Iraqi police fired live rounds to disperse crowds that defied a pre-dawn curfew to protest on Thursday after 11 people were killed overnight in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curfew-imposed-in-baghdad-after-deadly-protests-253397">clashes that have escalated </a>into one of the worst security challenges since the defeat of Islamic State.

Troops patrolled main roads and public spaces in Baghdad, but by morning small, sporadic demonstrations had begun again in defiance of the open-ended curfew imposed in the capital from 5 a.m.

Clashes overnight in southern cities more than doubled the death toll of three days of unrest, bringing it to 18. The demonstrations began in Baghdad on Tuesday and quickly grew and spread to other cities, mainly in Iraq's south. Police fired live rounds, tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters.

Protesters directed their anger at a government and political class they say is corrupt and doing nothing to improve their lives. They demanded jobs, better services and called for the "downfall of the regime".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-declares-curfew-in-baghdad-until-further-notice-pm-adel-abdul-mahdi-253478">Curfews imposed </a>in southern Iraqi cities overnight were lifted, local police said. Clashes during the night between protesters and security forces killed seven people including a policeman in Nassiriya, and four people in Amara, police and medics said.

Iraq has struggled to recover from the battle against the Sunni Muslim hardline Islamic State group between 2014 and 2017. Its infrastructure has been laid to waste by decades of sectarian civil war, foreign occupation, two U.S. invasions, U.N. sanctions and war against its neighbours.

With the country at last at peace and free to trade, many Iraqis say their government has failed to rebuild the nation.

Similar demonstrations that began in oil-rich Basra last year prompted a heavy crackdown by security forces, killing nearly 30 people.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi chaired an emergency national security council meeting and ordered Thursday's curfew in Baghdad. Only travellers to and from the airport, ambulances, some government employees and religious pilgrims were to be allowed on the streets.

Separately, police and medical sources said a couple who had been involved in the Basra protests last year were shot dead in their home late on Wednesday. Security sources said they had received threats from powerful militia groups in Basra last year.

Iraq has the world's fourth-largest reserves of oil, according to the International Monetary Fund, but much of its population of 40 million lives in poverty and without decent healthcare, education or power and water supply.

Iraqi police fired live rounds to disperse crowds that defied a pre-dawn curfew to protest on Thursday after 11 people were killed overnight in clashes that have escalated into one of the worst security challenges since the defeat of Islamic State.

Iraqi police fired live rounds to disperse crowds that defied a pre-dawn curfew to protest on Thursday after 11 people were killed overnight in clashes that have escalated into one of the worst security challenges since the defeat of Islamic State. Troops patrolled main roads and public spaces in Baghdad, but by morning small, sporadic demonstrations had begun again in defiance of the open-ended curfew imposed in the capital from 5 a.m. Clashes overnight in southern cities more than doubled the death toll of three days of unrest, bringing it to 18. The demonstrations began in Baghdad on Tuesday and quickly grew and spread to other cities, mainly in Iraq's south. Police fired live rounds, tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters. Protesters directed their anger at a government and political class they say is corrupt and doing nothing to improve their lives. They demanded jobs, better services and called for the "downfall of the regime". Curfews imposed in southern Iraqi cities overnight were lifted, local police said. Clashes during the night between protesters and security forces killed seven people including a policeman in Nassiriya, and four people in Amara, police and medics said. Iraq has struggled to recover from the battle against the Sunni Muslim hardline Islamic State group between 2014 and 2017. Its infrastructure has been laid to waste by decades of sectarian civil war, foreign occupation, two U.S. invasions, U.N. sanctions and war against its neighbours. With the country at last at peace and free to trade, many Iraqis say their government has failed to rebuild the nation. Similar demonstrations that began in oil-rich Basra last year prompted a heavy crackdown by security forces, killing nearly 30 people. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi chaired an emergency national security council meeting and ordered Thursday's curfew in Baghdad. Only travellers to and from the airport, ambulances, some government employees and religious pilgrims were to be allowed on the streets. Separately, police and medical sources said a couple who had been involved in the Basra protests last year were shot dead in their home late on Wednesday. Security sources said they had received threats from powerful militia groups in Basra last year. Iraq has the world's fourth-largest reserves of oil, according to the International Monetary Fund, but much of its population of 40 million lives in poverty and without decent healthcare, education or power and water supply.

Iraqi police fire live rounds as protesters defy curfew

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday aimed teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, telling an energy forum that he did not share the excitement about her United Nations speech last month.

The 16-year-old Swede electrified the U.N. summit in New York when she denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change, unleashing the outrage felt by millions of her peers by demanding, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-dare-you-greta-thunberg-asks-world-leaders-at-un-251559">"How dare you?"</a>.

Putin, chairing a session at an energy forum in Moscow, said,&nbsp;"I may disappoint you but I don't share the common excitement about the speech by Greta Thunberg."

"No one has explained to Greta that the modern world is complex and different and ... people in Africa or many Asian countries want to live at the same wealth level as in Sweden."

US President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg and Canadian Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier called her alarmist and mentally unstable. Thunberg said their mockery of children showed her message had become <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-movement-now-too-loud-to-handle-for-trump-and-critics-says-greta-thunberg-252545">"too loud to handle".</a>

Putin said young people who paid attention to environmental issues should be supported, adding,&nbsp;"But when someone is using children and teenagers in personal interests, it only deserves to be condemned.

"I'm sure that Greta is a kind and very sincere girl. But adults must do everything not to bring teenagers and children into some extreme situations."

Inspired by Thunberg's solitary weekly protest outside the Swedish parliament a year ago, millions of people have poured onto the streets around the globe to demand governments take emergency action on climate change.

Thunberg told the U.N. conference, "This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?."

"You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," she said.

Earlier this week, a member of the Russian lower house of parliament, the Duma, invited Thunberg to Russia to deliver a speech.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday aimed teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, telling an energy forum that he did not share the excitement about her United Nations speech last month.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday aimed teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, telling an energy forum that he did not share the excitement about her United Nations speech last month. The 16-year-old Swede electrified the U.N. summit in New York when she denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change, unleashing the outrage felt by millions of her peers by demanding, "How dare you?". Putin, chairing a session at an energy forum in Moscow, said, "I may disappoint you but I don't share the common excitement about the speech by Greta Thunberg." "No one has explained to Greta that the modern world is complex and different and ... people in Africa or many Asian countries want to live at the same wealth level as in Sweden." US President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg and Canadian Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier called her alarmist and mentally unstable. Thunberg said their mockery of children showed her message had become "too loud to handle". Putin said young people who paid attention to environmental issues should be supported, adding, "But when someone is using children and teenagers in personal interests, it only deserves to be condemned. "I'm sure that Greta is a kind and very sincere girl. But adults must do everything not to bring teenagers and children into some extreme situations." Inspired by Thunberg's solitary weekly protest outside the Swedish parliament a year ago, millions of people have poured onto the streets around the globe to demand governments take emergency action on climate change. Thunberg told the U.N. conference, "This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you?." "You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," she said. Earlier this week, a member of the Russian lower house of parliament, the Duma, invited Thunberg to Russia to deliver a speech.

I don't share excitement about Greta Thunberg's U.N. speech: Russian President Vladimir putin

Thousands of French police officers demonstrated in Paris Wednesday for better working conditions, against the backdrop of a spike in suicides in the force and allegations of police brutality that have sapped morale.

The demonstration was the biggest by the police in years, reflecting the frustration among officers after a year of battling weekly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-paris-police-deployed-over-yellow-vest-clash-fears-250913">"yellow vest" protests </a>that have regularly turned violent.

Many of the officers, who gathered in plainclothes at Bastille Square for a "march of anger" through eastern Paris, complained of a lack of recognition and support from both the state and the public.

"We are the dregs of society," Frederic Govin, an officer from a riot police unit in northern France, told AFP bitterly.

Over the past few years, the police have held several protests over violent attacks on officers during anti-government protests as well as during operations in high-rise housing estates, where youths periodically clash with the police.

A key theme in Wednesday's protest was the sharp rise this year in the number of police taking their own lives.

Cyril Benoit, an officer with 20 years of service, told AFP that the weekly yellow vest protests had stretched an already strained force to the limit.

In the past two years, one officer in his riot police unit in the central town of Auxerre committed suicide and another attempted to take her own life, he said.

So far this year 49 officers have killed themselves, up from a total of 35 in 2018, according to interior ministry figures.

Benoit blamed the malaise on "physical and psychological fatigue" as well as increased pressure from senior officers to meet targets.

"There's always been a bit of pressure on the police but never like this," he said.

Under French law, the police are not allowed to strike or demonstrate while on duty.

Some officers told AFP they had been given leave by their station chiefs to skip work to attend the protest.

"I see colleagues crying," Antoine, a 40-year-old policeman with 15 years of crime-fighting to his name, told AFP.

