to encompass any "document or data related to national security" without defining these categories explicitly.

China has widened the scope of its counter-espionage law, which critics worry may create additional legal risks or confusion among global corporations. According to CNN, the change broadens the definition of espionage to encompass any "document or data related to national security" without defining these categories explicitly. The amendment passed by China's top legislative body on Wednesday comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping places a greater focus on national security. Since coming to power in power, Xi has supervised several new steps to combat perceived dangers within and outside China and efforts to regulate the flow of information outside the nation, particularly after the Covid outbreak. Yasuhiro Matsuda, an international relations professor at the University of Tokyo, told CNN that the revised counter-espionage law could heighten risks for foreigners and businesses trying to understand China better. Foreign Concerns and China's Counter Many analysts believe that legitimate data on the Chinese economy might all fall under the purview of the amended law. They also argue that the tighter anti-espionage law will further frighten international corporations working in China. The new counter-espionage law comes only months after China eased pandemic-era border restrictions after three years of self-imposed Covid isolation — measures that had kept most international entrepreneurs and researchers at bay. However, Global Times, the English-language mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, commented that the updated anti-spying law will have no effect on Western businesses and the continuously improving business environment in China. It urged the companies not to buy into the 'distorted facts' that China's anti-espionage law will undermine the business environment, as they will "only miss opportunities and hand over development opportunities to competitors". Despite the Chinese mouthpiece's argument, Western businesses are on the edge — and for good reason. US consultancy Bain & Company said on Thursday that some members of the staff at its Shanghai office have been questioned by the local police. This incident comes just a month after the Beijing office of Mintz Group, an American corporate due diligence firm, was closed and five members of its staff were detained.

China broadening counter-espionage law spooks foreign businesses

Hong Kong police, on Sunday (March 26), permitted a small protest where dozens of people took part since major COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted. The demonstration which took place under tight restrictions is also one of the first ones since the enactment of a sweeping National Security Law (NSL) in 2020. Several images of the protest show people wearing numbered badges around their necks and were also reportedly barred from face masks.&nbsp;

The protesters on Sunday chanted slogans against the proposed land reclamation and rubbish processing facilities and were from the eastern district of Tseung Kwan O where the project is to be built. The rules imposed by the police citing security reasons come as the financial hub has sought to return to normalcy after years of Covid-related restrictions and political turmoil.&nbsp;

Prior to China imposing the national security law, in a bid to quash dissent, Hong Kong was rocked by pro-democracy unrest. Additionally, given the Covid-related restrictions like the social-distancing measures there have been fewer smaller protests in the financial hub.&nbsp;

The police had also capped the number of demonstrators to 100 which garnered criticism from some. “We need to have a more free-spirited protest culture,” James Ockenden, a 49-year-old marching with his three children, told Reuters. He added, “But this is all pre-arranged and numbered and it just destroys the culture and will put people off from coming for sure.”&nbsp;

Similarly, a retired civil servant, who did not wish to be identified, called the arrangements “ridiculous” and told AFP, “I am here to join a march, not a shame parade”. The turnout at Sunday’s protest was around 80 or so people who expressed their opposition to the proposed plans, said the organisers.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the participants on Sunday were also asked not to wear all-black, something protesters did during the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations, as they walked in a cordoned-off moving line in the rain amid heavy police presence.&nbsp;

Additionally, the police had also granted a “no objection” letter to the organisers on the condition that they would not violate national security laws like seditious displays or speech. A 70-year-old retiree, Theresa Wang, also told AP how this is “a bit weird” but still acceptable as they adjust to the “new Hong Kong.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Hong Kong police, on Sunday (March 26), permitted a small protest where dozens of people took part since major COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted. The demonstration which took place under tight restrictions is also one of the first ones since the enactment of a sweeping National Security Law (NSL) in 2020.

Hong Kong police, on Sunday (March 26), permitted a small protest where dozens of people took part since major COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted. The demonstration which took place under tight restrictions is also one of the first ones since the enactment of a sweeping National Security Law (NSL) in 2020. Several images of the protest show people wearing numbered badges around their necks and were also reportedly barred from face masks. The protesters on Sunday chanted slogans against the proposed land reclamation and rubbish processing facilities and were from the eastern district of Tseung Kwan O where the project is to be built. The rules imposed by the police citing security reasons come as the financial hub has sought to return to normalcy after years of Covid-related restrictions and political turmoil. Prior to China imposing the national security law, in a bid to quash dissent, Hong Kong was rocked by pro-democracy unrest. Additionally, given the Covid-related restrictions like the social-distancing measures there have been fewer smaller protests in the financial hub. The police had also capped the number of demonstrators to 100 which garnered criticism from some. “We need to have a more free-spirited protest culture,” James Ockenden, a 49-year-old marching with his three children, told Reuters. He added, “But this is all pre-arranged and numbered and it just destroys the culture and will put people off from coming for sure.” Similarly, a retired civil servant, who did not wish to be identified, called the arrangements “ridiculous” and told AFP, “I am here to join a march, not a shame parade”. The turnout at Sunday’s protest was around 80 or so people who expressed their opposition to the proposed plans, said the organisers. Furthermore, the participants on Sunday were also asked not to wear all-black, something protesters did during the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations, as they walked in a cordoned-off moving line in the rain amid heavy police presence. Additionally, the police had also granted a “no objection” letter to the organisers on the condition that they would not violate national security laws like seditious displays or speech. A 70-year-old retiree, Theresa Wang, also told AP how this is “a bit weird” but still acceptable as they adjust to the “new Hong Kong.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dozens of protesters hit the streets in Hong Kong after two years, under strict restrictions

For some years now, the discussion of the 1989 clampdown when the Chinese government set tanks and troops on peaceful protestors is all but forbidden in mainland China. Until two years ago Hong Kong was the one exception, however, it too is all but stifled since 2019 after a national security law was imposed to snuff out pro-democracy protests.

Last year in a crackdown on Tiananmen Square's 32nd-anniversary thousands of police officers were deployed to enforce a ban on protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Now on the 33rd anniversary of the horrible massacre Hong Kong police have once again warned the people that gathering in Victoria park - the site of the annual candlelight vigil will be breaking of the law.

As per the senior superintendent, Liauw Ka-kei residents risk committing the 'crime' of "unlawful assembly" even if they go to the park alone.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong Police warn against Tiananmen massacre's 33rd anniversary gathering

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What exactly happened in 1989? What is the government trying to erase all traces of? Let's find out

China slid into economic chaos in 1988, with panic buying triggered by rising inflation peaking at more than 30 per cent in cities. Public discontent, coupled with the death of purged reform-minded Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang on April 15, 1989, set the stage for the demonstrations.

More than one million people flooded into central Beijing, keen to vent their anger against corruption, economic mismanagement, nepotism and poor career prospects for students. Gathering in&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;Square, the students erected their own 'Goddess of Democracy' statue opposite the official portrait of the Communist revolutionary leader Chairman Mao Zedong.

