Hong Kong, December 1
Police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong today, ending a rare lull in violence, as residents took to the streets chanting “revolution of our time” and “liberate Hong Kong”.
The protest in the busy shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui followed a march by hundreds of people to the US consulate to show gratitude for US support for the demonstrations that have agitated the Chinese-ruled city for six months. Trump this week signed into law congressional legislation supporting protesters, despite angry objections from Beijing. Shops and businesses in the area closed early as police sprayed volleys of tear gas at protesters, including elderly residents and others with their pets, as they marched past the city’s Kowloon waterfront, home to luxury hotels and shopping malls.
Police made several arrests as the tear gas sent hundreds fleeing towards the harbour. Hong Kong, a major financial hub, had enjoyed relative calm for the past week since local elections last Sunday delivered an overwhelming victory to pro-democracy candidates. Activists pledged, however, to maintain the momentum of the anti-government movement.
Protests in the former British colony since June have at times forced the closure of government offices, businesses, schools and even the international airport.
The protesters are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in the freedoms promised to the former British colony when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China denies interfering, says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place at that time and has blamed foreign forces for fomenting unrest.
Earlier on Sunday, hundreds of protesters waved American flags, with some donning Donald Trump logo hats and t-shirts, as they unfurled a banner depicting the US President standing astride a tank with a US flag behind him. — Reuters
China celebrates 70 years of PRC
Shanghai: Chinese cities are suffused with celebratory red, commemorating the 70 years of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). On October 1, 1949, legendary Communist leader Mao Zedong founded the PRC after a bloody civil war, marking a new era. PTI
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