He accused the government of failing to defend officers in the face of recurring allegations of brutality, particularly against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-arrested-in-paris-yellow-vest-protests-251045">yellow vest protesters</a>, dozens of whom have been seriously injured by rubber bullets and stun grenades.

"Television keeps replaying videos of (allegedly brutal) police actions but you don't see the paving stone that flew overhead seconds before," Antoine said.

The police have also opposed a major overhaul of the pensions system, which could come of their perks scrapped.

"There is a deep sense of discontent", David Le Bars, general secretary of the SCPN-Unsa union said, describing an "ailing force."

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has assured that the dangerous conditions faced by the police will be factored into the pension reforms.

He has also pointed to the money ploughed into the force under President Emmanuel Macron - more than a billion euros since the centrist leader took office in 2017, according to the minister.

During campaigning for president Macron pledged to hire an extra 10,000 police over the course of his five-year term.

But the new recruits cannot come fast enough for a force facing 23 million unpaid overtime hours, according to a count by Le Parisien newspaper in mid-September.

In the past few years, the number of protests by the police -- once a rare event -- have increased.

In October 2016, hundreds of officers, some in uniform, staged wildcat protests in several cities over several consecutive nights after youths in a Paris suburb tried to set fire to a police car with two officers inside, seriously injuring them.

Earlier that year, a police car was also firebombed on the sidelines of a separate police demonstration over anti-police violence.

Thousands of French police officers demonstrated in Paris Wednesday for better working conditions, against the backdrop of a spike in suicides in the force and allegations of police brutality that have sapped morale.

Thousands of French police officers demonstrated in Paris Wednesday for better working conditions, against the backdrop of a spike in suicides in the force and allegations of police brutality that have sapped morale. The demonstration was the biggest by the police in years, reflecting the frustration among officers after a year of battling weekly "yellow vest" protests that have regularly turned violent. Many of the officers, who gathered in plainclothes at Bastille Square for a "march of anger" through eastern Paris, complained of a lack of recognition and support from both the state and the public. "We are the dregs of society," Frederic Govin, an officer from a riot police unit in northern France, told AFP bitterly. Over the past few years, the police have held several protests over violent attacks on officers during anti-government protests as well as during operations in high-rise housing estates, where youths periodically clash with the police. A key theme in Wednesday's protest was the sharp rise this year in the number of police taking their own lives. Cyril Benoit, an officer with 20 years of service, told AFP that the weekly yellow vest protests had stretched an already strained force to the limit. In the past two years, one officer in his riot police unit in the central town of Auxerre committed suicide and another attempted to take her own life, he said. So far this year 49 officers have killed themselves, up from a total of 35 in 2018, according to interior ministry figures. Benoit blamed the malaise on "physical and psychological fatigue" as well as increased pressure from senior officers to meet targets. "There's always been a bit of pressure on the police but never like this," he said. Under French law, the police are not allowed to strike or demonstrate while on duty. Some officers told AFP they had been given leave by their station chiefs to skip work to attend the protest. "I see colleagues crying," Antoine, a 40-year-old policeman with 15 years of crime-fighting to his name, told AFP. He accused the government of failing to defend officers in the face of recurring allegations of brutality, particularly against yellow vest protesters, dozens of whom have been seriously injured by rubber bullets and stun grenades. "Television keeps replaying videos of (allegedly brutal) police actions but you don't see the paving stone that flew overhead seconds before," Antoine said. The police have also opposed a major overhaul of the pensions system, which could come of their perks scrapped. "There is a deep sense of discontent", David Le Bars, general secretary of the SCPN-Unsa union said, describing an "ailing force." Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has assured that the dangerous conditions faced by the police will be factored into the pension reforms. He has also pointed to the money ploughed into the force under President Emmanuel Macron - more than a billion euros since the centrist leader took office in 2017, according to the minister. During campaigning for president Macron pledged to hire an extra 10,000 police over the course of his five-year term. But the new recruits cannot come fast enough for a force facing 23 million unpaid overtime hours, according to a count by Le Parisien newspaper in mid-September. In the past few years, the number of protests by the police -- once a rare event -- have increased. In October 2016, hundreds of officers, some in uniform, staged wildcat protests in several cities over several consecutive nights after youths in a Paris suburb tried to set fire to a police car with two officers inside, seriously injuring them. Earlier that year, a police car was also firebombed on the sidelines of a separate police demonstration over anti-police violence.

'I see colleagues crying': Ailing French police force hit by officer protests

&nbsp;Alphabet Inc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-wins-right-to-be-forgotten-case-against-frances-privacy-watchdog-251737">Google</a> is rolling out new privacy features to its Maps, YouTube and Voice Assistant services, with options including incognito mode and automatic data deletion, the company said on Wednesday.

Google has raced to launch a slew of privacy-related features like the search giant and social media companies face heat from users and regulators globally on how their platforms handle user data.

The incognito mode on Google Maps will stop saving maps activity to users' accounts, including the places they search for, though it would take away their personalized recommendations.

Google also launched Password Checkup, a new feature that tells users whether their accounts have been compromised or if any of their passwords are weak.

The company said it will also expand its auto-delete option to YouTube, letting users to set a time period after which their viewing history data will be automatically erased.

In the coming weeks, Google will also roll out an option to delete voice assistant activity by verbal command: "Hey Google, delete the last thing I said to you."

Alphabet Inc's Google is rolling out new privacy features to its Maps, YouTube and Voice Assistant services, with options including incognito mode and automatic data deletion, the company said on Wednesday.

Alphabet Inc's Google is rolling out new privacy features to its Maps, YouTube and Voice Assistant services, with options including incognito mode and automatic data deletion, the company said on Wednesday. Google has raced to launch a slew of privacy-related features like the search giant and social media companies face heat from users and regulators globally on how their platforms handle user data. The incognito mode on Google Maps will stop saving maps activity to users' accounts, including the places they search for, though it would take away their personalized recommendations. Google also launched Password Checkup, a new feature that tells users whether their accounts have been compromised or if any of their passwords are weak. The company said it will also expand its auto-delete option to YouTube, letting users to set a time period after which their viewing history data will be automatically erased. In the coming weeks, Google will also roll out an option to delete voice assistant activity by verbal command: "Hey Google, delete the last thing I said to you."

Google offers incognito mode for Maps in privacy push

Strife torn <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-flash-mob-rallies-erupt-as-anger-mounts-over-shot-protester-253229">Hong Kong</a> has suffered a record slump in retail sales, data showed Wednesday, as the city reels from four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

The international finance hub is a major international tourist destination and especially popular with mainland Chinese shoppers hoping to snap up bargains in a city with no sales tax.

But this summer's protests, sparked by rising public anger towards Beijing's rule, has battered the economy which was already struggling with the US-China trade war fallout.

New figures released Wednesday showed retail sales declined by a record 23 per cent year on year in August, compounding an 11.5 per cent slump the month before.

Both police and protesters have only escalated their violence since then so there is little chance September's figures will fair any better.

Tuesday witnessed the worst clashes of the summer as China celebrated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253128">70 years of Communist Party</a> rule with a massive military parade in Beijing.

The spiralling clashes underscored seething public anger against Beijing's rule and shifted the spotlight from China's carefully choreographed birthday party.

Usually, the first week of October is a bumper time for retailers.

Hong Kong Protest: Video shows police shooting protester

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protest-video-shows-police-shooting-protester-253158/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Huge numbers of Chinese mainland tourists visit during the so-called Golden Week holiday.

But tourist arrivals from the mainland have tumbled as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70th-national-day-with-military-parade-253164">Beijing</a> takes a hardline with protesters and police fight near-weekly battles against demonstrators.

On-year tourist arrivals fell 40 per cent in the last month, led by a collapse in visitors from the mainland, by far the largest group, with hotel occupancy rates down around half.

Luxury goods are thought to have been hit particularly hard.

Many of the clashes have taken place in the districts of Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, both areas of the city that are packed with luxury malls and retailers.

Multiple shops in Causeway Bay told AFP last month their takings were down by as much as 30 per cent over the summer.

The city's economy likely entered a technical recession in the third quarter, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in September.

Strife torn Hong Kong has suffered a record slump in retail sales, data showed Wednesday, as the city reels from four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

Strife torn Hong Kong has suffered a record slump in retail sales, data showed Wednesday, as the city reels from four months of increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. The international finance hub is a major international tourist destination and especially popular with mainland Chinese shoppers hoping to snap up bargains in a city with no sales tax. But this summer's protests, sparked by rising public anger towards Beijing's rule, has battered the economy which was already struggling with the US-China trade war fallout. New figures released Wednesday showed retail sales declined by a record 23 per cent year on year in August, compounding an 11.5 per cent slump the month before. Both police and protesters have only escalated their violence since then so there is little chance September's figures will fair any better. Tuesday witnessed the worst clashes of the summer as China celebrated 70 years of Communist Party rule with a massive military parade in Beijing. The spiralling clashes underscored seething public anger against Beijing's rule and shifted the spotlight from China's carefully choreographed birthday party. Usually, the first week of October is a bumper time for retailers. Hong Kong Protest: Video shows police shooting protester Huge numbers of Chinese mainland tourists visit during the so-called Golden Week holiday. But tourist arrivals from the mainland have tumbled as Beijing takes a hardline with protesters and police fight near-weekly battles against demonstrators. On-year tourist arrivals fell 40 per cent in the last month, led by a collapse in visitors from the mainland, by far the largest group, with hotel occupancy rates down around half. Luxury goods are thought to have been hit particularly hard. Many of the clashes have taken place in the districts of Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, both areas of the city that are packed with luxury malls and retailers. Multiple shops in Causeway Bay told AFP last month their takings were down by as much as 30 per cent over the summer. The city's economy likely entered a technical recession in the third quarter, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in September.