After weeks of protests in the&nbsp;square, troops backed by tanks crushed the demonstrations, prompting global condemnation. The footage of a lone protester standing in front of a line of tanks has become one of the most powerful symbols of the 20th century.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massacre-memorabilia-tiananmen-square-watch-withdrawn-from-sale-by-uk-auction-house-374911">Massacre memorabilia: Tiananmen Square watch withdrawn from sale by UK auction house</a>

Chinese leaders denounced the demonstrations as a counter-revolutionary movement and the ensuing flurry of arrests, executions and exiles frightened many demonstrators into silence.

Who participated in the demonstrations?

The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests were primarily student-led demonstrations calling for democracy, free speech and a free press in China.&nbsp;

<img alt="Student displays a banner with one of the slogans chanted by the crowd of some 200,000 pouring into Tiananmen Square 22 April 1989 in Beijing in an attempt to participate in the funeral ceremony of former Chinese Communist Party leader and liberal reformer Hu Yaobang during an unauthorized demonstration to mourn his death. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8953d0ee-a97a-4545-ad31-cd6c32745427" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-06-04T140123.923.jpg" />

Student displays a banner with one of the slogans chanted by the crowd of some 200,000 pouring into Tiananmen Square 22 April 1989 in Beijing in an attempt to participate in the funeral ceremony of former Chinese Communist Party leader and liberal reformer Hu Yaobang during an unauthorized demonstration to mourn his death.&nbsp;

Following the death of Hu Yaobang, a former communist party leader, who had been a vocal advocate of democracy, and had worked to introduce democratic reform in China,&nbsp;students marched through Beijing to Tiananmen Square. They had one demand, a more open, democratic government. Thousands of people joined them eventually, echoing their call for democratic reform. The final number of protestors was around a million.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-31-years-of-chinas-brutal-tiananmen-crackdown-303339">Timeline: 31 years of China's brutal Tiananmen crackdown</a> 
 
What pushed so many people to participate in the demonstrations?

At the centre of the protests was a frustration, with imposed limits on political freedom owing to the country's one-party form of government with the Communist Party at the helm.

<img alt="Beijing residents holding placards written in english walk in procession on May 18, 1989 in support to student hunger strikers who entered the 6th day at Tiananmen Square during &quot;Beijing Spring&quot; movement." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73d550aa-6de6-4de0-8731-709b669f8f58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-06-04T140917.605.jpg" />

Beijing residents holding placards written in english walk in procession on May 18, 1989 in support to student hunger strikers who entered the 6th day at Tiananmen Square during "Beijing Spring" movement.

On top of this, all ongoing economic troubles had rattled the people. In spite of the then&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;government's economical reforms in the 1980s, establishing&nbsp;a limited form of capitalism in the country, the poor and working-class of the country continued to face a number of significant challenges, primary among which were increased poverty and a&nbsp;lack of jobs.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-brutal-tiananmen-crackdown-to-chinas-re-emergence-a-timeline-of-events-303100">From brutal Tiananmen crackdown to China's re-emergence: A timeline of events</a>

The students also contended that the Chinese educational system did little to prepare them for an economic system with elements of free-market capitalism. 
 
After weeks of protests, what was the catalyst that led to the government crackdown?

The movement reached its peak when on May 13, a few student protesters initiated a hunger strike, an action that inspired other similar strikes and protests across China.

The movements rapid growth soon became a reason for the unease of&nbsp;the government. The apprehension increased manifold when the May 15,&nbsp;welcome ceremony for the then Soviet Union (since disintegrated) PM Mikhail Gorbachev's which was to be held at Tiananmen Square had to be shifted to the Airport.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-masses-axed-as-crackdown-memorials-erased-in-hong-kong-483633">Tiananmen masses axed as crackdown memorials erased in Hong Kong</a>

Even though no violence was witnessed during Gorbachev's visit, feeling that the demonstrators needed to be curtailed, the Chinese government declared martial law on May 20.

<img alt="Pro-democracy demonstrators raise their fists and flash Victory signs 20 May 1989 in Beijing as they stop the military truck filled with soldiers on its way to Tiananmen Square 20 May 1989 after the Martial Law was proclaimed in Beijing 20 May." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06d8b671-cdec-4d70-96cc-e0950690d2b9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-06-04T140026.279.jpg" />

Pro-democracy demonstrators raise their fists and flash Victory signs in Beijing as they stop the military truck filled with soldiers on its way to Tiananmen Square after the Martial Law was proclaimed in Beijing 20 May 1989.

Following the martial law enactment,&nbsp;250,000 troops entered Beijing. The presence of the military did nothing to quell the protests, which pushed the authorities to amp up the aggression.&nbsp;

On June 4th, at 1 am,&nbsp;Chinese soldiers and police stormed Tiananmen Square, firing live rounds into the crowd.

What was the death toll?

The government has never released a death toll of the June 4, 1989 crackdown, but estimates from human rights groups and witnesses range from several hundred to several thousand.

What were the implications of this massacre?

Leaders worldwide condemned military action. Even Soviet Union leader Mikhael Gorbachev deplored the Chinese government’s actions.

<img alt="A girl wounded during a clash between the army and students on June 4, 1989 near Tiananmen Square is carried out on a cart. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ac5dac3-e931-404d-8e7c-ff0a37e9dbc2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-06-04T140040.728.jpg" />

A girl wounded during a clash between the army and students on June 4, 1989 near Tiananmen Square is carried out on a cart.&nbsp;

Less than a month later, the US Congress citing human rights violations, also voted towards imposing economic sanctions against the country.

Images from the massacre in 1989, shook the world and led to China's isolation.

Today’s 33rd Anniversary&nbsp;of the infamous Tiananmen Square massacre

33&nbsp;years later, China is still a one-party state, with a deeply authoritarian government. It is still stifling dissent and still muzzling the voices of its citizens.

While the Tiananmen anniversary crackdown is not officially commemorated in mainland China, the topic is taboo and any discussion heavily censored.

This year marks the third year in a row when the Hong Kong police have imposed a ban on the vigil marking the massacre.&nbsp;

What else?

Last year, Albert Ho,&nbsp;former lawmaker and one of the vigil organisers, suggested Hong Kongers could light candles or shine mobile phone lights in their local neighbourhoods.

"We can regard the whole of Hong Kong as Victoria Park," he told the South China Morning Post before he was sentenced&nbsp;for attending previous democracy protests.&nbsp;

Social media presents another avenue.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-urges-china-to-repent-for-tiananmen-china-paper-says-event-is-merely-history-224036">Taiwan urges China to 'repent' for Tiananmen, China paper says event is merely history</a>

Artist Pak Sheung-chuen&nbsp;called on residents to write the numbers six and four,&nbsp;representing June 4,&nbsp;on light switches as a way to memorise&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;every time they turn them on.

"Guard the truth and refuse to forget," Pak had said on Facebook.

Designer Chan Ka-hing posted another idea on social media. He printed a black rectangle with a 6:4 ratio on a white t-shirt and said others were welcome to copy the design.

Commemorating June 4 has for more than three decades been part of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and according to one of the mourners' District councillor, Debby Chan, "This is one of the most signature events of our movement. If we give up now, the red lines will only come closer in the future." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

For some years now, the discussion of the 1989 clampdown when the Chinese government set tanks and troops on peaceful protestors is all but forbidden in mainland China.

