Aug 5, 2019

Hong Kong strikes: Leader says protests challenge China's sovereignty

Rebecca Falconer

Commuters outside the MTR station during a protest in Hong Kong. Photo: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said Monday massive demonstrations are challenging China’s sovereignty, as city-wide strikes caused transport chaos, leading to the cancellation of more than 200 flights, Reuters reports.

The big picture: Protesters attempting to interrupt Hong Kong's subway system kept train doors from closing during morning rush hour, according to the Wall Street Journal, which notes the train service’s website stated more than 6 lines were suspended. A third of air traffic controllers have joined the strike, according to RTHK.

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Rebecca Falconer, Marisa Fernandez

Hong Kong airport protests: What you need to know

Travelers look at posters placed by Hong Kong protesters at the airport on Wednesday. Photo: Vincent Thian/AP

While President Donald Trump suggested a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jingping over the Hong Kong crisis, China called the protests "close to terrorism" as normal operations began to resume at the international airport, the BBC reports.

What's new: The Airport Authority said late Wednesday that any application to protest in the terminal must be made in advance with a "Letter of No Objection" to be obtained from police, as security was heightened in the area, per Reuters. CNN notes that nearly 1,000 flights were canceled this week over the massive protests at the airport, which saw riot police clash with activists. More protests are planned for Friday, Reuters notes.

Go deeperArrowUpdated Aug 15, 2019
Rebecca Falconer

Hong Kong #MeToo rally against police held as Chinese troops cause unease

Hong Kongers wave their phones during a #MeToo rally against police sexual harassment Thusday. Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Thousands of people rallied in Hong Kong's streets Thursday against alleged sexual assaults by police on pro-democracy protesters, as images of the Chinese military moving into the city raised fears of a Beijing crackdown, the BBC reports.

Why it matters: What began 12 weeks ago as a rally against a bill proposing to extradite Hong Kongers to mainland China has become a massive anti-government protest to defend the high degree of autonomy residents have had since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997. Clashes between police and protesters have become increasingly violent.

Go deeperArrowUpdated Aug 29, 2019
Rebecca Falconer, Marisa Fernandez

Over 1 million people rally as Hong Kong marks 11th weekend of protests

Pro-democracy protesters gather for a rally in Victoria Park, Hong Kong, on Sunday. Photo: Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong pro-democracy protest organizers on Sunday called for the police chief and the security secretary to resign over their conduct toward activists, as the city experiences an 11th straight weekend of demonstrations, CNN reports.

What's new: Organizers say 1.7 million people took part in Sunday's peaceful mass protest in Hong Kong, though police are still surveying their own crowd estimates. Thousands still occupied the roads into the night outside the government headquarters in the Admiralty district.

Go deeperArrowUpdated Aug 18, 2019