Hong Kong's August retail sales hammered by summer of rage

International human rights groups demanded justice on Wednesday for slain Saudi journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-says-khashoggi-murder-happened-under-my-watch-us-tv-252208">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, saying that a year after his brutal murder, Saudi authorities had yet to provide any "meaningful accountability".

The rights watchdogs also called on Riyadh to release the numerous government critics who remain in custody.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was killed and dismembered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, in an operation that reportedly involved 15 agents sent from Riyadh. His body was never found.

Eleven suspects have been on trial in Riyadh, with five of them facing the death penalty, but hearings are held behind closed doors and the names of the defendants have not been released.

"Saudi authorities have obstructed meaningful accountability for Khashoggi’s murder," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-at-least-one-dead-11-injured-in-brooklyn-shooting-238959">New York </a>based watchdog criticised recent comments by the kingdom's de facto ruler, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absolutely-not-saudi-crown-prince-salman-denies-involvement-in-khashoggi-murder-252899/amp">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, in which he accepted collective responsibility for Khashoggi's murder, but denied he was personally to blame.

"If he’s serious, the crown prince and his government should provide transparency into the ongoing trial and reveal everything they know about the planning, execution, and aftermath of Khashoggi’s murder," HRW's Middle East director, Sarah Leah Whitson, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amnesty-accuses-hong-kong-police-of-abuses-torture-of-protestors-250814">Amnesty International</a> said Prince Mohammed's admission of "full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia" would remain a public relation stunt if not met with immediate action.

This must include "prompt and unrestricted access to independent human rights monitors into the country, including to observe and publicly report on the ongoing trial," said Amnesty's Middle East research director, Lynn Maalouf.

In a letter to King Salman, the Vienna-based International Press Institute demanded a transparent trial for those implicated in Khashoggi's murder.

"As recommended by the UN&nbsp;special rapporteur, the government should support a UN-led additional criminal investigation and conduct a transparent retrial with international input, support and oversight," the institute said.

The grisly details of Khashoggi's murder, which emerged largely from Turkish sources, sparked a global outcry and turned Prince Mohammad into a virtual pariah.

Dozens of top global executives boycotted his showcase business conference, the Future Investment Initiative, last year.

International human rights groups demanded justice on Wednesday for slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying that a year after his brutal murder, Saudi authorities had yet to provide any "meaningful accountability".

International human rights groups demanded justice on Wednesday for slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying that a year after his brutal murder, Saudi authorities had yet to provide any "meaningful accountability". The rights watchdogs also called on Riyadh to release the numerous government critics who remain in custody. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was killed and dismembered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, in an operation that reportedly involved 15 agents sent from Riyadh. His body was never found. Eleven suspects have been on trial in Riyadh, with five of them facing the death penalty, but hearings are held behind closed doors and the names of the defendants have not been released. "Saudi authorities have obstructed meaningful accountability for Khashoggi’s murder," Human Rights Watch said in a statement. The New York based watchdog criticised recent comments by the kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which he accepted collective responsibility for Khashoggi's murder, but denied he was personally to blame. "If he’s serious, the crown prince and his government should provide transparency into the ongoing trial and reveal everything they know about the planning, execution, and aftermath of Khashoggi’s murder," HRW's Middle East director, Sarah Leah Whitson, said. Amnesty International said Prince Mohammed's admission of "full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia" would remain a public relation stunt if not met with immediate action. This must include "prompt and unrestricted access to independent human rights monitors into the country, including to observe and publicly report on the ongoing trial," said Amnesty's Middle East research director, Lynn Maalouf. In a letter to King Salman, the Vienna-based International Press Institute demanded a transparent trial for those implicated in Khashoggi's murder. "As recommended by the UN special rapporteur, the government should support a UN-led additional criminal investigation and conduct a transparent retrial with international input, support and oversight," the institute said. The grisly details of Khashoggi's murder, which emerged largely from Turkish sources, sparked a global outcry and turned Prince Mohammad into a virtual pariah. Dozens of top global executives boycotted his showcase business conference, the Future Investment Initiative, last year.

Rights groups demand justice on Jamal Khashoggi murder anniversary

Iran's statement that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-warns-of-escalation-with-iran-says-he-prefers-political-solution-252727">Saudi Arabia</a> sent messages to its president through other countries was "not accurate", Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdom's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said.

Saudi Arabia blames Iran for an attack on two Saudi oil facilities on September&nbsp;14, a charge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">Tehran</a> denies. On Monday, an Iranian government spokesman said Saudi Arabia had sent messages to Iran's president through the leaders of other countries but did not specify their content.

"What the Iranian speaker said about the kingdom sending messages to the Iranian regime is not accurate," Jubeir said on Twitter late on Tuesday.

"What happened was that sister country sought to calm the situation, and we told them that the position of the kingdom was to always seek security and stability in the region."

In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince warned that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world did not come together to deter Iran, but said he preferred a political solution to a military one.

"We also told them that de-escalation should come from the party that is escalating and spreading chaos through hostile acts in the region," Jubeir added.

"We conveyed to them our position towards the Iranian regime that we always announce clearly in all venues, most recently at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2019-what-to-expect-at-the-74th-session-this-week-251385">United Nations General Assembly</a>," he said.

Iran's statement that Saudi Arabia sent messages to its president through other countries was "not accurate", Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdom's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said.

Iran's statement that Saudi Arabia sent messages to its president through other countries was "not accurate", Adel al-Jubeir, the kingdom's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has said. Saudi Arabia blames Iran for an attack on two Saudi oil facilities on September 14, a charge Tehran denies. On Monday, an Iranian government spokesman said Saudi Arabia had sent messages to Iran's president through the leaders of other countries but did not specify their content. "What the Iranian speaker said about the kingdom sending messages to the Iranian regime is not accurate," Jubeir said on Twitter late on Tuesday. "What happened was that sister country sought to calm the situation, and we told them that the position of the kingdom was to always seek security and stability in the region." In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince warned that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world did not come together to deter Iran, but said he preferred a political solution to a military one. "We also told them that de-escalation should come from the party that is escalating and spreading chaos through hostile acts in the region," Jubeir added. "We conveyed to them our position towards the Iranian regime that we always announce clearly in all venues, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly," he said.

Saudi says Iran's remark on messages to its President 'not accurate'

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-pinned-down-after-poor-us-manufacturing-data-pound-slips-253220">US&nbsp;dollar</a> edged higher on Wednesday after disappointing manufacturing data had whacked the greenback off two-year&nbsp;highs, while the euro clung to levels above $1.09.

The US&nbsp;manufacturing contracted at the fastest pace in more than a decade in September, making the United States the latest country to suffer a manufacturing downturn amid a trade war between Washington and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70th-national-day-with-military-parade-253164">Beijing</a>.

Many analysts, however, say the setback for the dollar will likely prove temporary given its higher yield versus peers and the relative strength of the US&nbsp;economy,&nbsp;non-farm payrolls data due on Friday should give some more insight into the health of the US&nbsp;economy.

"Yes US&nbsp;manufacturing is disappointing but it's no more disappointing than the eurozone PMIs (Purchasing Managers' Index surveys) we saw," said Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets, referring to weak surveys in the euro area released this week.

Hewson said weakness in US&nbsp;manufacturing would have to spill over into the services sector before it had a significant impact on monetary policy and the outlook for the dollar.

Others differed. The manufacturing reading was a bad omen for September US&nbsp;labour figures due on Friday, BNY Mellon analysts said in a note since moves are often correlated.

"This reinforces our view that while the Fed is still stubbornly clinging to its view that rates are currently appropriate. It will ultimately have to accept that the pillars of support - the labour market and the consumer - are weakening," the bank said.

Even with more rate cuts, the dollar is still the highest-yielding currency among its developed market peers.

The dollar index inched 0.1 per cent&nbsp;higher to 99.242&nbsp;in early trade after hitting as high as 99.667 on Tuesday, a 29-month peak, before the manufacturing data was released.

The euro fell 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1.0921&nbsp;but was above its two-year low of $1.0879 touched on Tuesday.