For some years now, the discussion of the 1989 clampdown when the Chinese government set tanks and troops on peaceful protestors is all but forbidden in mainland China. Until two years ago Hong Kong was the one exception, however, it too is all but stifled since 2019 after a national security law was imposed to snuff out pro-democracy protests. Last year in a crackdown on Tiananmen Square's 32nd-anniversary thousands of police officers were deployed to enforce a ban on protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong. Now on the 33rd anniversary of the horrible massacre Hong Kong police have once again warned the people that gathering in Victoria park - the site of the annual candlelight vigil will be breaking of the law. As per the senior superintendent, Liauw Ka-kei residents risk committing the 'crime' of "unlawful assembly" even if they go to the park alone. Watch | Hong Kong Police warn against Tiananmen massacre's 33rd anniversary gathering What exactly happened in 1989? What is the government trying to erase all traces of? Let's find out China slid into economic chaos in 1988, with panic buying triggered by rising inflation peaking at more than 30 per cent in cities. Public discontent, coupled with the death of purged reform-minded Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang on April 15, 1989, set the stage for the demonstrations. More than one million people flooded into central Beijing, keen to vent their anger against corruption, economic mismanagement, nepotism and poor career prospects for students. Gathering in Tiananmen Square, the students erected their own 'Goddess of Democracy' statue opposite the official portrait of the Communist revolutionary leader Chairman Mao Zedong. After weeks of protests in the square, troops backed by tanks crushed the demonstrations, prompting global condemnation. The footage of a lone protester standing in front of a line of tanks has become one of the most powerful symbols of the 20th century. Also Read | Massacre memorabilia: Tiananmen Square watch withdrawn from sale by UK auction house Chinese leaders denounced the demonstrations as a counter-revolutionary movement and the ensuing flurry of arrests, executions and exiles frightened many demonstrators into silence. Who participated in the demonstrations? The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests were primarily student-led demonstrations calling for democracy, free speech and a free press in China. Student displays a banner with one of the slogans chanted by the crowd of some 200,000 pouring into Tiananmen Square 22 April 1989 in Beijing in an attempt to participate in the funeral ceremony of former Chinese Communist Party leader and liberal reformer Hu Yaobang during an unauthorized demonstration to mourn his death. Following the death of Hu Yaobang, a former communist party leader, who had been a vocal advocate of democracy, and had worked to introduce democratic reform in China, students marched through Beijing to Tiananmen Square. They had one demand, a more open, democratic government. Thousands of people joined them eventually, echoing their call for democratic reform. The final number of protestors was around a million. Also Read | Timeline: 31 years of China's brutal Tiananmen crackdown What pushed so many people to participate in the demonstrations? At the centre of the protests was a frustration, with imposed limits on political freedom owing to the country's one-party form of government with the Communist Party at the helm. Beijing residents holding placards written in english walk in procession on May 18, 1989 in support to student hunger strikers who entered the 6th day at Tiananmen Square during "Beijing Spring" movement. On top of this, all ongoing economic troubles had rattled the people. In spite of the then Chinese government's economical reforms in the 1980s, establishing a limited form of capitalism in the country, the poor and working-class of the country continued to face a number of significant challenges, primary among which were increased poverty and a lack of jobs. Also Read | From brutal Tiananmen crackdown to China's re-emergence: A timeline of events The students also contended that the Chinese educational system did little to prepare them for an economic system with elements of free-market capitalism. After weeks of protests, what was the catalyst that led to the government crackdown? The movement reached its peak when on May 13, a few student protesters initiated a hunger strike, an action that inspired other similar strikes and protests across China. The movements rapid growth soon became a reason for the unease of the government. The apprehension increased manifold when the May 15, welcome ceremony for the then Soviet Union (since disintegrated) PM Mikhail Gorbachev's which was to be held at Tiananmen Square had to be shifted to the Airport. Also Read | Tiananmen masses axed as crackdown memorials erased in Hong Kong Even though no violence was witnessed during Gorbachev's visit, feeling that the demonstrators needed to be curtailed, the Chinese government declared martial law on May 20. Pro-democracy demonstrators raise their fists and flash Victory signs in Beijing as they stop the military truck filled with soldiers on its way to Tiananmen Square after the Martial Law was proclaimed in Beijing 20 May 1989. Following the martial law enactment, 250,000 troops entered Beijing. The presence of the military did nothing to quell the protests, which pushed the authorities to amp up the aggression. On June 4th, at 1 am, Chinese soldiers and police stormed Tiananmen Square, firing live rounds into the crowd. What was the death toll? The government has never released a death toll of the June 4, 1989 crackdown, but estimates from human rights groups and witnesses range from several hundred to several thousand. What were the implications of this massacre? Leaders worldwide condemned military action. Even Soviet Union leader Mikhael Gorbachev deplored the Chinese government’s actions. A girl wounded during a clash between the army and students on June 4, 1989 near Tiananmen Square is carried out on a cart. Less than a month later, the US Congress citing human rights violations, also voted towards imposing economic sanctions against the country. Images from the massacre in 1989, shook the world and led to China's isolation. Today’s 33rd Anniversary of the infamous Tiananmen Square massacre 33 years later, China is still a one-party state, with a deeply authoritarian government. It is still stifling dissent and still muzzling the voices of its citizens. While the Tiananmen anniversary crackdown is not officially commemorated in mainland China, the topic is taboo and any discussion heavily censored. This year marks the third year in a row when the Hong Kong police have imposed a ban on the vigil marking the massacre. What else? Last year, Albert Ho, former lawmaker and one of the vigil organisers, suggested Hong Kongers could light candles or shine mobile phone lights in their local neighbourhoods. "We can regard the whole of Hong Kong as Victoria Park," he told the South China Morning Post before he was sentenced for attending previous democracy protests. Social media presents another avenue. Also Read | Taiwan urges China to 'repent' for Tiananmen, China paper says event is merely history Artist Pak Sheung-chuen called on residents to write the numbers six and four, representing June 4, on light switches as a way to memorise Tiananmen every time they turn them on. "Guard the truth and refuse to forget," Pak had said on Facebook. Designer Chan Ka-hing posted another idea on social media. He printed a black rectangle with a 6:4 ratio on a white t-shirt and said others were welcome to copy the design. Commemorating June 4 has for more than three decades been part of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and according to one of the mourners' District councillor, Debby Chan, "This is one of the most signature events of our movement. If we give up now, the red lines will only come closer in the future." (With inputs from agencies)

Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989?

Searches for the famous Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' protest photo came up empty on Microsoft search engine Bing on Friday, raising censorship concerns on the anniversary of the deadly crackdown. &nbsp;

The award-winning&nbsp;photo&nbsp;from&nbsp;1989 was not served up in image or video searches using&nbsp;Bing&nbsp;even outside China, a country known for strictly controlling what is available online.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-massacre-what-really-happened-in-1989-389384">Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989?</a>

"This is due to an accidental human error and we are actively working to resolve this," a Microsoft spokesman said in response to an AFP inquiry prompted by US press reports.

Meanwhile, searches for&nbsp;Tank&nbsp;Man&nbsp;using Google, which has some 92 per cent of the global market for online queries according to Statcounter, turned up an assortment of pictures along with the iconic one by photographer Charlie Cole and others.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-32-years-of-chinas-brutal-tiananmen-crackdown-389474">Timeline: 32 years of China's brutal Tiananmen crackdown</a>

Google&nbsp;search&nbsp;is not offered in China, where censors have purged&nbsp;Tank&nbsp;Man&nbsp;from&nbsp;the internet. Baidu is the dominant&nbsp;search&nbsp;engine&nbsp;in China.

The&nbsp;Tank&nbsp;Man&nbsp;photo&nbsp;shows a lone protester in a white shirt blocking the path of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-officials-ramp-up-security-ahead-of-tiananmen-square-anniversary-389234">Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary</a>

Friday marked the anniversary of Chinese troops crushing peaceful democracy protests in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

Hundreds were killed in the crackdown, by some estimates more than 1,000.

In mainland China, the Tiananmen anniversary is usually marked by an increase in online censorship and the square in Beijing placed under tight security.

Searches for the famous Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' protest photo came up empty on Microsoft search engine Bing on Friday, raising censorship concerns on the anniversary of the deadly crackdown.

Searches for the famous Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' protest photo came up empty on Microsoft search engine Bing on Friday, raising censorship concerns on the anniversary of the deadly crackdown. The award-winning photo from 1989 was not served up in image or video searches using Bing even outside China, a country known for strictly controlling what is available online. Also Read | Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989? "This is due to an accidental human error and we are actively working to resolve this," a Microsoft spokesman said in response to an AFP inquiry prompted by US press reports. Meanwhile, searches for Tank Man using Google, which has some 92 per cent of the global market for online queries according to Statcounter, turned up an assortment of pictures along with the iconic one by photographer Charlie Cole and others. Also Read | Timeline: 32 years of China's brutal Tiananmen crackdown Google search is not offered in China, where censors have purged Tank Man from the internet. Baidu is the dominant search engine in China. The Tank Man photo shows a lone protester in a white shirt blocking the path of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989. Also Read | Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary Friday marked the anniversary of Chinese troops crushing peaceful democracy protests in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. Hundreds were killed in the crackdown, by some estimates more than 1,000. In mainland China, the Tiananmen anniversary is usually marked by an increase in online censorship and the square in Beijing placed under tight security.

Famed 'Tank Man' photo vanishes from Bing search engine

Here is a timeline of developments since China imposed national security legislation in Hong Kong last year, making anything Beijing regards as subversion, secession, terrorism or colluding with foreign forces punishable by up to life in prison.

June 30: Beijing`s national security law for Hong Kong takes effect just before midnight on the eve of the anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese rule on July 1.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-officials-ramp-up-security-ahead-of-tiananmen-square-anniversary-389234">Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary</a>

July 1: Police arrest more than 300 people as protesters take to streets. Ten are arrested under the national security law. Britain promises to grant those in Hong Kong with British National Overseas (BNO) passports five years of limited stay to work or study as a pathway to citizenship.

July 2: The government says the protest slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times" could constitute subversion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-man-accused-of-terrorism-in-first-use-of-new-china-security-law-310498">Hong Kong man accused of terrorism in first use of new China security law</a>

July 3: The United Nations says it is "alarmed" at arrests in Hong Kong under the new law.

July 5: Hong Kong`s Education Bureau urges schools to review textbooks to make sure they do not violate the security law. The first person charged under the security law is denied bail.

July 8: A new national security office employing mainland agents is set up in a Hong Kong hotel. The protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong" is banned in schools.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-passes-china-national-anthem-bill-amid-protests-by-pro-democracy-lawmakers-303287">Hong Kong passes China national anthem bill amid protests by pro-democracy lawmakers</a>

July 14: Beijing`s top representative office in Hong Kong warns that primary elections to select pro-democracy candidates for Legislative Council elections in September could violate the national security law.

July 15: U.S. president Donald Trump orders an end to Hong Kong`s special status under U.S. law. Beijing warns Washington of retaliatory sanctions.

July 17: Taiwanese officials in Hong Kong are told their visas will not be renewed unless they sign a document supporting Beijing`s claim to Taiwan under its "one China" policy.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-envisions-a-new-hong-kong-firmly-under-its-control-340596">China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control</a>

July 20: Britain announces it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

July 28: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) sacks veteran pro-democracy activist Benny Tai from his tenured position as an associate professor of law.

July 29: Police arrest four people under the security law, the first such detentions outside of street protests.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-bars-12-prominent-democracy-activists-from-election-316988">Hong Kong bars 12 prominent democracy activists from election</a>

July 30: Hong Kong disqualifies a dozen pro-democracy candidates from running in the September election, citing reasons such as collusion with foreign forces and opposition to the new law.

July 31: Chief Executive Carrie Lam postpones the September election, citing a spike in coronavirus cases.

Aug. 7: The United States imposes sanctions on Luo Huining, the head of China`s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Lam and other current and former officials Washington accuses of curtailing political freedoms in Hong Kong.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-319811">Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail</a>

Aug. 10: Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is arrested under the national security law, and detained over suspected collusion with foreign forces.

Aug. 26: The Guangdong Coast Guard intercepts a boat and arrests 12 Hong Kong people they say were trying to flee to Taiwan.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-arrests-12-persons-fleeing-hong-kong-by-speedboat-323734">China arrests 12 persons fleeing Hong Kong by speedboat</a>&nbsp;

Sept. 6: Police arrest almost 300 during demonstrations on the day of the postponed legislative elections.

Sept. 18: One of 14 foreign judges on Hong Kong`s highest court says he has resigned over the national security law.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-arrested-for-unauthorised-assembly-329869">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong arrested for 'unauthorised assembly'</a>

Oct. 1: Carrie Lam hails the city`s return to stability at China National Day celebrations as riot police arrest dozens while patrolling the route of a banned anti-government march.

Nov. 9: The United States imposes sanctions on four more Chinese officials in Hong Kong`s governing and security establishment, citing their roles in implementing the national security law.

Nov. 10: Hong Kong says it is suspending extradition agreements and pacts on mutual legal assistance with the Netherlands and Ireland, weeks after both countries joined Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Finland in suspending extradition treaties with Hong Kong.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-ousts-four-pro-democracy-lawmakers-for-endangering-security-342326">Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security'</a>

Nov. 11: Hong Kong expels four opposition members from its legislature shortly after Beijing passes a resolution allowing local authorities to expel legislators deemed a threat to national security or not holding allegiance to Hong Kong, without having to go through the courts.

Nov. 12: Remaining 15 opposition members of the 70-seat Legislative Council resign in protest.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-wong-other-hong-kong-activists-to-be-sentenced-for-taking-part-in-protests-346838">Joshua Wong, other Hong Kong activists to be sentenced for taking part in protests</a>

Dec. 2: Prominent activist Joshua Wong, 24, jailed for more than 13 months over an unlawful anti-government rally in 2019.