The Japanese yen strengthened 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to 107.57, reflecting investor demand for safer assets after the US&nbsp;data heightened concerns about the health of the global economy.

The Swiss franc, another safe-haven currency, fell, however, by 0.3 per cent&nbsp;against the euro&nbsp;and 0.4 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar.

Elsewhere, the Australian dollar struggled around the $0.67&nbsp;mark but remained above its decade-low of $0.6672 hit on Tuesday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-central-bank-cuts-rates-to-new-record-low-252964">Reserve Bank of Australia</a> cut rates to an all-time low.

The pound sank 0.3 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar to $1.2271&nbsp; and was headed back toward an almost one-month low plumbed overnight. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-to-unveil-final-brexit-offer-to-european-union-253189">Brexit </a>offer to the European Union on Wednesday and make clear that Britain intends to leave the EU on October&nbsp;31, no matter what.

The US dollar edged higher on Wednesday after disappointing manufacturing data had whacked the greenback off two-year highs, while the euro clung to levels above $1.

The US dollar edged higher on Wednesday after disappointing manufacturing data had whacked the greenback off two-year highs, while the euro clung to levels above $1.09. The US manufacturing contracted at the fastest pace in more than a decade in September, making the United States the latest country to suffer a manufacturing downturn amid a trade war between Washington and Beijing. Many analysts, however, say the setback for the dollar will likely prove temporary given its higher yield versus peers and the relative strength of the US economy, non-farm payrolls data due on Friday should give some more insight into the health of the US economy. "Yes US manufacturing is disappointing but it's no more disappointing than the eurozone PMIs (Purchasing Managers' Index surveys) we saw," said Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets, referring to weak surveys in the euro area released this week. Hewson said weakness in US manufacturing would have to spill over into the services sector before it had a significant impact on monetary policy and the outlook for the dollar. Others differed. The manufacturing reading was a bad omen for September US labour figures due on Friday, BNY Mellon analysts said in a note since moves are often correlated. "This reinforces our view that while the Fed is still stubbornly clinging to its view that rates are currently appropriate. It will ultimately have to accept that the pillars of support - the labour market and the consumer - are weakening," the bank said. Even with more rate cuts, the dollar is still the highest-yielding currency among its developed market peers. The dollar index inched 0.1 per cent higher to 99.242 in early trade after hitting as high as 99.667 on Tuesday, a 29-month peak, before the manufacturing data was released. The euro fell 0.1 per cent to $1.0921 but was above its two-year low of $1.0879 touched on Tuesday. The Japanese yen strengthened 0.2 per cent to 107.57, reflecting investor demand for safer assets after the US data heightened concerns about the health of the global economy. The Swiss franc, another safe-haven currency, fell, however, by 0.3 per cent against the euro and 0.4 per cent against the dollar. Elsewhere, the Australian dollar struggled around the $0.67 mark but remained above its decade-low of $0.6672 hit on Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of Australia cut rates to an all-time low. The pound sank 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.2271 and was headed back toward an almost one-month low plumbed overnight. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday and make clear that Britain intends to leave the EU on October 31, no matter what.

Dollar steadies after data knocks it off two-year highs

Rescuers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-bodies-found-two-still-missing-after-taiwan-bridge-collapse-253187">Taiwan</a> searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards.

Divers joined hundreds of rescuers in the search effort, using cranes and excavators to raise the wreckage of two fishing boats after Tuesday's accident injured ten&nbsp;people, most of them fishermen from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-arrested-after-fresh-indonesia-legal-reforms-protests-253022">Indonesia</a> and the Philippines.

"Rescuers found the body of a foreign fisherman, while the search for one missing foreign fisherman continues", the National Fire Agency said in a statement in the early afternoon.

Dramatic video images released by Taiwan's Coast Patrol Corps showed the arched bridge in the northeastern town of Suao collapsing just as an oil tanker was crossing. Plumes of black smoke went up when the cargo of fuel burst into flames.

It was not immediately known what caused the collapse, which crushed three boats and set the tanker ablaze.

The bridge, dubbed the "lovers' bridge", was built in 1998 and was a tourist attraction.

The incident shocked many in Taiwan, which is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons and has high building standards, prompting authorities to launch a review of bridges.

The government has set up a task force to investigate, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">President Tsai Ing-wen </a>vowing not to "evade responsibilities".

Suao's mayor, Lee Ming-Che, told Reuters residents had raised a concern about the bridge's load limit, saying trucks carrying blocks of concrete for a construction project near the harbour had caused "shakings" when crossing the bridge.

Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which managed the bridge's maintenance and oversees nearby the project, said it had completed a safety review before allowing the trucks to use the bridge.

"The project was evaluated and proven to be fine," said Wang Chin-Jung, associate general manager of TIPC, referring to the bridge's load limit.

"We will check if there's any problem with the bridge's design, construction and maintenance... We will not evade responsibilities if we have any," Wang said.

TIPC said the bridge was regularly checked and maintained, and that the company had observed safety regulations.

The bridge was last reinforced in 2018 and another security check was due next year, the company said. Problems such as rusty steel and cracks in concrete had been fixed during a check last October, it said.

Rescuers in Taiwan searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards.

Rescuers in Taiwan searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards. Divers joined hundreds of rescuers in the search effort, using cranes and excavators to raise the wreckage of two fishing boats after Tuesday's accident injured ten people, most of them fishermen from Indonesia and the Philippines. "Rescuers found the body of a foreign fisherman, while the search for one missing foreign fisherman continues", the National Fire Agency said in a statement in the early afternoon. Dramatic video images released by Taiwan's Coast Patrol Corps showed the arched bridge in the northeastern town of Suao collapsing just as an oil tanker was crossing. Plumes of black smoke went up when the cargo of fuel burst into flames. It was not immediately known what caused the collapse, which crushed three boats and set the tanker ablaze. The bridge, dubbed the "lovers' bridge", was built in 1998 and was a tourist attraction. The incident shocked many in Taiwan, which is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons and has high building standards, prompting authorities to launch a review of bridges. The government has set up a task force to investigate, with President Tsai Ing-wen vowing not to "evade responsibilities". Suao's mayor, Lee Ming-Che, told Reuters residents had raised a concern about the bridge's load limit, saying trucks carrying blocks of concrete for a construction project near the harbour had caused "shakings" when crossing the bridge. Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which managed the bridge's maintenance and oversees nearby the project, said it had completed a safety review before allowing the trucks to use the bridge. "The project was evaluated and proven to be fine," said Wang Chin-Jung, associate general manager of TIPC, referring to the bridge's load limit. "We will check if there's any problem with the bridge's design, construction and maintenance... We will not evade responsibilities if we have any," Wang said. TIPC said the bridge was regularly checked and maintained, and that the company had observed safety regulations. The bridge was last reinforced in 2018 and another security check was due next year, the company said. Problems such as rusty steel and cracks in concrete had been fixed during a check last October, it said.

Taiwan divers search for trapped fisherman after bridge collapse kills five

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned&nbsp;China's&nbsp;"dictatorship" on the&nbsp;70th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Defeated Nationalist forces fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in 1949 after losing a civil war to the&nbsp;Communists. China claims now democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-anniversary-no-force-can-shake-the-chinese-nation-says-president-xi-jinping-252931">President Xi Jinping</a>, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party&nbsp;rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification".

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over.

"The Chinese&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values ​​of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said.

"It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation."

Taiwan&nbsp;has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added.

"The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said.

Taiwan&nbsp;will not be bullied into accepting&nbsp;China's&nbsp;position, it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> has heaped pressure on&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

China has also been angered for expressions of support from&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-under-lockdown-on-chinas-70th-national-day-252958">Hong Kong</a>, which are expected again on Tuesday.

"We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday.

"Likewise, any&nbsp;ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. China claims now democratic Taiwan as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. President Xi Jinping, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of Communist Party rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification". Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said Taiwan would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win Taiwan over. "The Chinese Communist Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said. "It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation." Taiwan has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added. "The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said. Taiwan will not be bullied into accepting China's position, it added. China has heaped pressure on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. China has also been angered for expressions of support from Taiwan for anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which are expected again on Tuesday. "We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday. "Likewise, any ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan condemns China's 'dictatorship' on 70th anniversary of Communist rule

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping who pledged&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development&nbsp;on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

The event is the&nbsp;country's most important of the year as China looks to project its assurance in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong and an economy-sapping trade war with the United States.

Xi, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit and accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, said China will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.

The&nbsp;country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-70th-anniversary-national-day-parade-china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuke-missile-that-can-strike-us-in-30-minutes-252957">military</a> should resolutely safeguard&nbsp;China's&nbsp;sovereignty, security, and&nbsp;development&nbsp;interests, and firmly uphold world peace,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;told a handpicked crowd at Tiananmen Square, in comments carried live on state television.

"We must adhere to the&nbsp;path&nbsp;of&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to push forward to create a community of shared future for mankind together with people of all the other countries,"&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;said from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on this day in 1949.