Dec. 7-8: Sixteen activists arrested over July`s protest and a November university protest, police say.

Jan 6: More than 50 pro-democratic activists are arrested on suspicion of breaking the national security law. Arrests, related to organising an unofficial primary vote to select opposition candidates for legislative elections, include well-known democratic figures and former lawmakers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jailed-hong-kong-democracy-leader-joshua-wong-arrested-for-subversion-355071">Jailed Hong Kong democracy leader Joshua Wong arrested for 'subversion'</a>

Jan 15: Hong Kong`s 180,000 civil servants are told they have four weeks to sign a document pledging their loyalty to the Chinese-ruled city`s mini-constitution and dedication to the government. Six more Hong Kong or Chinese officials are sanctioned by the United States after mass arrests over the pro-democracy primaries.

Jan 29: Hong Kong announces that BNO passports would no longer be recognised as a valid travel document starting Jan 31.

Feb 5: The Education Bureau releases guidelines for schools on national security, saying students as young as 6 must learn about subversion and colluding with foreign forces.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-top-court-denies-bail-to-tycoon-jimmy-lai-in-national-security-case-362295">Hong Kong's top court denies bail to tycoon Jimmy Lai in national security case</a>

Feb 16: Jimmy Lai is arrested on charges he helped Andy Li, one of the 12 activists captured by China at sea.

Feb 19: A government review of public broadcaster RTHK finds "deficiencies" in editorial management, signalling a major overhaul of the revered institution and raising concerns over media freedom.

Feb 26: The Chinese University of Hong Kong withdraws its recognition of its student union, which it accuses of "political propaganda."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lai-arrested-again-while-already-in-prison-364244">Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested again while already in prison</a>

Feb 28: Forty-seven of those arrested in January over the primary vote are charged with conspiracy to commit subversion.

March 1: After marathon hearings and some defendants falling ill, most of the 47 are denied bail.

March 11: China`s parliament approves changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system, reducing democratic representation in the legislature.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-look-to-scrap-one-china-policy-through-resolution-367732">US lawmakers look to scrap 'one-China policy' through resolution</a> &nbsp;

March 13: G7 expresses "grave concerns" over electoral changes in Hong Kong.

March 22: Eight of the 12 people arrested by China at sea in August 2020 arrive back in the city after serving their sentence in Shenzhen for illegal border crossing and are immediately detained on charges related to the 2019 protests.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-hong-kong-democracy-activists-set-to-return-from-china-after-jail-terms-372351">Eight Hong Kong democracy activists set to return from China after jail terms</a>&nbsp;

March 24: Activist Andy Li is charged with "conspiracy to commit collusion" with a foreign country, two days after his release from a Shenzhen prison.

March 30: China finalises an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure "patriots" rule the city-state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-nathan-law-moves-to-uk-vows-fight-will-continue-313144">Hong Kong activist Nathan Law moves to UK; vows fight will continue</a>

April 8: Activist Nathan Law says he has been granted political asylum in Britain.

April 13: Carrie Lam announces further changes to the electoral system, including redrawing of geographical constituencies and criminalising calls for blank protest ballots.

April 15: Authorities mark National Security Education Day with school activities, games and shows, and a parade by police and other services. Beijing`s top representative in the city Luo Huining vows to "give a lesson to all foreign forces which intend to use Hong Kong as a pawn."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lai-others-to-be-sentenced-for-illegal-assembly-377862">Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai, others to be sentenced for illegal assembly</a>

April 16: Tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 14 months in prison, while nine other activists receive jail time or suspended sentences for taking part in unauthorised assemblies on Aug. 18 and Aug. 31, 2019.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-12-months-prison-377963">Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison</a>

April 28: Lawmakers pass an immigration bill that lawyers, diplomats and rights groups warn gives authorities unlimited power to ban residents and others from entering and leaving Hong Kong.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-given-additional-jail-term-for-tiananmen-square-vigil-383142">Hong Kong: Activist Joshua Wong given additional jail term for Tiananmen Square vigil</a>

May 6: Activist Joshua Wong given a further 10 months in jail for participating in an unauthorised assembly on June 4, 2020, to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on protesters in and around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square.

May 14: The Security Bureau freezes Jimmy Lai`s assets, citing national security reasons.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-govt-says-freezing-of-jimmy-lais-assets-has-nothing-to-do-with-press-freedom-385693">Hong Kong govt says freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets has nothing to do with press freedom</a>

May 20: A court denies a jury trial to the first person charged under the national security law.

May 21: Oath-taking with allegiance extends to staff of non-civil service contractors.

May 27: The Legislature passes an electoral overhaul. Hong Kong police cite coronavirus restrictions to ban for a second year the annual vigil commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-bans-tiananmen-vigil-for-second-year-running-387765">Hong Kong bans Tiananmen vigil for second year running</a>

May 28: Jimmy Lai is given a new prison sentence of 14 months over his role in an unauthorised assembly on Oct. 1, 2019. Part of the new sentence will be served consecutively, meaning Lai`s sentences so far add up to 20 months. Nine other defendants were sentenced to up to 18 months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-tycoon-jimmy-lai-and-seven-other-activists-handed-new-prison-sentences-387964">Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai and seven other activists handed new prison sentences</a>

ay 31: The 47 activists mentioned in court. They are due to return on July 8.

June 4: Police arrest activist Chow Hang Tung, vice-chairwoman of the group which organises annual vigils for the Tiananmen victims.

Here is a timeline of developments since China imposed national security legislation in Hong Kong last year, making anything Beijing regards as subversion, secession, terrorism or colluding with foreign forces punishable by up to life in prison.

Here is a timeline of developments since China imposed national security legislation in Hong Kong last year, making anything Beijing regards as subversion, secession, terrorism or colluding with foreign forces punishable by up to life in prison. June 30: Beijing`s national security law for Hong Kong takes effect just before midnight on the eve of the anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese rule on July 1. Also Read | Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary July 1: Police arrest more than 300 people as protesters take to streets. Ten are arrested under the national security law. Britain promises to grant those in Hong Kong with British National Overseas (BNO) passports five years of limited stay to work or study as a pathway to citizenship. July 2: The government says the protest slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our times" could constitute subversion. Also Read | Hong Kong man accused of terrorism in first use of new China security law July 3: The United Nations says it is "alarmed" at arrests in Hong Kong under the new law. July 5: Hong Kong`s Education Bureau urges schools to review textbooks to make sure they do not violate the security law. The first person charged under the security law is denied bail. July 8: A new national security office employing mainland agents is set up in a Hong Kong hotel. The protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong" is banned in schools. Also Read | Hong Kong passes China national anthem bill amid protests by pro-democracy lawmakers July 14: Beijing`s top representative office in Hong Kong warns that primary elections to select pro-democracy candidates for Legislative Council elections in September could violate the national security law. July 15: U.S. president Donald Trump orders an end to Hong Kong`s special status under U.S. law. Beijing warns Washington of retaliatory sanctions. July 17: Taiwanese officials in Hong Kong are told their visas will not be renewed unless they sign a document supporting Beijing`s claim to Taiwan under its "one China" policy. Also Read | China envisions a new Hong Kong, firmly under its control July 20: Britain announces it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong. July 28: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) sacks veteran pro-democracy activist Benny Tai from his tenured position as an associate professor of law. July 29: Police arrest four people under the security law, the first such detentions outside of street protests. Also Read | Hong Kong bars 12 prominent democracy activists from election July 30: Hong Kong disqualifies a dozen pro-democracy candidates from running in the September election, citing reasons such as collusion with foreign forces and opposition to the new law. July 31: Chief Executive Carrie Lam postpones the September election, citing a spike in coronavirus cases. Aug. 7: The United States imposes sanctions on Luo Huining, the head of China`s Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Lam and other current and former officials Washington accuses of curtailing political freedoms in Hong Kong. Also Read | Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail Aug. 10: Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is arrested under the national security law, and detained over suspected collusion with foreign forces. Aug. 26: The Guangdong Coast Guard intercepts a boat and arrests 12 Hong Kong people they say were trying to flee to Taiwan. Also Read | China arrests 12 persons fleeing Hong Kong by speedboat Sept. 6: Police arrest almost 300 during demonstrations on the day of the postponed legislative elections. Sept. 18: One of 14 foreign judges on Hong Kong`s highest court says he has resigned over the national security law. Also Read | Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong arrested for 'unauthorised assembly' Oct. 1: Carrie Lam hails the city`s return to stability at China National Day celebrations as riot police arrest dozens while patrolling the route of a banned anti-government march. Nov. 9: The United States imposes sanctions on four more Chinese officials in Hong Kong`s governing and security establishment, citing their roles in implementing the national security law. Nov. 10: Hong Kong says it is suspending extradition agreements and pacts on mutual legal assistance with the Netherlands and Ireland, weeks after both countries joined Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Finland in suspending extradition treaties with Hong Kong. Also Read | Hong Kong ousts four pro-democracy lawmakers for 'endangering security' Nov. 11: Hong Kong expels four opposition members from its legislature shortly after Beijing passes a resolution allowing local authorities to expel legislators deemed a threat to national security or not holding allegiance to Hong Kong, without having to go through the courts. Nov. 12: Remaining 15 opposition members of the 70-seat Legislative Council resign in protest. Also Read | Joshua Wong, other Hong Kong activists to be sentenced for taking part in protests Dec. 2: Prominent activist Joshua Wong, 24, jailed for more than 13 months over an unlawful anti-government rally in 2019. Dec. 7-8: Sixteen activists arrested over July`s protest and a November university protest, police say. Jan 6: More than 50 pro-democratic activists are arrested on suspicion of breaking the national security law. Arrests, related to organising an unofficial primary vote to select opposition candidates for legislative elections, include well-known democratic figures and former lawmakers. Also Read | Jailed Hong Kong democracy leader Joshua Wong arrested for 'subversion' Jan 15: Hong Kong`s 180,000 civil servants are told they have four weeks to sign a document pledging their loyalty to the Chinese-ruled city`s mini-constitution and dedication to the government. Six more Hong Kong or Chinese officials are sanctioned by the United States after mass arrests over the pro-democracy primaries. Jan 29: Hong Kong announces that BNO passports would no longer be recognised as a valid travel document starting Jan 31. Feb 5: The Education Bureau releases guidelines for schools on national security, saying students as young as 6 must learn about subversion and colluding with foreign forces. Also Read | Hong Kong's top court denies bail to tycoon Jimmy Lai in national security case Feb 16: Jimmy Lai is arrested on charges he helped Andy Li, one of the 12 activists captured by China at sea. Feb 19: A government review of public broadcaster RTHK finds "deficiencies" in editorial management, signalling a major overhaul of the revered institution and raising concerns over media freedom. Feb 26: The Chinese University of Hong Kong withdraws its recognition of its student union, which it accuses of "political propaganda." Also Read | Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested again while already in prison Feb 28: Forty-seven of those arrested in January over the primary vote are charged with conspiracy to commit subversion. March 1: After marathon hearings and some defendants falling ill, most of the 47 are denied bail. March 11: China`s parliament approves changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system, reducing democratic representation in the legislature. Also Read | US lawmakers look to scrap 'one-China policy' through resolution March 13: G7 expresses "grave concerns" over electoral changes in Hong Kong. March 22: Eight of the 12 people arrested by China at sea in August 2020 arrive back in the city after serving their sentence in Shenzhen for illegal border crossing and are immediately detained on charges related to the 2019 protests. Also Read | Eight Hong Kong democracy activists set to return from China after jail terms March 24: Activist Andy Li is charged with "conspiracy to commit collusion" with a foreign country, two days after his release from a Shenzhen prison. March 30: China finalises an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system to ensure "patriots" rule the city-state. Also Read | Hong Kong activist Nathan Law moves to UK; vows fight will continue April 8: Activist Nathan Law says he has been granted political asylum in Britain. April 13: Carrie Lam announces further changes to the electoral system, including redrawing of geographical constituencies and criminalising calls for blank protest ballots. April 15: Authorities mark National Security Education Day with school activities, games and shows, and a parade by police and other services. Beijing`s top representative in the city Luo Huining vows to "give a lesson to all foreign forces which intend to use Hong Kong as a pawn." Also Read | Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai, others to be sentenced for illegal assembly April 16: Tycoon Jimmy Lai is sentenced to 14 months in prison, while nine other activists receive jail time or suspended sentences for taking part in unauthorised assemblies on Aug. 18 and Aug. 31, 2019. Also Read | Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison April 28: Lawmakers pass an immigration bill that lawyers, diplomats and rights groups warn gives authorities unlimited power to ban residents and others from entering and leaving Hong Kong. Also Read | Hong Kong: Activist Joshua Wong given additional jail term for Tiananmen Square vigil May 6: Activist Joshua Wong given a further 10 months in jail for participating in an unauthorised assembly on June 4, 2020, to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on protesters in and around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square. May 14: The Security Bureau freezes Jimmy Lai`s assets, citing national security reasons. Also Read | Hong Kong govt says freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets has nothing to do with press freedom May 20: A court denies a jury trial to the first person charged under the national security law. May 21: Oath-taking with allegiance extends to staff of non-civil service contractors. May 27: The Legislature passes an electoral overhaul. Hong Kong police cite coronavirus restrictions to ban for a second year the annual vigil commemorating the Tiananmen crackdown. Also Read | Hong Kong bans Tiananmen vigil for second year running May 28: Jimmy Lai is given a new prison sentence of 14 months over his role in an unauthorised assembly on Oct. 1, 2019. Part of the new sentence will be served consecutively, meaning Lai`s sentences so far add up to 20 months. Nine other defendants were sentenced to up to 18 months. Also Read | Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai and seven other activists handed new prison sentences ay 31: The 47 activists mentioned in court. They are due to return on July 8. June 4: Police arrest activist Chow Hang Tung, vice-chairwoman of the group which organises annual vigils for the Tiananmen victims.

Timeline: The impact of the national security law on Hong Kong

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police&nbsp;detained prominent democracy activist Chow Hang-tung on Friday morning, with authorities determined to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown.