China must maintain lasting prosperity and stability in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/street-fires-burn-in-hong-kong-amid-running-battles-between-protesters-and-police-252690">Hong Kong</a> and Macao, promote the&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development&nbsp;of relations with self-ruled Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification", he added.

Xi, whose military modernisation programme has rattled nerves around the region, then descended to the street and inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops.

Riding past in a black limousine,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;bellowed; "Hello comrades, hard-working comrades!"

The massed ranks of soldiers shouted back: "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!"

Xi&nbsp;remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world's second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics.

But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing.

The capital has been locked down for the parade.

China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China. The event is the country's most important of the year as China looks to project its assurance in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong and an economy-sapping trade war with the United States. Xi, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit and accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, said China will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. The country's military should resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace, Xi told a handpicked crowd at Tiananmen Square, in comments carried live on state television. "We must adhere to the path of peaceful development, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to push forward to create a community of shared future for mankind together with people of all the other countries," Xi said from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on this day in 1949. China must maintain lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, promote the peaceful development of relations with self-ruled Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification", he added. Xi, whose military modernisation programme has rattled nerves around the region, then descended to the street and inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops. Riding past in a black limousine, Xi bellowed; "Hello comrades, hard-working comrades!" The massed ranks of soldiers shouted back: "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!" Xi remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world's second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics. But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing. The capital has been locked down for the parade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says country will stay on path of peaceful development

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Australia's</a> central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced it had cut rates by another 25 basis points to 0.75 per cent, a decision that brings the country's interest rates to a historic new low.

The move is part of efforts to extend a record 28-year run without a recession, in the face of increasing economic headwinds that include stagnant employment levels, low wage growth and high household debt.

Resource-rich Australia dodged the worst of the financial crisis but the economy recently recorded its weakest annual growth in a decade, expanding just 1.4 percent in the year to June.

RBA governor Philip Lowe said the decision to lower the cash rate was designed to "support employment and income growth and to provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target".&nbsp;

"The economy still has spare capacity and lower interest rates will help make inroads into that," he said in a statement following the bank's monthly policy meeting.

Lowe has forecast an "extended period" of low interest rates will be necessary to achieve full unemployment and reach the bank's inflation target, with the bank remaining "prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed".

Australia is also feeling the impact of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112"> US-China trade tensions</a>, which have rattled the global economy as central banks worldwide attempt to offset economic risks by lowering rates.

One bright light identified by Lowe, however, were recent signs of a turnaround in the Sydney and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-major-fire-breaks-out-in-melbourne-warehouse-no-casualties-162434">Melbourne</a> housing markets after a prolonged slump.

The Australian stock exchange moved slightly higher on the news, with the All Ordinaries reaching above 6,834 in afternoon trade, while the dollar was buying US$0.6728.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia announced it had cut rates by another 25 basis points to 0.75 per cent, a decision that brings the country's interest rates to a historic new low. The move is part of efforts to extend a record 28-year run without a recession, in the face of increasing economic headwinds that include stagnant employment levels, low wage growth and high household debt. Resource-rich Australia dodged the worst of the financial crisis but the economy recently recorded its weakest annual growth in a decade, expanding just 1.4 percent in the year to June. RBA governor Philip Lowe said the decision to lower the cash rate was designed to "support employment and income growth and to provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target". "The economy still has spare capacity and lower interest rates will help make inroads into that," he said in a statement following the bank's monthly policy meeting. Lowe has forecast an "extended period" of low interest rates will be necessary to achieve full unemployment and reach the bank's inflation target, with the bank remaining "prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed". Australia is also feeling the impact of US-China trade tensions, which have rattled the global economy as central banks worldwide attempt to offset economic risks by lowering rates. One bright light identified by Lowe, however, were recent signs of a turnaround in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets after a prolonged slump. The Australian stock exchange moved slightly higher on the news, with the All Ordinaries reaching above 6,834 in afternoon trade, while the dollar was buying US$0.6728.

Australia's central bank cuts rates to new record low

London police said Tuesday they detained a man who was dousing himself with what appeared to be a flammable liquid outside parliament.

"The man, who had a lighter, was sprayed with a fire extinguisher," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "There was no ignition and the man was detained."

The man was assessed by ambulance workers and taken to the hospital. His age or condition was not immediately released.

One lawmaker who was at the scene tweeted the substance "smells like petrol".

The incident came against a background of heightened tension over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">Britain's</a> imminent departure from the European Union, which has divided the country.

MPs are currently debating ways to make sure Britain does not crash out of the EU without a negotiated agreement on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-leave-eu-on-october-31-finance-minister-javid-says-252779">October 31</a> departure date.

London police said Tuesday they detained a man who was dousing himself with what appeared to be a flammable liquid outside parliament. "The man, who had a lighter, was sprayed with a fire extinguisher," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

London police said Tuesday they detained a man who was dousing himself with what appeared to be a flammable liquid outside parliament. "The man, who had a lighter, was sprayed with a fire extinguisher," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "There was no ignition and the man was detained." The man was assessed by ambulance workers and taken to the hospital. His age or condition was not immediately released. One lawmaker who was at the scene tweeted the substance "smells like petrol". The incident came against a background of heightened tension over Britain's imminent departure from the European Union, which has divided the country. MPs are currently debating ways to make sure Britain does not crash out of the EU without a negotiated agreement on its October 31 departure date.

Man held outside UK parliament in 'petrol' incident: Police

The row of trendy restaurants surrounding an office of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington reflects the refined tastes of a gentrifying capital.

But down an alley, a mural depicts a very different drama playing out almost daily elsewhere in the same city.

There on the wall are the faces of five African-American teens shot dead, including Lauryn Renford's boyfriend, 16-year-old Zaire Kelly.

Renford, 17, was the driving force behind the mural, a recently inaugurated memorial to the slain youths.

"I think there's something very special about these five on the wall," says Renford, who sees their stories as representing other victims too.

In a country where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-seven-wounded-in-two-washington-dc-shootings-police-seek-suspects-reports-250882">mass shootings</a> dominate the headlines, the mural is a reminder of more common, everyday gun crime, the victims often African-Americans, their deaths too frequently overlooked except by grieving friends and family.

Kelly was attacked in an apparent robbery attempt on his way home from studies. Jamahri Sydnor, 17, was shot while driving, the victim of an "unintended killing" according to DC Witness, a website that tracks Washington homicide cases.

Steve Slaughter, 14, and Taiyania Thompson, 16, are also pictured along with Paris Brown, 19. All were killed in 2017 and 2018.

Brown and Kelly, as well as Renford, were students at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Ward 8, one of two districts east of the Anacostia River where poverty is disproportionately clustered.

"I realized that families and even just general residents of DC should have a place to grieve the people that we've lost and always honour their legacies, and work to preserve those that are left," Renford says.

Dozens of evenly-spaced red roses symbolize others lost to gun violence but whose youthful faces aren't pictured on the wall.

That could include Maurice Scott, 15, shot dead in May, or Steffen Brathwaite, 16, gunned down the day before AFP interviewed Renford.

They are among at least 131 homicide victims this year in the city of about 700,000 residents, up from 118 at the same time last year.

Nearby <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-as-trump-brands-mostly-black-baltimore-infested-mess-238944">Baltimore</a>, with a slightly smaller population, has recorded around 255 homicides in 2019.

In contrast, 64 people have been gunned down nationwide since January in mass shootings where four or more people were killed, according to a Washington Post database.

Most of Washington's gun crime occurs in Ward 8 and adjacent Ward 7, police data show, but the mural is in a more peaceful neighbourhood.

There, it helps broaden awareness among better-off residents who "don't necessarily know much about the violence" elsewhere in the city, says Renford, a first-year undergraduate hoping to study public health.

Karen Lee, a Thurgood Marshall teacher who guided Renford in creating the mural, says she is "really proud" of her.

"People are having to deal every day with violence, with shootings," says Lee, who is white and lives in the academy's neighbourhood.

"I hear gunshots and I wonder if I'm going to wake up in the morning and find out that I've lost another student".

In a Washington with more and more condominiums and sleek restaurants, but a declining African-American population, Renford says making the city safer should be a task for everyone and not just a "black and brown conversation."

She joined two other Thurgood Marshall students to found an activist group, Pathways 2 Power because they want "a seat at the decision-making table" on issues surrounding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-step-up-calls-for-gun-legislation-as-us-congress-returns-248538">gun violence</a>.

The group helped her raise the roughly $12,000 needed for the mural painted by local artist Martin Swift on donated wall space.

Renford sees many roots for the violence, including poverty, gentrification, localized "beef," and "not valuing the lives of people around you... not even your own life."

Lee highlights the need to address the inequities between Washington's wealthier neighbourhoods and those where people struggle.

Armed police officers wait at the front steps of Thurgood Marshall while students in tan pants and burgundy shirts file into Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast, where cars pass playing rap music.