Four people identified themselves as plainclothes&nbsp;police&nbsp;officers to Chow outside her office building in the city's Central district and said they were arresting her, according to an AFP reporter on the scene.

She was placed in a black saloon car and driven away.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-officials-ramp-up-security-ahead-of-tiananmen-square-anniversary-389234">Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary</a>

A&nbsp;police&nbsp;source told AFP Chow had been arrested under section 17A of the Public Order Ordinance, which covers publicising unlawful assemblies.

Chow, 37, is one of the vice-chairs of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance, the group that organises the huge candlelight vigils in the city's Victoria Park each June 4 to mourn those killed in Beijing's deadly 1989 crackdown on democracy supporters in Tiananmen Square.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-massacre-what-really-happened-in-1989-389384">Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989?</a>

This year's vigil has been banned by&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police, who cited the coronavirus pandemic even though the city has not recorded a case of unexplained local transmission in more than a month.

After the ban, the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance said it would not run the vigil.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organiser-of-annual-tiananmen-square-vigil-in-hong-kong-arrested-on-massacres-32nd-anniversary-389352">Organiser of annual Tiananmen Square vigil in Hong Kong arrested on massacre's 32nd anniversary</a>

Chow, who is works as a lawyer, had previously indicated in press interviews that she planned to go to Victoria Park on Friday night in a personal capacity.

Last year's vigil was also banned on the grounds of the coronavirus. Tens of thousands defied the ban and rallied anyway in the park.&nbsp;

Police&nbsp;later arrested some two dozen democracy figures who attended that rally, some of whom have been given prison sentences, including other members of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Alliance.&nbsp;

Hong Kong police detained prominent democracy activist Chow Hang-tung on Friday morning, with authorities determined to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown.

Hong Kong police detained prominent democracy activist Chow Hang-tung on Friday morning, with authorities determined to prevent any protests on the anniversary of Beijing's deadly Tiananmen crackdown. Four people identified themselves as plainclothes police officers to Chow outside her office building in the city's Central district and said they were arresting her, according to an AFP reporter on the scene. She was placed in a black saloon car and driven away. Also Read | Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary A police source told AFP Chow had been arrested under section 17A of the Public Order Ordinance, which covers publicising unlawful assemblies. Chow, 37, is one of the vice-chairs of the Hong Kong Alliance, the group that organises the huge candlelight vigils in the city's Victoria Park each June 4 to mourn those killed in Beijing's deadly 1989 crackdown on democracy supporters in Tiananmen Square. Also Read | Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989? This year's vigil has been banned by Hong Kong police, who cited the coronavirus pandemic even though the city has not recorded a case of unexplained local transmission in more than a month. After the ban, the Hong Kong Alliance said it would not run the vigil. Also Read | Organiser of annual Tiananmen Square vigil in Hong Kong arrested on massacre's 32nd anniversary Chow, who is works as a lawyer, had previously indicated in press interviews that she planned to go to Victoria Park on Friday night in a personal capacity. Last year's vigil was also banned on the grounds of the coronavirus. Tens of thousands defied the ban and rallied anyway in the park. Police later arrested some two dozen democracy figures who attended that rally, some of whom have been given prison sentences, including other members of the Hong Kong Alliance.

Hong Kong police detain democracy leader on Tiananmen anniversary

The European Union warned China on Friday that it may take "additional steps" in response to Beijing's move to grant itself a veto over the selection of Hong Kong lawmakers.

A&nbsp;spokesperson of the bloc said, "The EU calls on the authorities in Beijing to carefully consider the political and economic implications of any decision to reform the electoral system of Hong Kong that would undermine fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and democratic principles."

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China moved to overhaul&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's electoral system on Friday in a further blow to democracy in the city and unexpectedly set an economic growth target for this year, albeit a modest one, as it kicked off its annual session of parliament.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-to-15-of-47-democracy-activists-charged-with-subversion-368020">Hong Kong court grants bail to 15 of 47 democracy activists charged with subversion</a>

During Friday's parliamentary session, Beijing proposed legislation that would tighten its increasingly authoritarian grip on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;by making changes to the electoral committee that chooses the city's leader, giving it new power to nominate legislative candidates.

The measure, set to be approved during the week-long session of China's rubber-stamp parliament, would further marginalise a democratic opposition, decimated after Beijing imposed national security legislation following anti-government protests that rocked&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in 2019.

This comes after dozens of pro-democracy protesters were arrested in Hong Kong, including former lawmakers, under the draconian security law that was approved last year.&nbsp;

The European Union warned China on Friday that it may take "additional steps" in response to Beijing's move to grant itself a veto over the selection of Hong Kong lawmakers.

The European Union warned China on Friday that it may take "additional steps" in response to Beijing's move to grant itself a veto over the selection of Hong Kong lawmakers. A spokesperson of the bloc said, "The EU calls on the authorities in Beijing to carefully consider the political and economic implications of any decision to reform the electoral system of Hong Kong that would undermine fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and democratic principles." China moved to overhaul Hong Kong's electoral system on Friday in a further blow to democracy in the city and unexpectedly set an economic growth target for this year, albeit a modest one, as it kicked off its annual session of parliament. Also read | Hong Kong court grants bail to 15 of 47 democracy activists charged with subversion During Friday's parliamentary session, Beijing proposed legislation that would tighten its increasingly authoritarian grip on Hong Kong by making changes to the electoral committee that chooses the city's leader, giving it new power to nominate legislative candidates. The measure, set to be approved during the week-long session of China's rubber-stamp parliament, would further marginalise a democratic opposition, decimated after Beijing imposed national security legislation following anti-government protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019. This comes after dozens of pro-democracy protesters were arrested in Hong Kong, including former lawmakers, under the draconian security law that was approved last year.

European Union warns China against Hong Kong election rules change

The arrest of more than 50 democrats in Hong Kong last week intensifies a drive by Beijing to stifle any return of a populist challenge to Chinese rule and more measures are likely, according to two individuals with direct knowledge of China’s plans.

While stressing that plans haven’t been finalised, the individuals said it was possible that Hong Kong elections - already postponed until September on coronavirus grounds - could face reforms that one person said were aimed at reducing the influence of democrats.

Both individuals, who have extensive high-level experience in Hong Kong affairs and represent Beijing’s interests, spoke on condition of anonymity.

Beijing’s involvement was “substantial” in driving and coordinating actions with the Hong Kong government, said one of the individuals, a senior Chinese official.

He told Reuters the latest arrests were part of a wave of ongoing actions to silence activists and to “make sure Hong Kong doesn’t slide back to what we saw 18 months ago,” when massive demonstrations marked the boldest public revolt against China’s leaders since the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing in 1989.

China has been “too patient for too long, and needs to sort things out once and for all,” he added, saying more tough moves would be rolled out for “at least a year”.

A spokesman for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the implementation of a national security law last June had restored stability and reduced street violence.

“The legitimate rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong have been upheld and criminals are brought to justice through our independent judiciary,” he said in an emailed response to Reuters, without responding to questions about Beijing’s role.