Across the street is Bethlehem Baptist Church, the "Black Workers and Wellness Center," and a parking lot advertising the "Stop the Violence Jam" and other music shows.

Back in the alley, two elderly white women accompany a white man walking unsteadily with a cane. In front of the mural, one of the women stops and seems to call to the others. All of them look.

Paris, Jamahri, Steve, Taiyania and Zaire are looking back.

The row of trendy restaurants surrounding an office of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington reflects the refined tastes of a gentrifying capital. But down an alley, a mural depicts a very different drama playing out almost daily elsewhere in the same city.

The row of trendy restaurants surrounding an office of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington reflects the refined tastes of a gentrifying capital. But down an alley, a mural depicts a very different drama playing out almost daily elsewhere in the same city. There on the wall are the faces of five African-American teens shot dead, including Lauryn Renford's boyfriend, 16-year-old Zaire Kelly. Renford, 17, was the driving force behind the mural, a recently inaugurated memorial to the slain youths. "I think there's something very special about these five on the wall," says Renford, who sees their stories as representing other victims too. In a country where mass shootings dominate the headlines, the mural is a reminder of more common, everyday gun crime, the victims often African-Americans, their deaths too frequently overlooked except by grieving friends and family. Kelly was attacked in an apparent robbery attempt on his way home from studies. Jamahri Sydnor, 17, was shot while driving, the victim of an "unintended killing" according to DC Witness, a website that tracks Washington homicide cases. Steve Slaughter, 14, and Taiyania Thompson, 16, are also pictured along with Paris Brown, 19. All were killed in 2017 and 2018. Brown and Kelly, as well as Renford, were students at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Ward 8, one of two districts east of the Anacostia River where poverty is disproportionately clustered. "I realized that families and even just general residents of DC should have a place to grieve the people that we've lost and always honour their legacies, and work to preserve those that are left," Renford says. Dozens of evenly-spaced red roses symbolize others lost to gun violence but whose youthful faces aren't pictured on the wall. That could include Maurice Scott, 15, shot dead in May, or Steffen Brathwaite, 16, gunned down the day before AFP interviewed Renford. They are among at least 131 homicide victims this year in the city of about 700,000 residents, up from 118 at the same time last year. Nearby Baltimore, with a slightly smaller population, has recorded around 255 homicides in 2019. In contrast, 64 people have been gunned down nationwide since January in mass shootings where four or more people were killed, according to a Washington Post database. Most of Washington's gun crime occurs in Ward 8 and adjacent Ward 7, police data show, but the mural is in a more peaceful neighbourhood. There, it helps broaden awareness among better-off residents who "don't necessarily know much about the violence" elsewhere in the city, says Renford, a first-year undergraduate hoping to study public health. Karen Lee, a Thurgood Marshall teacher who guided Renford in creating the mural, says she is "really proud" of her. "People are having to deal every day with violence, with shootings," says Lee, who is white and lives in the academy's neighbourhood. "I hear gunshots and I wonder if I'm going to wake up in the morning and find out that I've lost another student". In a Washington with more and more condominiums and sleek restaurants, but a declining African-American population, Renford says making the city safer should be a task for everyone and not just a "black and brown conversation." She joined two other Thurgood Marshall students to found an activist group, Pathways 2 Power because they want "a seat at the decision-making table" on issues surrounding gun violence. The group helped her raise the roughly $12,000 needed for the mural painted by local artist Martin Swift on donated wall space. Renford sees many roots for the violence, including poverty, gentrification, localized "beef," and "not valuing the lives of people around you... not even your own life." Lee highlights the need to address the inequities between Washington's wealthier neighbourhoods and those where people struggle. Armed police officers wait at the front steps of Thurgood Marshall while students in tan pants and burgundy shirts file into Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast, where cars pass playing rap music. Across the street is Bethlehem Baptist Church, the "Black Workers and Wellness Center," and a parking lot advertising the "Stop the Violence Jam" and other music shows. Back in the alley, two elderly white women accompany a white man walking unsteadily with a cane. In front of the mural, one of the women stops and seems to call to the others. All of them look. Paris, Jamahri, Steve, Taiyania and Zaire are looking back.

In US capital, teen honours victims of everyday gun violence

Outlawed and repressed, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mohamed-morsi-ousted-president-of-egypt-dies-in-court-during-trial-228135">Muslim Brotherhood </a>was not behind the recent protests in Egypt, but has sought to capitalise on a new wave of dissent, analysts say.

The protests first erupted on September 20 after an exiled Egyptian businessman in a series of online videos called for people to demonstrate against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, accusing him of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity building projects.

The videos by contractor and actor Mohammed Aly tapped into simmering anger against the country's economic woes and went viral, stirring rare political debate across the media and social networks.

Analysts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-leader-shrugs-off-call-for-fresh-protests-252444">Egypt </a> rule out any link between the Muslim Brotherhood and Mohamed Aly, who has so far refused AFP requests to comment on the situation.

But "the Brotherhood certainly benefited from his videos and their channels exploited what he was saying to portray a negative image of Sisi's leadership," said Mustafa Kamel al-Sayyed, a political science professor at the American University in Cairo, told AFP.

In the mercurial Aly, the Brotherhood saw an opening for renewed resistance rallying its supporters online.

The Islamist group, which has been banned since 2013 with thousands of its members jailed in a crackdown, quickly threw its support behind the demonstrations calling for Sisi's removal.

Many pro-Brotherhood figures have bombarded social networks with hashtags proclaiming anti-Sisi messages and slickly produced videos, highlighting the shortcomings of his rule.

And television channels, such as the Qatar-based Al Jazeera, and their social media influencers have battled against pro-government loyalists and bombastic hosts broadcasting daily on Egyptian satellite channels.

Sayyed believes the Brotherhood still holds sway with a sizeable part of the overall religiously conservative population, amid the backdrop of the dire economic situation for millions of Egyptians.

"The Brotherhood is an idea before it is an organisation and with the deteriorating economic situation for Egyptian society, this idea based on Islam will continue to attract many," he explained.

Founded by Egyptian scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928 as an Islamic charity and political movement, the Brotherhood grew rapidly, spawning offshoots from Morocco to Turkey, many of which remain active today.

But in Egypt its political currency ran out after its leader Mohamed Morsi became the country's first elected president in mid-2012 but remained in office for just one tumultuous year after the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

Morsi was toppled by the military in 2013 and Egyptian troops killed some 800 Muslim Brotherhood supporters in a single day in August that year in what became one of the worst atrocities in the country's modern history.

Morsi, who only briefly held the reins of power, died earlier this year collapsing in a Cairo courtroom while on trial.

"The Brotherhood is hiding behind Mohammed Aly's appeal because they do not have the capacity to call for a rally," said Amr El-Shobaki, a former parliamentarian and analyst at the state-supportive Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies.

"Their capacity to recruit new members has been weakened," he added.

Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters have been jailed since Morsi's ouster, dozens executed and many have gone into exile finding safe havens in Turkey and Qatar.

Despite being chased from the political landscape, the Egyptian media often dwells on conspiracy theories that the Islamist group can easily organise and move supporters in from overseas.

But Shobaki argued, "the Brotherhood wasn't behind or even participated in the small-scale protests on 20 September".

"Rather, it was everyday youth, those economically marginalised, that went down" to the streets, he said.

Nearly one in three Egyptians live below the poverty line, according to official figures, as the government has imposed harsh austerity measures since 2016 causing prices to considerably soar.

Seizing the moment, however, Sisi himself appeared to blame the Muslim Brotherhood for the protests in a meeting with US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Donald Trump</a> in New York earlier this month.

Asked about the small-scale protests, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">Sisi </a>replied: "The region will remain in a state of instability as long as there's political Islam vying for power".

Shobaki maintains if the Brotherhood has any hope of being reintegrated into the political scene in the future, they must shed their "cultish" legacy.

"They can reorganise themselves as a political party again like Ennahda in Tunisia or the PJD in Morocco. The idea of this 'divine' group is why they have consistently failed for 91 years".

Outlawed and repressed, the Muslim Brotherhood was not behind the recent protests in Egypt, but has sought to capitalise on a new wave of dissent, analysts say. The protests first erupted on September 20 after an exiled Egyptian businessman in a series of online videos called for people to demonstrate against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, accusing him of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity building projects.

Outlawed and repressed, the Muslim Brotherhood was not behind the recent protests in Egypt, but has sought to capitalise on a new wave of dissent, analysts say. The protests first erupted on September 20 after an exiled Egyptian businessman in a series of online videos called for people to demonstrate against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, accusing him of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity building projects. The videos by contractor and actor Mohammed Aly tapped into simmering anger against the country's economic woes and went viral, stirring rare political debate across the media and social networks. Analysts in Egypt rule out any link between the Muslim Brotherhood and Mohamed Aly, who has so far refused AFP requests to comment on the situation. But "the Brotherhood certainly benefited from his videos and their channels exploited what he was saying to portray a negative image of Sisi's leadership," said Mustafa Kamel al-Sayyed, a political science professor at the American University in Cairo, told AFP. In the mercurial Aly, the Brotherhood saw an opening for renewed resistance rallying its supporters online. The Islamist group, which has been banned since 2013 with thousands of its members jailed in a crackdown, quickly threw its support behind the demonstrations calling for Sisi's removal. Many pro-Brotherhood figures have bombarded social networks with hashtags proclaiming anti-Sisi messages and slickly produced videos, highlighting the shortcomings of his rule. And television channels, such as the Qatar-based Al Jazeera, and their social media influencers have battled against pro-government loyalists and bombastic hosts broadcasting daily on Egyptian satellite channels. Sayyed believes the Brotherhood still holds sway with a sizeable part of the overall religiously conservative population, amid the backdrop of the dire economic situation for millions of Egyptians. "The Brotherhood is an idea before it is an organisation and with the deteriorating economic situation for Egyptian society, this idea based on Islam will continue to attract many," he explained. Founded by Egyptian scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928 as an Islamic charity and political movement, the Brotherhood grew rapidly, spawning offshoots from Morocco to Turkey, many of which remain active today. But in Egypt its political currency ran out after its leader Mohamed Morsi became the country's first elected president in mid-2012 but remained in office for just one tumultuous year after the 2011 revolution that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Morsi was toppled by the military in 2013 and Egyptian troops killed some 800 Muslim Brotherhood supporters in a single day in August that year in what became one of the worst atrocities in the country's modern history. Morsi, who only briefly held the reins of power, died earlier this year collapsing in a Cairo courtroom while on trial. "The Brotherhood is hiding behind Mohammed Aly's appeal because they do not have the capacity to call for a rally," said Amr El-Shobaki, a former parliamentarian and analyst at the state-supportive Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies. "Their capacity to recruit new members has been weakened," he added. Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters have been jailed since Morsi's ouster, dozens executed and many have gone into exile finding safe havens in Turkey and Qatar. Despite being chased from the political landscape, the Egyptian media often dwells on conspiracy theories that the Islamist group can easily organise and move supporters in from overseas. But Shobaki argued, "the Brotherhood wasn't behind or even participated in the small-scale protests on 20 September". "Rather, it was everyday youth, those economically marginalised, that went down" to the streets, he said. Nearly one in three Egyptians live below the poverty line, according to official figures, as the government has imposed harsh austerity measures since 2016 causing prices to considerably soar. Seizing the moment, however, Sisi himself appeared to blame the Muslim Brotherhood for the protests in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York earlier this month. Asked about the small-scale protests, Sisi replied: "The region will remain in a state of instability as long as there's political Islam vying for power". Shobaki maintains if the Brotherhood has any hope of being reintegrated into the political scene in the future, they must shed their "cultish" legacy. "They can reorganise themselves as a political party again like Ennahda in Tunisia or the PJD in Morocco. The idea of this 'divine' group is why they have consistently failed for 91 years".

Muslim Brotherhood sidelined in Egypt protests: Analysts

Germany's foreign minister on Monday called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-leave-eu-on-october-31-finance-minister-javid-says-252779">European unity</a> 30 years after thousands of East Germans escaped communism via the West German embassy in Prague.

As the Iron Curtain began to fall in September 1989, East Germans crossed the border into then Czechoslovakia, the only country to which they could travel visa-free, and sought the safety of the embassy.

On September 30, 1989, West German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher stepped onto the embassy balcony and told the refugees they were finally free -- a famous sentence drowned out by a chorus of cheers.

"No one in Germany will ever forget this moment, this speech," current German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Prague on Monday.

Speaking later at the embassy, Maas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">called on Europeans</a> to preserve their unity.

"We must not allow new ditches to be dug in Europe, be they between the east and the west or the north and the south," he said.

"How else are we to face the great global challenges like globalisation, climate change, digitalisation or migration?"

Genscher -- who himself escaped East Germany in 1952 -- convinced the hardline Communist regime to accept the mass exodus.

About 15,000 East Germans fled to the West via Prague before East Germany opened the iBerlin Wall dividing the city on November 9, 1989.&nbsp;

The entire Soviet bloc crumbled within two years, while former Czechoslovakia split in 1993 in two to form the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Genscher died aged 89 in 2016.

Maas said it made sense "to risk something for liberty, equality, democracy because none of these can be taken for granted."

"That applies today, in the era of populist seducers and nationalist ideologists, as much as it did back then," he added.

Germany's foreign minister on Monday called for European unity 30 years after thousands of East Germans escaped communism via the West German embassy in Prague. As the Iron Curtain began to fall in September 1989, East Germans crossed the border into then Czechoslovakia, the only country to which they could travel visa-free, and sought the safety of the embassy.

Germany's foreign minister on Monday called for European unity 30 years after thousands of East Germans escaped communism via the West German embassy in Prague. As the Iron Curtain began to fall in September 1989, East Germans crossed the border into then Czechoslovakia, the only country to which they could travel visa-free, and sought the safety of the embassy. On September 30, 1989, West German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher stepped onto the embassy balcony and told the refugees they were finally free -- a famous sentence drowned out by a chorus of cheers. "No one in Germany will ever forget this moment, this speech," current German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Prague on Monday. Speaking later at the embassy, Maas called on Europeans to preserve their unity. "We must not allow new ditches to be dug in Europe, be they between the east and the west or the north and the south," he said. "How else are we to face the great global challenges like globalisation, climate change, digitalisation or migration?" Genscher -- who himself escaped East Germany in 1952 -- convinced the hardline Communist regime to accept the mass exodus. About 15,000 East Germans fled to the West via Prague before East Germany opened the iBerlin Wall dividing the city on November 9, 1989. The entire Soviet bloc crumbled within two years, while former Czechoslovakia split in 1993 in two to form the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Genscher died aged 89 in 2016. Maas said it made sense "to risk something for liberty, equality, democracy because none of these can be taken for granted." "That applies today, in the era of populist seducers and nationalist ideologists, as much as it did back then," he added.

Germany urges European unity 30 years after 'Prague exodus'

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-country-will-stay-on-path-of-peaceful-development-252973">70 years of Communist Party rule</a> was on television or their smartphones.

Authorities would not allow just anyone to get near the parade route, with large swathes of central Beijing on lockdown so troops, tanks and missiles could file past Tiananmen Square.

Security staff near the city's military museum turned away children carrying Chinese flags and elderly women who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the parade.

Authorities also edged back crowds gathering near Chang'an Avenue,&nbsp;the east-west artery used for the parade. Many had stuck small red flags that said "I love China" on their cheeks.

Even access to screenings of the festivities at select movie theatres was restricted.

Chu Zuoyuan, a 33-year-old from southwestern Sichuan province, told AFP he had planned to watch the parade from a movie theatre, one of 70 chosen to Livestream Tuesday's celebrations.

The experience would cap off a trip tracing "revolutionary" sites in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-celebrates-70th-national-day-president-xi-jinping-presenting-flowers-to-national-heroes-252918"> China</a>, from Tiananmen Square to Linyi, a city in east China where the Communist Party triumphed over the Nationalists during the civil war, said Chu.

"I hope today will leave me with beautiful and deep memories," he exclaimed while waiting for the show to start.

But in the end, the Chengdu native was barred from the screening, which admitted residents pre-selected by local officials and community leaders.

At the end of the parade, many were finally able to see tanks and other equipment rolls across city streets as they headed back to their bases, with security guards keeping people at a safe distance.

Though locals in Beijing strained to catch sight of the parade in person, the Chinese government made sure to widely disseminate broadcasts and ramp up publicity for the 70th anniversary.

Ahead of Tuesday's festivities, more than 620,000 households in poor areas in China received donated TV sets with access to shows, reported official news agency Xinhua.

Cities around the country had also thrown up red propaganda banners in honour of the 70th anniversary, some bearing slogans like "striving towards a new era" or "happiness comes from struggle".

Tuesday's celebrations featured some 15,000 troops along with tanks and a supersonic drone,&nbsp;a display of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-70th-anniversary-national-day-parade-china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuke-missile-that-can-strike-us-in-30-minutes-252957">military prowess</a> meant to highlight China's extraordinary rise from the ravages of war to a modern, powerful nation.

Xi, who wore the distinctive "Mao suit", delivered a speech invoking the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation, his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory.

But a new day of violent protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong threatened to upstage Beijing's party.

Pro-democracy protesters in the financial hub organised defiant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-national-day-hong-kong-defies-china-anniversary-with-day-of-grief-rallies-and-clashes-252997">"Day of Grief"</a> rallies as nearly four-months of unrest continue in Hong Kong.

Chinese people outside the country should watch the parade, commented Wang, a 60-year-old man who only gave his surname.

"It doesn't matter if we watch it," he told AFP. "But people outside China should definitely watch."