Hong Kong elections were scheduled for Sept 5 and officials were working to ensure an open, fair and honest poll, he added.

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The Chinese government did not respond to requests for comment.

Electoral reform

The Chinese official said Beijing remained concerned the opposition could still muster a majority in the legislature should the polls go ahead, given a lingering groundswell of public support.

Chinese officials were now discussing ways to change the electoral system to address “deficiencies” in the political structure, he said, and elections might be further delayed.

The second pro-Beijing source confirmed there were advanced talks on structural changes to Hong Kong’s political system, including possibly curtailing the influence of democrats on a 1,200-person election committee to select Hong Kong’s next leader in 2022.

“It will likely shake up the whole political base,” the source said of the reforms.

Lam’s spokesman said authorities were exploring using electronic polling and setting up polling and counting stations in mainland China to allow registered electors there to vote.

Democrats worried

Any changes to electoral laws to further isolate the opposition would now be procedurally guaranteed with the legislature now controlled by pro-Beijing politicians following a mass resignation of democrats from the legislature last November.

Since the new security law was introduced, authorities have arrested 93 opposition figures under the legislation, frozen activists’ assets, confiscated phones, computers and travel documents, disqualified some lawmakers and targeted media. Hundreds have fled into exile.

Six senior democratic figures interviewed by Reuters voiced fears over what they described as a grim outlook since the most recent arrests.

Among the next steps authorities could focus on, they said, are disqualifying hundreds of democratic “district councillors” who dominate the grassroots political arena; entrenching loyalty to China within the civil service; squeezing businesses whose bosses explicitly support the democratic cause; and creeping censorship of the internet and media under the auspices of national security.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the security law will only target a small minority of “troublemakers”.

Beijing denies curbing rights and freedoms in the global financial hub and has opposed criticism of the arrests as “grave interference in China’s sovereignty and domestic affairs.”

Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan metropolis of 7.6 million known for its freewheeling spirit, has seen many of those who challenged China’s authoritarian grip targeted under the sweeping security law.

“Hong Kong has entered a harsh winter,” said Benny Tai, a former law professor who has been a key strategist for the camp, following his arrest. “The wind is blowing fierce and cold.”

When the city reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997, China’s leaders promised, in a mini-constitution, to grant the city a high degree of autonomy and wide-ranging freedoms not allowed in mainland China including free speech, assembly and eventual full democracy.

Yam Kai-bong, a Tai Po district councillor with the localist pro-democracy ‘Neo Democrats’, said the spectre of protracted legal proceedings related to the arrests could scare off, or weaken the opposition camp’s chances in any upcoming election.

“It’s very clear that the authorities, this time, want to cast one net to capture all those who may have been planning to contest the upcoming elections - if they even take place - and to make it very difficult for them to run.”

The arrest of more than 50 democrats in Hong Kong last week intensifies a drive by Beijing to stifle any return of a populist challenge to Chinese rule and more measures are likely, according to two individuals with direct knowledge of China’s plans.

The arrest of more than 50 democrats in Hong Kong last week intensifies a drive by Beijing to stifle any return of a populist challenge to Chinese rule and more measures are likely, according to two individuals with direct knowledge of China’s plans. While stressing that plans haven’t been finalised, the individuals said it was possible that Hong Kong elections - already postponed until September on coronavirus grounds - could face reforms that one person said were aimed at reducing the influence of democrats. Both individuals, who have extensive high-level experience in Hong Kong affairs and represent Beijing’s interests, spoke on condition of anonymity. Beijing’s involvement was “substantial” in driving and coordinating actions with the Hong Kong government, said one of the individuals, a senior Chinese official. He told Reuters the latest arrests were part of a wave of ongoing actions to silence activists and to “make sure Hong Kong doesn’t slide back to what we saw 18 months ago,” when massive demonstrations marked the boldest public revolt against China’s leaders since the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing in 1989. China has been “too patient for too long, and needs to sort things out once and for all,” he added, saying more tough moves would be rolled out for “at least a year”. A spokesman for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the implementation of a national security law last June had restored stability and reduced street violence. “The legitimate rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong have been upheld and criminals are brought to justice through our independent judiciary,” he said in an emailed response to Reuters, without responding to questions about Beijing’s role. Hong Kong elections were scheduled for Sept 5 and officials were working to ensure an open, fair and honest poll, he added. The Chinese government did not respond to requests for comment. Electoral reform The Chinese official said Beijing remained concerned the opposition could still muster a majority in the legislature should the polls go ahead, given a lingering groundswell of public support. Chinese officials were now discussing ways to change the electoral system to address “deficiencies” in the political structure, he said, and elections might be further delayed. The second pro-Beijing source confirmed there were advanced talks on structural changes to Hong Kong’s political system, including possibly curtailing the influence of democrats on a 1,200-person election committee to select Hong Kong’s next leader in 2022. “It will likely shake up the whole political base,” the source said of the reforms. Lam’s spokesman said authorities were exploring using electronic polling and setting up polling and counting stations in mainland China to allow registered electors there to vote. Democrats worried Any changes to electoral laws to further isolate the opposition would now be procedurally guaranteed with the legislature now controlled by pro-Beijing politicians following a mass resignation of democrats from the legislature last November. Since the new security law was introduced, authorities have arrested 93 opposition figures under the legislation, frozen activists’ assets, confiscated phones, computers and travel documents, disqualified some lawmakers and targeted media. Hundreds have fled into exile. Six senior democratic figures interviewed by Reuters voiced fears over what they described as a grim outlook since the most recent arrests. Among the next steps authorities could focus on, they said, are disqualifying hundreds of democratic “district councillors” who dominate the grassroots political arena; entrenching loyalty to China within the civil service; squeezing businesses whose bosses explicitly support the democratic cause; and creeping censorship of the internet and media under the auspices of national security. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the security law will only target a small minority of “troublemakers”. Beijing denies curbing rights and freedoms in the global financial hub and has opposed criticism of the arrests as “grave interference in China’s sovereignty and domestic affairs.” Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan metropolis of 7.6 million known for its freewheeling spirit, has seen many of those who challenged China’s authoritarian grip targeted under the sweeping security law. “Hong Kong has entered a harsh winter,” said Benny Tai, a former law professor who has been a key strategist for the camp, following his arrest. “The wind is blowing fierce and cold.” When the city reverted from British to Chinese rule in 1997, China’s leaders promised, in a mini-constitution, to grant the city a high degree of autonomy and wide-ranging freedoms not allowed in mainland China including free speech, assembly and eventual full democracy. Yam Kai-bong, a Tai Po district councillor with the localist pro-democracy ‘Neo Democrats’, said the spectre of protracted legal proceedings related to the arrests could scare off, or weaken the opposition camp’s chances in any upcoming election. “It’s very clear that the authorities, this time, want to cast one net to capture all those who may have been planning to contest the upcoming elections - if they even take place - and to make it very difficult for them to run.”

China plans further Hong Kong crackdown after mass arrest: Sources

Australia has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong amid concerns over the new National Security Law imposed by China. Australia has also extended visas for HK citizens by 5 years. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Australia extends visas for Hong Kong, Slams China on 'Security Law'