A lot of them "simply do not understand" people on the mainland, he added.

Other locals, like Fang Changping, told AFP they had no plans to watch the live broadcast.

"I've seen too many of them, and I can see right through them," said the 80-year-old tai-chi practitioner.

He was part of a National Day parade back in 1956, Fang explained, and in comparison, today's celebration feels "less authentic".

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking 70 years of Communist Party rule was on television or their smartphones.

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking 70 years of Communist Party rule was on television or their smartphones. Authorities would not allow just anyone to get near the parade route, with large swathes of central Beijing on lockdown so troops, tanks and missiles could file past Tiananmen Square. Security staff near the city's military museum turned away children carrying Chinese flags and elderly women who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the parade. Authorities also edged back crowds gathering near Chang'an Avenue, the east-west artery used for the parade. Many had stuck small red flags that said "I love China" on their cheeks. Even access to screenings of the festivities at select movie theatres was restricted. Chu Zuoyuan, a 33-year-old from southwestern Sichuan province, told AFP he had planned to watch the parade from a movie theatre, one of 70 chosen to Livestream Tuesday's celebrations. The experience would cap off a trip tracing "revolutionary" sites in China, from Tiananmen Square to Linyi, a city in east China where the Communist Party triumphed over the Nationalists during the civil war, said Chu. "I hope today will leave me with beautiful and deep memories," he exclaimed while waiting for the show to start. But in the end, the Chengdu native was barred from the screening, which admitted residents pre-selected by local officials and community leaders. At the end of the parade, many were finally able to see tanks and other equipment rolls across city streets as they headed back to their bases, with security guards keeping people at a safe distance. Though locals in Beijing strained to catch sight of the parade in person, the Chinese government made sure to widely disseminate broadcasts and ramp up publicity for the 70th anniversary. Ahead of Tuesday's festivities, more than 620,000 households in poor areas in China received donated TV sets with access to shows, reported official news agency Xinhua. Cities around the country had also thrown up red propaganda banners in honour of the 70th anniversary, some bearing slogans like "striving towards a new era" or "happiness comes from struggle". Tuesday's celebrations featured some 15,000 troops along with tanks and a supersonic drone, a display of military prowess meant to highlight China's extraordinary rise from the ravages of war to a modern, powerful nation. Xi, who wore the distinctive "Mao suit", delivered a speech invoking the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation, his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory. But a new day of violent protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong threatened to upstage Beijing's party. Pro-democracy protesters in the financial hub organised defiant "Day of Grief" rallies as nearly four-months of unrest continue in Hong Kong. Chinese people outside the country should watch the parade, commented Wang, a 60-year-old man who only gave his surname. "It doesn't matter if we watch it," he told AFP. "But people outside China should definitely watch." A lot of them "simply do not understand" people on the mainland, he added. Other locals, like Fang Changping, told AFP they had no plans to watch the live broadcast. "I've seen too many of them, and I can see right through them," said the 80-year-old tai-chi practitioner. He was part of a National Day parade back in 1956, Fang explained, and in comparison, today's celebration feels "less authentic".

Ordinary people barred from parade for the People's Republic

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">European Union</a> called Tuesday for "de-escalation and restraint" in Hong Kong after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/police-shoot-hong-kong-protester-in-chest-during-clashes-253085">police officer shot a demonstrator </a>during a flare-up in the political protests roiling the territory.

"In light of the continuing unrest and violence in Hong Kong, the European Union continues to stress that dialogue, de-escalation and restraint are the only way forward," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hand-in-hand-hong-kong-protesters-form-human-chain-252941">Hong Kong</a> police source said the officer had shot the pro-democracy protester in the chest when his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes -- the first such injury from a live round in nearly four months of protests in the financial hub.

Footage of the incident shows demonstrators, some using umbrellas and metal poles as weapons, clashing with police.

"While initial positive steps to engage members of the public and various sectors of society in dialogue have been taken, further efforts are needed to restore trust," Kocijancic said.

"More than three months since the protests began, the right to assembly and the right to protest peacefully must continue to be upheld in line with the (Hong Kong) basic law and international commitments."

The violence in Hong Kong cast a shadow over celebrations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-country-will-stay-on-path-of-peaceful-development-252973">China marking 70 years of Communist Party rule</a>, including a massive military parade in Beijing.

The European Union called Tuesday for "de-escalation and restraint" in Hong Kong after a police officer shot a demonstrator during a flare-up in the political protests roiling the territory.

The European Union called Tuesday for "de-escalation and restraint" in Hong Kong after a police officer shot a demonstrator during a flare-up in the political protests roiling the territory. "In light of the continuing unrest and violence in Hong Kong, the European Union continues to stress that dialogue, de-escalation and restraint are the only way forward," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters. A Hong Kong police source said the officer had shot the pro-democracy protester in the chest when his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes -- the first such injury from a live round in nearly four months of protests in the financial hub. Footage of the incident shows demonstrators, some using umbrellas and metal poles as weapons, clashing with police. "While initial positive steps to engage members of the public and various sectors of society in dialogue have been taken, further efforts are needed to restore trust," Kocijancic said. "More than three months since the protests began, the right to assembly and the right to protest peacefully must continue to be upheld in line with the (Hong Kong) basic law and international commitments." The violence in Hong Kong cast a shadow over celebrations in China marking 70 years of Communist Party rule, including a massive military parade in Beijing.

EU urges 'de-escalation' after Hong Kong protester shot

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hand-in-hand-hong-kong-protesters-form-human-chain-252941">Hong Kong</a> police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said.

"An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today," the source said, requesting anonymity.

The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, the source said, adding the victim was then taken to Princess Margaret Hospital.

A Hospital Authority spokeswoman told AFP that 15 people had been admitted to hospitals across the city following Tuesday's clashes, one of whom was in a critical condition at Princess Margaret.

She would not confirm if the critical patient was the man who had been shot.

Two videos posted online showed the shooting and its aftermath, which took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-national-day-hong-kong-defies-china-anniversary-with-day-of-grief-rallies-and-clashes-252997">Tsuen Wan</a>, a district where hardcore protesters had clashed with police throughout the afternoon.

Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers.

One officer runs into the frame with his sidearm drawn.

He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a demonstrator with a metal pole in his hand.

A gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards.

The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away.

A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University's Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle.

A third video posted on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-tightens-political-advert-rules-for-singapore-252233">Facebook</a> by student reporters at Hong Kong's City University showed the young man lying on the floor, blood seeping from a wound to the upper left part of his chest.

"Send me to hospital," the young man, who gave his name Tsang Chi-kin, tells reporters. "My chest is hurting, I need to go to the hospital."

Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man, who by then had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open.

A dressing used to treat a sucking chest wound had been applied to his torso.

Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was still conscious, onto a stretcher.

A Hong Kong police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said.

A Hong Kong police officer shot a protester in the chest with a live round on Tuesday after his unit was attacked by demonstrators during sustained clashes in the city, a police source said. "An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today," the source said, requesting anonymity. The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, the source said, adding the victim was then taken to Princess Margaret Hospital. A Hospital Authority spokeswoman told AFP that 15 people had been admitted to hospitals across the city following Tuesday's clashes, one of whom was in a critical condition at Princess Margaret. She would not confirm if the critical patient was the man who had been shot. Two videos posted online showed the shooting and its aftermath, which took place in Tsuen Wan, a district where hardcore protesters had clashed with police throughout the afternoon. Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers. One officer runs into the frame with his sidearm drawn. He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a demonstrator with a metal pole in his hand. A gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards. The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away. A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University's Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle. A third video posted on Facebook by student reporters at Hong Kong's City University showed the young man lying on the floor, blood seeping from a wound to the upper left part of his chest. "Send me to hospital," the young man, who gave his name Tsang Chi-kin, tells reporters. "My chest is hurting, I need to go to the hospital." Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man, who by then had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open. A dressing used to treat a sucking chest wound had been applied to his torso. Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was still conscious, onto a stretcher.

Police shoot Hong Kong protester in chest during clashes

Brexit: 30 days to go

Watch in WION Global Summit U.S. Edition: Discussion on Climate change issues that affect the whole world. #WIONGlobalSummit #WIONGlobalSummitUSEdition

WION Global Summit U.S. Edition: Discussion on Climate change issues that affect the whole world

The Lasting Effects Of The September 11, 2001 Attacks That Changed The U.S. & The World.

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Thousands of protesters marched to a police office in the north of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, on Saturday (July 6), demanding speedy and transparent justice in a child-rape case that has sparked national outrage. Police said this week they had arrested a suspect in the rape of a toddler - nicknamed Victoria - at a private nursery school in the administrative capital, Naypyitaw, in May. Social media users have criticised the speed and professionalism of the police response after the girl's family filed a complaint more than a month ago, underscoring a lack of trust in authorities in a country still emerging from decades of military rule.

Thousands protest amid outcry over Myanmar child-rape case

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